Watch Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle is a biographical film that depicts an era in American literature and society during the 1920s and 1930s. The movie follows the lives of writer Dorothy Parker and her circle of literary friends as they navigate their way through the world of publishing, politics, and romance. The film opens with Dorothy Parker (Jennifer Jason Leigh) moving to New York City in 1916 and landing a job as a writer for Vogue magazine. She quickly makes friends with fellow writers Robert Benchley (Campbell Scott) and Charles MacArthur (Matthew Broderick), as well as a host of other famous figures of the time such as Edna Ferber (Lili Taylor) and Ernest Hemingway (Nick Cassavetes).

As Parker's career takes off, she becomes a member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and artists who meet regularly at the Algonquin Hotel for lunch and conversation. The film focuses on the witty banter and repartee that ensues as the members of the Round Table discuss literature, politics, and their personal lives.

Throughout the film, Parker is portrayed as a talented but troubled writer, struggling with alcoholism and a tumultuous love life. She has affairs with several men, including Benchley and MacArthur, but ultimately marries actor Alan Campbell (Peter Gallagher). The film explores the ups and downs of their relationship and the toll that Parker's writing and lifestyle takes on their marriage.

As the 1920s give way to the 1930s, the group faces the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, and the characters begin to drift apart. The film ends with Parker reflecting on the passing of time and the memories of her friends.

The film is notable for its portrayal of the literary and cultural scene of the time, as well as for its strong performances by the cast. Jennifer Jason Leigh received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Parker, capturing both her sharp wit and her vulnerability. Campbell Scott and Matthew Broderick also shine in their roles as Benchley and MacArthur, respectively.

Overall, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of some of America's great writers and artists during a fascinating period in history. The film is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of creativity, friendship, and love.

Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 66.