Best Seller

1987
R
1h 35m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

6.5K

YOUR RATING

James Woods and Brian Dennehy in Best Seller (1987)

Hit man Cleve approaches writer/cop Dennis about a story for his next book: How Cleve made a living, working for one of the most powerful politicians in the country. To get the story right, they travel around the country to gather statements and evidence, while strong forces use any means they can to keep the story untold.

Play trailer1:45

1 Video

68 Photos

Action Crime Drama Thriller

An ex-hit man wants a police detective/novelist to write his biography.An ex-hit man wants a police detective/novelist to write his biography.An ex-hit man wants a police detective/novelist to write his biography.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

6.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 1:45

Trailer

Photos68

+ 61

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
James Woods had just quit smoking prior to filming. When it came time to shoot the cigarette on the palm scene, Woods suggested he take an already lit cigarette off of a patron--that way he wouldn't have to light and smoke a cigarette.

Goofs
While the robbery at the beginning of the movie was set in 1972, the robbers are driving a 1975-1978 Ford Econoline van.

Quotes
Cleve: [as he menaces Roberta Gillian with a knife] Am I sympathetic? Will they like me? Please don't lie to me! Is it an important book?

Connections
Referenced in Saturday Night Live: James Woods/Don Henley (1989)

User reviews49

Review

Featured review

9/10

perfect casting of james woods and dennehy make it work

I watched this because imdb users rated it well, and I wasn't disappointed. The casting of woods and brian dennehy is perfect which helps to make the story of an ex-hitman telling his story to cop-turned-author believable. Scenes at woods" boyhood home, and his parents also help; Woods" ex-hitman character is written and played as a real, multi-dimensional person, not as a stereotype.. The scene about the gift in the plane and his wanting to befriend dennehy, are quite touching.