The Words

If nothing else, this film was constructed in an interesting way. It reminded me of a Matryoshka doll (or Russian nesting doll, as some might know it). It had this story within a story within a story format. While I could see through the attempt to add depth, I have to disagree with those who found it boring. Personally, I found these actionless ninety minutes enjoyable because they stirred up unexpected thoughts and emotions in me. (05/07/2022)

The Words is a film from the family of naivety for the advanced, as were Penance or Ask the Dust. Every little intellectual is happy because John Fante is quoted in the film. Bradley Cooper's performance made me physically nauseous, and even Jeremy Irons playing it safe didn't save the day. By the time I started tearing my hair out, I was somewhat appeased by the inserted storyline featuring Ben Barnes and Nora Arnezeder in mid-1940s Paris, but neither that nor the mere presence of John Hannah could elevate the resulting shape above the usual mumbo-jumbo (i.e., an ambitious drama with a triple narrative line and an attempt at thought overload). (18/09/2012)

The character known as the old man has something of Hemingway, manuscripts that were lost, and this is also a story from Hemingway's life. But no, "The Words" is not a film about Hemingway. It is a film about an author who reads from his book about how another author wrote a book about someone else's life. Well, the whole thing is a bit more complicated, but more on that later. The film first appears to be a romance, but that's not what it's really about. However, it is not a film about literature either because how much is quoted here? How much does it refer to some significant ideas, such as those from Hemingway's work? There is a hint of the existence of some Shakespeare, but the film definitely does not rely on the fact that it is essential to know who the classics of world literature are, or even literature itself, whether it is completely fictional. We don't learn much about the main character, or rather the main narrator, to be more precise. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/02/the-words-2012-35.html (21/03/2013)

Sometimes, thanks to those very spontaneous and open emotions, it seemed as if Anthony Minghella came back to life and made another one of his meticulously crafted, brilliantly written, and emotionally disarming dramas. It’s not exactly like that, as there were a couple of weaker moments from the creative duo Brian Klugman – Lee Sternthal (especially concerning Dennis Quaid), but the overall feeling is exceptional. After a long time, a film worthy film that I different from most others, not only for those who haven't seen everything. (07/04/2015)

I’m quite shocked by the hysterical negative reviews from America that ripped The Words apart. It’s actually a good film that wants to say something. Though the ending doesn’t present everything on a silver platter, I think the meaning is clear. In that regard, it is good. But don’t expect a romantic movie, The Words is actually a rather thoughtful and artsy, dramatic game. Anyone who’s up for it, can easily find something. Anyone who’s not up for it will get the chance to complain. (14/12/2012)