Curtis Hanson directs Michael Douglas as a college professor with writer’s block desperately trying to match the success of his first novel. Tobey Maguire stars as a brilliant, but suicidal, student whom he takes under his wing. Frances McDormand will play Douglas’ lover, the chancellor’s wife. Katie Holmes, Robert Downey Jr., Rip Torn and Richard Thomas will also star. Steve Kloves adapted Michael Chabon’s novel for the screenplay.
Capsule Review: Superb acting and a delightful script highlight this wonder of a film. Michael Douglas gets to sink his teeth into a great role for the first time in a decade, while Tobey Maguire reaffirms his status as one of the brightest young stars out there. Purely delightful.