Watch The Words
- PG-13
- 2012
- 1 hr 42 min
-
7.0 (82,147)
The Words is a gripping and thought-provoking drama about the power of literature, the price of success, and the secrets we keep. The movie follows the story of a struggling writer named Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper), who dreams of publishing the next great American novel. Despite his talent and ambition, Rory can't seem to catch a break in the publishing world, and he and his wife (Zoe Saldana) are struggling to make ends meet.
One day, while browsing a Parisian antique shop, Rory discovers an old leather briefcase that contains a manuscript written by an unknown author. The manuscript is perfect, and Rory can't help but feel that it was written just for him. He decides to transcribe it onto his own laptop and passes it off as his own work. To his surprise, the manuscript becomes a bestseller, and Rory becomes a literary sensation virtually overnight.
As Rory's career takes off, he struggles with guilt and the fear of being discovered. He becomes obsessed with the unknown author and tracks down the only person who might know the truth - an elderly man named Clayton Hammond (Dennis Quaid), who is a famous writer in his own right. Clayton reveals that the manuscript was written by a young American soldier during World War II, and the story has haunted him for decades.
The Words is a layered and complex film that explores the themes of identity, authenticity, and the creative process. It asks tough questions about what it means to be a writer, and whether fame and success are worth sacrificing one's integrity. Bradley Cooper delivers a standout performance as Rory, capturing the character's desperation, ambition, and moral conflict with sensitivity and nuance.
Dennis Quaid is excellent as Clayton, who must confront his own demons while telling the story of the soldier who wrote the manuscript. Olivia Wilde provides a welcome presence as Daniella, a graduate student who befriends Clayton and offers a fresh perspective on his work.
The Words is beautifully shot and scored, with stunning scenes in Paris and New York that capture the allure and mystery of the literary world. The film is also cleverly structured, with multiple layers of storytelling that come together in a surprising and emotionally resonant way.
At its heart, The Words is a tribute to the power of words and the human need to tell stories. It celebrates the creative process while acknowledging the sacrifices required to pursue one's passion. It's a film that will leave you thinking and talking long after the credits roll.
The Words is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 37.