The Publicist

Authors: Jamie Madden
Location: Melbourne, Australia

“The Publicist”

Written and Directed by Sidney Lumet
Produced by Jonathan Demme
Original Score by Alan Silvestri

Principal Cast:

Cate Blanchett as Joanna, the failing actress
Jeff Daniels Merv, the destitute publicist
William Hurt, as Joanna’s much older lover
Jack Nicholson, as Joanna’s senile father
Carrie Fisher, as Joanna’s mother, a fading boozy starlet

Tagline: "It’s not about the money, it’s about the fame!!!"

Synopsis: Joanna is a failing, down and out actor. Merv is a broke and needy publicist. As a last resort, Joanna hires Merv. Currently, the only work Merv has to offer Joanna is dodgy roles in soap opera, commercials, and a prostitutes/junkies in a B-grade porno film.

One sad, lonely and booze infested night, Joanna, on a telephone call to Merv, jokes if only she was dead, then she'd be famous. She’d be noticed like James Dean, or Marilyn Monroe. Desperate and penniless, the publicist takes up the idea, and plots the premature death of the brightest upcoming Hollywood starlet. Thus, creating an unprecedented image for Joanna that she never expected. But how will she be able to cope with the posthumous accolades for her unrecognized films when she is still alive?

What the press would say:

“THE PUBLICIST” marks the successful comeback of director Sidney Lumet, thanks to his brilliant and original script, proving that directors only get better with age. The original idea is innovative, and will win Lumet another Oscar for sure. The acting ensemble in this film, is quite unique, bizarre, and but fits together like a glove. Cate Blanchett has never been better, proving her skill for the comedies has only been previously underrated. Jeff Daniels adds a cynical, sarcastic and much needed darker side to the film, as the destitute publicist, as shows that he and Blanchett are a winning formula. Great supporting roles from Carrie Fisher, William Hurt and Jack Nicholson. The best comedic film of the year!!

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actress (Blanchett)
Best Actor (Daniels)
Best Supporting Actress (Fisher)
Best Supporting Actor (Hurt, Nicholson)
Best Original Score