Reviews (37)

Laugh Out Loud - More than once
The Dinner Game is a movie not-based on an unfamilar premise: a group of snobby French men have a dinner to see who can invite the biggest idiot. The person who brings the biggest idiot to the dinner is deemed the winner. This concept has been done before however Thierry Lhermitte's take on this theme is done with class, spunk, and wit so much so that it will leave you enjoying every minute of this movie. This was the best *comedy* that I saw in 2000, period and is not slap-stick nor high-school comedy which has been popularized by American Pie and American Pie 2. People of all ages can appreciate this movie, even your mom or dad who are always doubting your taste in movies! :) I highly recommend you purchase or rent this movie.

A very funny movie
I laughed so hard while watching this movie. A man invites a stranger to dinner, who he believes to be an idiot, so he can entertain himself and laugh at the idiot. Little by little, the idiot ruins the intelliegent/rich mans life, and one is not sure who the real idiot is. This is the kind of movie that could be real bad, but the actors have perfect timing and all the jokes work.

One other comment- for those learning French. I have been buying movies made in France to improve my speaking and listening skills. This movie is excellent for learning French, the words are the ones I studied using the first 26 lessons of "French in Action". Many of the common words begenners learn are repeated in this movie and are easy to understand.

The DVD is excellent. The colors are bright and rich and everything is crystal clear. I wish more DVD's had the same quality as this one.

Ou Est L'Humanité?
I agree: there are some good laughs in this film, especially as it warms up after the first half hour. That said, it left me with a quibble and with a slight off taste.

First, the quibble -- unlikely to have bothered most people. The premise is that the snobs invite an idiot to dinner each week, but the film has a bit of an odd notion of where to look for idiots. Why does Pignon get picked? Because he has an obsession -- just like the boomerang man in one of the opening scenes. In Pignon's case, the obsession is making meticulous scale models of bridges, buildings, the Eiffel Tower... out of matchsticks. But weird hobbies and peculiar obsessions aren't the same as stupidity.

As it turns out, Pignon doesn't disappoint. Not only is he obsessed; he's also clueless. But that's where the off taste comes in. We don't have any sympathy for Pierre, the snob who invites Pignon to his house, but nonetheless, the movie puts the audience in the place of the would-have-been dinner guests: we get our laughs as much at Pignon's expense as from looking down on his host. There's one brief moment of humanity at the very end, but the screenplay immediately takes it back.

The reply, I suppose, is that it's a comedy, for heaven's sake! True enough; we aren't watching it to be edified. But the film would be cleverer if the audience got its own come-uppance.

Funny, really funny
Oh mon dieu! Ce film est tres drole! It didn't make me laugh the whole way through, but then again, no movie ever has. The plot concerns a group of stuck-up upper class french guys who get their kicks by trying to find the biggest idiot they can and inviting them to dinner. Once the idiots get together, the fun is watching them talk. As you can probably tell, these guys are not the nicest out there and they probably deserve their comeuppance (spelling?). Well, don't worry 'cause one of the rich guys, a publisher perfectly played by Thierry Lhermitte accidentaly throws out his back the night of an idiot dinner. (In French, un diner de con). His invited idiot decides it is his duty to stay and help Thierry since his wife seems to be absent...
What follows, not suprisingly is top-grade humor. Few actual punchlines are to be found, which is somehow even funnier. Just because you liked, say, American Pie (I did) doesn't mean you'll hate this, but I would recommend staying away from this if you've never laughed at anything but a poo-poo joke. For the record, I think the "Belgian" phone call is one of the funniest things I have ever seen along with the expression on the tax auditor's face when he finds out where his wife is.

SEE THIS MOVIE

Great Fun & Great for French Class
This film is absolutely fantastic! I would highly reccommend this movie if you enjoy intelligent comedy---and I certainly would reccommend seeing it before an American/English version comes out---a movie this good, you know they will try to remake it!!

P.S. If there are any French teachers out there, this is a great one to use for listening/comprehension exercise as well. It's rich with lots of first/second year vocab, and easily understood. And your students will be entertained as well! No moans or groans here!! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

M.Pignon Opens Closet: Funny French Comedy about Sexuality
You may not know the name of French director Francis Veber, and his funny French comedy "The Dinner Game" (1999), but if you are fond of comedy, you might have seen the films like "Father's Day" and "Birdcage." Yes, the last two Hollywood outings are actually remakes of his works, and though not all of his films are masterpieces, "The Closet" alone would make you remember his name. This film is that funny.

Daniel Auteuil is M. Pignon, who has been working for a condom factory as an accountant for 20 years, now he happens to learn that he is going to be fired. Shocked by the news, he thinks of jumping from the window to kill himself when an old man living in the next room gives a tip; "pretend you're gay." For political reasons (and commercial ones too) the company cannot fire him as they are afraid of being accused of having discriminating attitudes. It succeeds, and M. Pignon is happy ... for a while.

Because unexpected things happen like chain reaction; "sexual harrassment" from his beautiful female boss (she has her own reason), sexual advance from his co-worker and rugby coach (he has his own reason, too), and so on. The story goes on with twists and turns, finally leading to the confidence newly established in M. Pignon.

Though the ending is not as good as it should be, and some parts are a bit incredible, the cast is so great that those flaws are all ignored in the end. Daniel Auteuil's dead-pan humor is always effective, and funniest is his face when he is in a parade wearing a huge tip of condom on his head. Also humorous is Gerard Depardieu, whose character experiences a total transformation.

"The Closet" has some satire on our attitude about sexuality, but it doesn't preach them. Rather, the film handles them with a lighter tough, which avoids the pitfall of being too gloomy or philosophical. The fact is, the film is too light for some; and clearly the director hesitates to push some interesting points the film presents. But "The Closet" should be about M. Pignon, who, just like the protagonist of the same name in "The Dinner Game," is about Mr. Everyman. His journey to a new life is what we see, and we enjoy watching. As such the film succeeds, and it is because of fantastic Daniel Auteuil.

An intelligent and amusing French comedy
Francoix Pignon (Daniel Auteuil) is fired from his job at a condom factory after 20 years, but at the suggestion of his new neighbour, Pignon pretends to be gay in order to sue the company for prejudice. So they send doctered photos of Pignon expoing his derriere in a gay bar to his workplace. But instead of backfiring the plan works far better than anticipated: with Pignon gaining promotions at work, earning him the attention of a female co-worker (who is attracted to gay men) and helping to reconcile Pignon's relationship with his estranged son. All this leads his homophobic colleague Felix Santini (Gerard Depardieu) to befriend him in order to keep HIS job.
THE CLOSET is a low-key movie, lightweight yet amusing, intelligent and emotive as well, with great performances from Auteuil and Depardieu; especially during their "shower" conversation, which is a real classic. Well worth seeing, but not as good as writer/director Francis Veber's earlier fim THE DINNER GAME.

There's good and bad
The performances are excellent, especially Depardieu. There are some genbuine laughs, but as someone else pointed out, it is a one-joke film, and there are parts where it gets out of hand, or tedious or unbelievable. See it, but buy it cheap or rent it.

Hilarious but relevent to today's issues
Daniel Auteuil shines in this story of a man who risks losing his job but fakes his sexuality to keep his job. Gérard Dépardieu hilariously plays a man who goes mad as he falls for another man who he thinks is gay.

The setting is a condom making factory. You can only imagine.

A very funny film that reminds us why the French are progressive filmmakers! Now we know that they can make comedy, too!

Brilliant
Well constructed, funny, and a sublime social commentary. It took so little... coming out of a closet never entered that changed people's perceptions and behaviors in such strange and powerful ways. Using this to its benefit, the movie makes some strong statements in a hilarious fashion. Well worth watching! ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Laugh Out Loud - More than once
The Dinner Game is a movie not-based on an unfamilar premise: a group of snobby French men have a dinner to see who can invite the biggest idiot. The person who brings the biggest idiot to the dinner is deemed the winner. This concept has been done before however Thierry Lhermitte's take on this theme is done with class, spunk, and wit so much so that it will leave you enjoying every minute of this movie. This was the best *comedy* that I saw in 2000, period and is not slap-stick nor high-school comedy which has been popularized by American Pie and American Pie 2. People of all ages can appreciate this movie, even your mom or dad who are always doubting your taste in movies! :) I highly recommend you purchase or rent this movie.

A very funny movie
I laughed so hard while watching this movie. A man invites a stranger to dinner, who he believes to be an idiot, so he can entertain himself and laugh at the idiot. Little by little, the idiot ruins the intelliegent/rich mans life, and one is not sure who the real idiot is. This is the kind of movie that could be real bad, but the actors have perfect timing and all the jokes work.

One other comment- for those learning French. I have been buying movies made in France to improve my speaking and listening skills. This movie is excellent for learning French, the words are the ones I studied using the first 26 lessons of "French in Action". Many of the common words begenners learn are repeated in this movie and are easy to understand.

The DVD is excellent. The colors are bright and rich and everything is crystal clear. I wish more DVD's had the same quality as this one.

Ou Est L'Humanité?
I agree: there are some good laughs in this film, especially as it warms up after the first half hour. That said, it left me with a quibble and with a slight off taste.

First, the quibble -- unlikely to have bothered most people. The premise is that the snobs invite an idiot to dinner each week, but the film has a bit of an odd notion of where to look for idiots. Why does Pignon get picked? Because he has an obsession -- just like the boomerang man in one of the opening scenes. In Pignon's case, the obsession is making meticulous scale models of bridges, buildings, the Eiffel Tower... out of matchsticks. But weird hobbies and peculiar obsessions aren't the same as stupidity.

As it turns out, Pignon doesn't disappoint. Not only is he obsessed; he's also clueless. But that's where the off taste comes in. We don't have any sympathy for Pierre, the snob who invites Pignon to his house, but nonetheless, the movie puts the audience in the place of the would-have-been dinner guests: we get our laughs as much at Pignon's expense as from looking down on his host. There's one brief moment of humanity at the very end, but the screenplay immediately takes it back.

The reply, I suppose, is that it's a comedy, for heaven's sake! True enough; we aren't watching it to be edified. But the film would be cleverer if the audience got its own come-uppance.

Funny, really funny
Oh mon dieu! Ce film est tres drole! It didn't make me laugh the whole way through, but then again, no movie ever has. The plot concerns a group of stuck-up upper class french guys who get their kicks by trying to find the biggest idiot they can and inviting them to dinner. Once the idiots get together, the fun is watching them talk. As you can probably tell, these guys are not the nicest out there and they probably deserve their comeuppance (spelling?). Well, don't worry 'cause one of the rich guys, a publisher perfectly played by Thierry Lhermitte accidentaly throws out his back the night of an idiot dinner. (In French, un diner de con). His invited idiot decides it is his duty to stay and help Thierry since his wife seems to be absent...
What follows, not suprisingly is top-grade humor. Few actual punchlines are to be found, which is somehow even funnier. Just because you liked, say, American Pie (I did) doesn't mean you'll hate this, but I would recommend staying away from this if you've never laughed at anything but a poo-poo joke. For the record, I think the "Belgian" phone call is one of the funniest things I have ever seen along with the expression on the tax auditor's face when he finds out where his wife is.

SEE THIS MOVIE

Great Fun & Great for French Class
This film is absolutely fantastic! I would highly reccommend this movie if you enjoy intelligent comedy---and I certainly would reccommend seeing it before an American/English version comes out---a movie this good, you know they will try to remake it!!

P.S. If there are any French teachers out there, this is a great one to use for listening/comprehension exercise as well. It's rich with lots of first/second year vocab, and easily understood. And your students will be entertained as well! No moans or groans here!! ... Read more

Description

Three old friends approach their 30th birthdays amid much turmoil in their various relationships. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A pre-cursor to the "Crying Game" - sort-of!
A strange movie, centered around a gay/ transvestite nightclub (which ought to have alerted me - for what was to come!). Hamilton-ish in the cinematography, hazy edges and soft lighting dull the senses before the big moment - the rather beautiful lead singer - who is not quite what she seems. Nor the gender that you expect! The full frontal making you doubt your sanity and your ability to judge male/female appearances. You can miss this one...... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Iowaka
I think this story itself had a lot of potential. Michael Biehn played an exellent role in becoming a pschotic killer hunting after his obsession. Alexandra Vandernoot filled the role completely as the lovely,courageous woman living in the wilderness in the unknown territories of reservation land...
Iowaka however played a good supporting role, what happened to her real voice? The screen setting was excellent and literally brought you back to the wooded days when travelling was done by dog-sled & snow shoes...those were the days! ... Read more

Description

Based on the explosive true story of a scientist with one dream: to build the world?s most powerful weapon - and he doesn?t care who the customer is. But when the Iraqis make the buy, a top secret elite team swings into action. ' 'Compelling - full of real-life mystery.' ' (L.A. Times) ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A wonderful film
This wonderful film tells the story of Dr. Gerald Bull, a genius engineer who modeled his 'superguns' after the German Hengersutzer from WWI. His theory was that large guns could deliver payloads into space at more economical levels then rockets. Unfortunately his contracts were cancelled with the Canadian government and he became a freelance defense artillery expert, helping the S. Africans and Israelis and finally being hired by the Iraqi's in the 1980s to build a giant gun capable of hitting Tel Aviv or Tehran from Baghdad. This wonderful film portrays Saddam Hussiens regime in its heyday, when it was not a pariah and the Americans supported it. Wonderful acting by Alan Arkin, who plays an intelligence officer assigned to tracking Bulls movements in the West compliments the film. Simply a gem, a diamond in the rough, you will not be dismayed by this great subtle historical film.

Seth J. Frantzman

Artillery, Saddam Hussein and the Mossad = Gulf War
This is the true story of Dr. Gerald Bull played by Frank Langella in a simply excellent performance. Kevin Spacey is fantastic as a CIA agent with heart. Tony Goldwyn, son of Samuel Goldwyn (i.e. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer - MGM) is perfect as the "true company man" for THE Company (CIA). Alan Arkin, a long-time favorite of mine, plays an Israeli general turned into a Mossad agent. And the characters playing the Iraqis are really, really good. Get the movie. It's pretty factual and quite amazing indeed.

Here's a few additional facts about the story to intrigue you:

Dr. Gerald Bull was the founder of Space Research Corporation ... a Canadian ballistics expert, Bull modified artillery weapons, worked on the USA's HAARP gun program and upgraded SCUD missiles for various customers. He did work for every country, except Russia, which he hated (but the SCUD's he modified were Russian-made). He also did work, through the CIA, for the USA and some of its allies.

Dr. Bull had to run things through the customs services of many countries of course to move his weapons. He ran afoul of U.S. Customs and got a year in a federal penitentiary for which he did not forgive the CIA, instead expecting immunity.

Bull was contracted by Saddam Hussein, who at that time was a pro-U.S. interest (against Iran and supported by then-Vice-President Bush) to build a "Supergun" that would fire a 2,000 lb shell over 100 miles (and further). Saddam's hope was to be able to shell Israel with bio/chem weapons from an artillery gun (which is not uncommon) but from great range. Israel had destroyed Iraq's nuclear weapons reactor (designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium) for which Saddam vowed revenge. The Mossad gave a lot of warnings to Bull about helping Iraq arm, which Bull repeatedly ignored.

the CIA and British MI6 turned a blind eye to Bull's operations in Iraq, for which Bull, expecting protection, gave them info on the German bunkers and C&C centers Saddam had constructed underground. Ah, but in the spy business there are no sweethearts, and the Mossad assassinated Bull in Brussels before he could finish the "Supergun" (the Babylon Gun) ... a smaller version, the "Baby Babylon" gun had been completed and tested at that time ...

This was all financed through a "bank" in America where funds were diverted from American taxpayers to Saddam, ostensibly for agricultural enterprises ... Saddam reportedly paid Bull $20-25 million for his work ... the mysoginistic viewpoint at the time was that any enemy of Iran (i.e. Iraq) is a friend of the USA ... didn't quite work out that way ...

After Bull was dead, MI6 feigned surprise at the discovery of "Supergun" barrel pieces being constructed in a foundry in England and they were impounded before they could all be shipped out (on Iraqi IL-76 transports I believe). Some pieces did make it out to Iraq.

Thus the silly and complicted politics of the Middle East ... where the USA once propped up the Shah of Iran and sold him 79 F-14A Tomcats, he was deposed and Iran became a U.S. enemy ... and still is to this day ... Saddam, a former protected entity, invaded Kuwait less than 6 months after Bull was assassinated ... and the rest was seen on CNN 24 hours per day.

Here's to the engineers
As an engineer's son, I have never seen a better portrayal of an engineer's enthusiasm for new problems and new challenges. In one unforgettable scene, Frank Langella brought to the screen for the first time in my opinion what can only be called, "the-joy-of-development."

Too often films that deal with invention focus on that moment when the problem comes together and is solved. What they fail to recognize is the first step, when the men and women are looking at the challenge ahead, has even more emotional potential.

Thankfully the writers and actors in this film did not forget this human truth.

The cast is excellent. The script is uneven, but the only reason this is obvious is because instead of staying mildly good throughout, like most made for cable films, this movie is mildly good with occasional scenes of brilliance; such as almost any moment what Langella or Spacey grace the screen.

If you are an engineer or just have one as a friend or member of the family, see this film. It's a wonder.

An Excellent Portrayl of Events Little of Us Know of...
"Doomsday Gun" shouldve been a theatrical release because of its topics. Frank Langella plays the part of scientist/arms specialist Dr. Gerald Bull, who spent most of his career building massive guns of ultimate destruction. After spending a year in prison for breaking international embargo laws by shipping his weapons to Africa, he makes building the largest and most powerful gun in the world his passion...and obsession. Befriended American CIA Agent Jim Price (Kevin Spacey), desperately tries to convince Bull while in prison that he must stop his weapon production for his own safety. Bull thinks however that everyone, even Price is out to shut down his dream. He makes a deal with Iraq at the height of the Gulf War, to build the ultimate super-gun that can be theirs for money. Money never appears to be the issue though, for Dr. Bull is willing to risk everything to see his gun and his name go down in history...regardless of the prices he might have to pay. The movie is brilliantly done with a cast of true and convincing characters, who expose the details of one of the biggest government cover-ups in many years. Many movies based upon true events we could surely have done without, but this film is one that I believe had to be done...leaving the question in everyone's mind: "Would we have known all about this by just relating stories of news reports?"...

Doomsday Gun Reviewed: Flight of Fancy, At All Cost
History students looking for a research projest will like this subject. A real Greek tragedy in modern times of a man who's life-long desire to fulfill a dream, tarnished by political corruption, eventually leads to his death. But as the researcher will note, the corruption spans not only through the intelligence community of the super powers, but well within the USDA, leading to the BNL loan scandal and the Lincoln Savings and Loan scandal. A true account of how Saddam Hussein liquidated millions of dollars worth of material goods funded and forwarded to him in the form of loan guarantees made by the National Banc de Lavore in Italy, underwritten by the Atlanta's branch of the BNL, and secured by the US Department of Agriculture using the Famers Subsidies account in the form of "Humantitarian Goods", though under "Black Operations" from the CIA. About 90% accurate, it is a must see for all history and conspiracy-theory buffs.

As far as the acting goes, Kevin Spacey did a nice job playing a concerned CIA agent, while Alan Arkin played his Isreali nemisis. Tony Goldwin gives a nice performance of a CIA typical "office man" out to get the "points." But the main praise must go to Frank Langella who plays the part of the "famed-turned-dangerous" gunmaker Dr. Gerald Vincent Bull, to the tenth degree.

I highly recommend this movie and wish its availability to the public even more so.

(This subject got me an "A" on my history project entitled "The Rape of the American Farmer, and the Arming of Iraq.") Audience count: thumbs up! ... Read more

Description

The always popular Gerard Depardieu (102 DALMATIANS, VATEL) stars in a warmly engaging comedy that shows how one little white lie can change everything! A dull and lonely accountant working at a condom factory, Francois (Daneil Auteuil) meekly endures office jokes and backroom whispers that he's about to be fired ... usually instigated by his loutish coworker Felix (Depardieu). But that all changes when a rumor about him spreads around the office! Much to his surprise, this funny falsehood becomes the catalyst that sends Francois' life on an unexpected and hilarious turn for the better! As this outrageous, critically acclaimed story unfolds, you'll laugh along with Francois as he keeps this improbable charade going in an inspired bid to save his job and transform his life! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

M.Pignon Opens Closet: Funny French Comedy about Sexuality
You may not know the name of French director Francis Veber, and his funny French comedy "The Dinner Game" (1999), but if you are fond of comedy, you might have seen the films like "Father's Day" and "Birdcage." Yes, the last two Hollywood outings are actually remakes of his works, and though not all of his films are masterpieces, "The Closet" alone would make you remember his name. This film is that funny.

Daniel Auteuil is M. Pignon, who has been working for a condom factory as an accountant for 20 years, now he happens to learn that he is going to be fired. Shocked by the news, he thinks of jumping from the window to kill himself when an old man living in the next room gives a tip; "pretend you're gay." For political reasons (and commercial ones too) the company cannot fire him as they are afraid of being accused of having discriminating attitudes. It succeeds, and M. Pignon is happy ... for a while.

Because unexpected things happen like chain reaction; "sexual harrassment" from his beautiful female boss (she has her own reason), sexual advance from his co-worker and rugby coach (he has his own reason, too), and so on. The story goes on with twists and turns, finally leading to the confidence newly established in M. Pignon.

Though the ending is not as good as it should be, and some parts are a bit incredible, the cast is so great that those flaws are all ignored in the end. Daniel Auteuil's dead-pan humor is always effective, and funniest is his face when he is in a parade wearing a huge tip of condom on his head. Also humorous is Gerard Depardieu, whose character experiences a total transformation.

"The Closet" has some satire on our attitude about sexuality, but it doesn't preach them. Rather, the film handles them with a lighter tough, which avoids the pitfall of being too gloomy or philosophical. The fact is, the film is too light for some; and clearly the director hesitates to push some interesting points the film presents. But "The Closet" should be about M. Pignon, who, just like the protagonist of the same name in "The Dinner Game," is about Mr. Everyman. His journey to a new life is what we see, and we enjoy watching. As such the film succeeds, and it is because of fantastic Daniel Auteuil.

An intelligent and amusing French comedy
Francoix Pignon (Daniel Auteuil) is fired from his job at a condom factory after 20 years, but at the suggestion of his new neighbour, Pignon pretends to be gay in order to sue the company for prejudice. So they send doctered photos of Pignon expoing his derriere in a gay bar to his workplace. But instead of backfiring the plan works far better than anticipated: with Pignon gaining promotions at work, earning him the attention of a female co-worker (who is attracted to gay men) and helping to reconcile Pignon's relationship with his estranged son. All this leads his homophobic colleague Felix Santini (Gerard Depardieu) to befriend him in order to keep HIS job.
THE CLOSET is a low-key movie, lightweight yet amusing, intelligent and emotive as well, with great performances from Auteuil and Depardieu; especially during their "shower" conversation, which is a real classic. Well worth seeing, but not as good as writer/director Francis Veber's earlier fim THE DINNER GAME.

There's good and bad
The performances are excellent, especially Depardieu. There are some genbuine laughs, but as someone else pointed out, it is a one-joke film, and there are parts where it gets out of hand, or tedious or unbelievable. See it, but buy it cheap or rent it.

Hilarious but relevent to today's issues
Daniel Auteuil shines in this story of a man who risks losing his job but fakes his sexuality to keep his job. Gérard Dépardieu hilariously plays a man who goes mad as he falls for another man who he thinks is gay.

The setting is a condom making factory. You can only imagine.

A very funny film that reminds us why the French are progressive filmmakers! Now we know that they can make comedy, too!

Brilliant
Well constructed, funny, and a sublime social commentary. It took so little... coming out of a closet never entered that changed people's perceptions and behaviors in such strange and powerful ways. Using this to its benefit, the movie makes some strong statements in a hilarious fashion. Well worth watching! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Series Pilot
This is worth purchasing, but only if have no intention of buying the entire series - season 1.

This is the essential pilot to the Highlander TV series. While the series would ultimately thrive, and put some of the highest quality, best written and produced shows on TV, this was the beginning. Hard core fans of the show may find this somewhat simple, or even predictable. But the story moves along well, and it's nice to see both Adrian Paul and Christopher Lambert on screen together. Their interaction is good, the training sword fights between them surprisingly good, and Lambert seems to be both enjoying himself, and getting much more into the role of Conner than he did in the dreadful sequels (2&3 that is). But the star here is, and ultimately would be, Paul, who showed he could carry the series, and a very meaningful role.

A good beginning to a fantastic series. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A wonderful film
This wonderful film tells the story of Dr. Gerald Bull, a genius engineer who modeled his 'superguns' after the German Hengersutzer from WWI. His theory was that large guns could deliver payloads into space at more economical levels then rockets. Unfortunately his contracts were cancelled with the Canadian government and he became a freelance defense artillery expert, helping the S. Africans and Israelis and finally being hired by the Iraqi's in the 1980s to build a giant gun capable of hitting Tel Aviv or Tehran from Baghdad. This wonderful film portrays Saddam Hussiens regime in its heyday, when it was not a pariah and the Americans supported it. Wonderful acting by Alan Arkin, who plays an intelligence officer assigned to tracking Bulls movements in the West compliments the film. Simply a gem, a diamond in the rough, you will not be dismayed by this great subtle historical film.

Seth J. Frantzman

Artillery, Saddam Hussein and the Mossad = Gulf War
This is the true story of Dr. Gerald Bull played by Frank Langella in a simply excellent performance. Kevin Spacey is fantastic as a CIA agent with heart. Tony Goldwyn, son of Samuel Goldwyn (i.e. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer - MGM) is perfect as the "true company man" for THE Company (CIA). Alan Arkin, a long-time favorite of mine, plays an Israeli general turned into a Mossad agent. And the characters playing the Iraqis are really, really good. Get the movie. It's pretty factual and quite amazing indeed.

Here's a few additional facts about the story to intrigue you:

Dr. Gerald Bull was the founder of Space Research Corporation ... a Canadian ballistics expert, Bull modified artillery weapons, worked on the USA's HAARP gun program and upgraded SCUD missiles for various customers. He did work for every country, except Russia, which he hated (but the SCUD's he modified were Russian-made). He also did work, through the CIA, for the USA and some of its allies.

Dr. Bull had to run things through the customs services of many countries of course to move his weapons. He ran afoul of U.S. Customs and got a year in a federal penitentiary for which he did not forgive the CIA, instead expecting immunity.

Bull was contracted by Saddam Hussein, who at that time was a pro-U.S. interest (against Iran and supported by then-Vice-President Bush) to build a "Supergun" that would fire a 2,000 lb shell over 100 miles (and further). Saddam's hope was to be able to shell Israel with bio/chem weapons from an artillery gun (which is not uncommon) but from great range. Israel had destroyed Iraq's nuclear weapons reactor (designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium) for which Saddam vowed revenge. The Mossad gave a lot of warnings to Bull about helping Iraq arm, which Bull repeatedly ignored.

the CIA and British MI6 turned a blind eye to Bull's operations in Iraq, for which Bull, expecting protection, gave them info on the German bunkers and C&C centers Saddam had constructed underground. Ah, but in the spy business there are no sweethearts, and the Mossad assassinated Bull in Brussels before he could finish the "Supergun" (the Babylon Gun) ... a smaller version, the "Baby Babylon" gun had been completed and tested at that time ...

This was all financed through a "bank" in America where funds were diverted from American taxpayers to Saddam, ostensibly for agricultural enterprises ... Saddam reportedly paid Bull $20-25 million for his work ... the mysoginistic viewpoint at the time was that any enemy of Iran (i.e. Iraq) is a friend of the USA ... didn't quite work out that way ...

After Bull was dead, MI6 feigned surprise at the discovery of "Supergun" barrel pieces being constructed in a foundry in England and they were impounded before they could all be shipped out (on Iraqi IL-76 transports I believe). Some pieces did make it out to Iraq.

Thus the silly and complicted politics of the Middle East ... where the USA once propped up the Shah of Iran and sold him 79 F-14A Tomcats, he was deposed and Iran became a U.S. enemy ... and still is to this day ... Saddam, a former protected entity, invaded Kuwait less than 6 months after Bull was assassinated ... and the rest was seen on CNN 24 hours per day.

Here's to the engineers
As an engineer's son, I have never seen a better portrayal of an engineer's enthusiasm for new problems and new challenges. In one unforgettable scene, Frank Langella brought to the screen for the first time in my opinion what can only be called, "the-joy-of-development."

Too often films that deal with invention focus on that moment when the problem comes together and is solved. What they fail to recognize is the first step, when the men and women are looking at the challenge ahead, has even more emotional potential.

Thankfully the writers and actors in this film did not forget this human truth.

The cast is excellent. The script is uneven, but the only reason this is obvious is because instead of staying mildly good throughout, like most made for cable films, this movie is mildly good with occasional scenes of brilliance; such as almost any moment what Langella or Spacey grace the screen.

If you are an engineer or just have one as a friend or member of the family, see this film. It's a wonder.

An Excellent Portrayl of Events Little of Us Know of...
"Doomsday Gun" shouldve been a theatrical release because of its topics. Frank Langella plays the part of scientist/arms specialist Dr. Gerald Bull, who spent most of his career building massive guns of ultimate destruction. After spending a year in prison for breaking international embargo laws by shipping his weapons to Africa, he makes building the largest and most powerful gun in the world his passion...and obsession. Befriended American CIA Agent Jim Price (Kevin Spacey), desperately tries to convince Bull while in prison that he must stop his weapon production for his own safety. Bull thinks however that everyone, even Price is out to shut down his dream. He makes a deal with Iraq at the height of the Gulf War, to build the ultimate super-gun that can be theirs for money. Money never appears to be the issue though, for Dr. Bull is willing to risk everything to see his gun and his name go down in history...regardless of the prices he might have to pay. The movie is brilliantly done with a cast of true and convincing characters, who expose the details of one of the biggest government cover-ups in many years. Many movies based upon true events we could surely have done without, but this film is one that I believe had to be done...leaving the question in everyone's mind: "Would we have known all about this by just relating stories of news reports?"...

Doomsday Gun Reviewed: Flight of Fancy, At All Cost
History students looking for a research projest will like this subject. A real Greek tragedy in modern times of a man who's life-long desire to fulfill a dream, tarnished by political corruption, eventually leads to his death. But as the researcher will note, the corruption spans not only through the intelligence community of the super powers, but well within the USDA, leading to the BNL loan scandal and the Lincoln Savings and Loan scandal. A true account of how Saddam Hussein liquidated millions of dollars worth of material goods funded and forwarded to him in the form of loan guarantees made by the National Banc de Lavore in Italy, underwritten by the Atlanta's branch of the BNL, and secured by the US Department of Agriculture using the Famers Subsidies account in the form of "Humantitarian Goods", though under "Black Operations" from the CIA. About 90% accurate, it is a must see for all history and conspiracy-theory buffs.

As far as the acting goes, Kevin Spacey did a nice job playing a concerned CIA agent, while Alan Arkin played his Isreali nemisis. Tony Goldwin gives a nice performance of a CIA typical "office man" out to get the "points." But the main praise must go to Frank Langella who plays the part of the "famed-turned-dangerous" gunmaker Dr. Gerald Vincent Bull, to the tenth degree.

I highly recommend this movie and wish its availability to the public even more so.

(This subject got me an "A" on my history project entitled "The Rape of the American Farmer, and the Arming of Iraq.") Audience count: thumbs up! ... Read more