Rating: R
Genre:
Drama
Theatrical Release: 11/04/2005(USA
Release Date: 03/21/2006
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD5.1
Run Time: 95 Minutes
Flags: Nudity, Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Content, Profanity
Distributor/Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
An artist who compromises his work for money finds his heart and soul are also being toyed with by his new patrons in this
drama.
Robert (
Peter Sarsgaard) is a playwright who has recently lost his longtime lover and business partner,
Malcolm (
Bill Camp), to AIDS-related illnesses.
Robert has written a screenplay about their relationship, called "The Dying Gaul," and is interested in selling the project to powerful producer
Jeffrey (
Campbell Scott). However, while
Jeffrey likes the script, he tells
Robert that he's not about to spend money on a film about a gay couple -- though he'll give him one million dollars for the screenplay under the condition he turns the character of "Maurice" into a woman so the film will be easier to sell. While
Robert is secretly appalled by the idea, he's also deep in debt and wants the film to be made, so he agrees to make the changes.
Robert is soon invited into the inner circle of
Jeffrey and his wife,
Elaine (
Patricia Clarkson), herself a talented screenwriter until their marriage put an end to her career.
Jeffrey finds himself fascinated by
Robert, and soon begins seducing him both physically and intellectually, while
Elaine is also deeply attracted to him. As
Robert and
Elaine become close friends, she also begins pursuing him in on-line chat rooms, playing on his emotional weaknesses as she fashions a story of her own.
The Dying Gaul was the first directorial credit for playwright and screenwriter
Craig Lucas.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
