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The muse

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Movie propaganda

In goddess we trust.

She has the lineage of a goddess, a touch of the diva, good story sense, the basic instincts of a freeloader and the look of love. When she was made, the mold was broken. Who is this woman? 100% pure muse. Only on Mount Olympus? Hardly - the cell phone reception up there is so erratic. Only in Hollywood!

One fine night, Hollywood screenwriter Steven Phillips (Albert Brooks) basks in the honor of a humanitarian award, presented to him at a black-tie dinner as his proud wife Laura (Andie Macdowell) and daughters look on. One crappy morning later, a junior studio executive is telling Steven that he's lost his creative edge, and releases Steven from his contract. Steven's confidence is shaken: he wants to work, but how can he, if word is out that he's over?

Desperately seeking counsel, Steven visits his friend, enviably successful screenwriter Jack Warrick (Jeff Bridges), at Jack's Bel Air estate. Jack confides to Steven that he himself was inspired to his ongoing success. Not by a muse, but by The muse. Steven is incredulous as Jack tells him of Sarah (Sharon Stone), one of the nine daughters (The muses) of the god Zeus (of Greek mythology fame). The muses inspire creativity - and one, Sarah, has alighted in Hollywood. Steven is soon consumed by the prospect of becoming one of Sarah's clients. As a favour, Jack agrees to set up a meeting between Sarah and Steven.

The meeting, held in a guest house where Sarah is staying, gets off to a shaky start, but Sarah soon puts Steven at ease. In her capacity as muse, Sarah explains, she does not do any actual work herself, but helps filmmakers get in touch with their own inner creativity. Sarah agrees to take Steven on as a client, but not before detailing her needs: food, lodging, car and driver, 24-hour access to Steven by phone, etc. Perks notwithstanding, Steven, impatient to get inspired, eagerly closes the deal. Closer to home, despite her misgivings, Laura accepts Sarah into the Phillips household. As Steven's wife and muse become fast friends, he realises that their lives and work will never be the same again.

Theatrical propaganda posters

Target demographic movie keyword propaganda

Film romance comedy drama writer muse

Persons of interest

Albert Brooks .... Steven Phillips
Sharon Stone .... Sarah Little
Andie MacDowell .... Laura Phillips
Jeff Bridges .... Jack Warrick
Cybill Shepherd .... Cybill Shepherd
Monica Mikala .... Julie Phillips
Jamie Alexis .... Mary Phillips
Marnie Shelton .... Jennifer
Catherine MacNeal .... Anne
Mark Feuerstein .... Josh Martin
Lorenzo Lamas .... Lorenzo Lamas
Jennifer Tilly .... Herself
Bradley Whitford .... Hal
Monica Johnson .... Screenwriter
Albert Brooks .... Screenwriter
Albert Brooks .... Director

Cinematic intelligence sources

Studios and distributors:

Roadshow Films

Intelligence analyst

Field Agent Keith Dehle

Theatrical report

Albert delivers a satirical story of a Hollywood screen-writer who has hit the wall and the muse who puts him back on track. Sharon's portrayal of the innocently seductive muse is magnificent in suggesting that Steve's marriage is headed for trouble.

However, it is Andie's reactions to his involvement with the muse which prevent the film from becoming predictable. Laura's eventual acceptance of the situation lacks a little real-life cred (like most of Hollywood), but the growing relationship between the muse and Laura becomes an integral part of the film. The growing closeness culminates in a very memorable bedroom scene (although anyone expecting anything kinky will be disappointed). Steve finds the muse is having a dramatic effect on his life but not quite the way he, or you, would have envisaged.

For an American screen-writer who has been so successful, it is somewhat ironic that Albert is taking a satirical jibe at Hollywood. (Especially so when you consider it is his peers who will be judging him next time the Oscars are up for grabs.) Tinseltown's extravagance, however, has provided the perfect setting for his latest film and, as the film clearly demonstrates, awards for past performance are no guarantee of success in the future.

Although simple in plot, The muse is fresh with a degree of unpredictability. It is not a side-splitting comedy but still very entertaining and amusing. It contains some great lines including subtle references to previous movies. The film will not find instant appeal with teen audiences, but should get the thumbs up from those a little older and should receive good reviews along the cappuccino strips. Definitely worth a look.