Last Call (2002)

F. Scott Fitzgerald spent a lifetime battling demons - alcohol and a schizophrenic wife - and yet, wrote some of the greatest novels in American Literature. Despite a tumultuous relationship with his mistress, his ailing wife, declining health, and his daily drinking binges, Fitzgerald secretly wrote a scathing novel about the film industry which some call his best novel. It was his final triumph. Last Call is based on a true story about this troubled genius, starring Oscar, Emmy, and golden globe winner Jeremy Irons, Neve Campbell, and Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek.

Great lead characters, great sets, weak script

The lead roles; Jeremy Irons playing the tortured F Scott Fitzgerald, and Neve Campbell playing his secretary Frances, were superbly performed. I can't even recall who the other actors were (such as Sissy Spacek playing Fitzgerald's insane wife). The backdrop sets showing a 1930's Hollywood and environs were also very nicely executed.

Fitzgerald is portrayed as the tortured genius - recklessly squeezing the most out of life and his failing body. His young secretary Frances, is shown by Campbell to be a novice star-struck author and loyal secretary to Fitzgerald . . . rather wise for her years. Again, with the beautiful 1930's L.A. backdrop and the strong leads, this could'a/should'a been a great movie. In my opinion the screenplay let it down. A case of "all dressed up and nowhere to go . . . ."

Moderately entertaining and a bit of an education on the private life of the popular author. 3 and a half stars. March 7, 2008

Jeremy masterfully portrays F Scott Fitzgerald

Jeremy Irons gets inside the head of F. Scott Fitzgerald in his last attempt at a novel. On the outside, Mr. Irons has a perfect Tuxedo Park, NY accent, with strains of the midwest and the south, in which F Scott Fitzgerald lived. On the inside, Irons gets the brass nerve evident in the personality of F Scott Fitzgerald through his books. He portrays the rising to the occasion of writing the book "The Last Tycoon" to a tee, complete with the brass nerve, the games alcoholics play, the eccentricity of Mr. Fitzgerald and the somewhat childlike but occasionally brusque treatment of his secretary, played by Neve Campbell. We never doubt that F. Scott Fitzgerald is a genius and we root for his comeback.

The story moves along at a nice pace, with glamorous sets to boot, one reminiscent of the Brown Derby, where everyone that was anyone in Hollywood hung out. Neve Campbell should not be underestimated as a natural at portraying Mr. Fitzgerald's foil in this, e.g. she picks up his slack, even disposing of alcohol bottles because Mr. Fitzgerald is too paranoid to do it himself. She has a bundleful of feelings for him. We never doubt that F. Scott Fitzgerald is a genius and we root for his comeback. October 28, 2006

The Last of Fitzgerald

This movie is an interesting docudrama about the last years of F. Scott Fitzgerald as he was writing "The Last Tycoon."

Starring as F. Scott Fitzgerald is award winning actor Jeremy Irons. While I have the greatest respect for Irons as an actor I just didn't feel he pulled off this part. Irons has an evilness that seems to hang around his characters and Fitzgerald never struck me as evil only severely flawed and tempted. So the brooding and self-deprecating Irons never allowed the vulnerability of Fitzgerald to shine through in this role, but he sure plays a mean drunk.

Neve Campbell plays Fitzgerald's faithful and infatuated secretary, Frances. Campbell is pretty good in this role but cowers against the strength of Irons at times. She pulls off the period well conforming enough to the standards of women working during the late 30's. Also appearing off and on as a negative force in the film is Sissy Spacek as Zelda Fitzgerald. I thought the film would have been much more interesting with a little more Spacek and some of Zelda's drama.

I enjoyed this film only because it provided a bit of an inside look into the downfall of the great F. Scott Fitzgerald. It always seems that the greatest minds of artistic people suffer from exactly what makes them brilliant, a very vivid imagination that ends up haunting them into a deep black hole.

September 10, 2004

GREAT FILM - SAD TRANSFER

I originally watched this film on Showtime during its premiere broadcast. It was shown in a letterboxed format.

However, someone at Showtime chose to author this DVD in pan&scan.

The film really loses some of its intimacy betweeen the characters, and much of the wonderful production design. What was sharp and clear in widescreen is now slightly blurred, also.

Bad choice for a really wonderful film. Perhaps Showtime will re-air it in the future in its original format and I can record it off-the-air.

Real shame. Dumb decision, Showtime. HBO gives us their original film content intact, why don't you? August 2, 2004

such a wonderful film

Another great movie that I stumbled upon. I cannot believe that there was not more written about this one. The beautiful Neve Campbell delivers a remarkable performance and Jeremy Irons along with Cissy Spacek ensure that you will be taken on a highly interesting ride.

Jeremy Irons - arguably the best living actor - truly becomes "Scott" in this harrowing display of creative downward spirals with momentary glimpses of genius.

Instead of glorifying or overly romanticizing the subject, the director paints a picture of the subtle and not-so-subtle relationship dynamics among the characters; particularly the struggles of Fitzgerald and his lovely, devoted and talented assistant.

This is one of those rare finds in the world of movies that falls under the radar but once discovered, becomes a treasure to the viewer.

Very nicely done. August 19, 2003

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