THE CON IS ON.
Low-budget movie producer Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin) is trying to get his dream project off the ground; the film’s lead is played by action-movie star Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy)… but he has no idea. We’ve seen good-hearted con artists with crazy ideas before in Martin’s films. He’s fun as the frequently penniless but optimistic Ed Wood-type filmmaker and is ably assisted by Murphy in a dual role as the hysterical, self-centered movie star and his goofy twin brother. Christine Baranski is a hoot as a modern-day Norma Desmond and the script has its tender moments… too bad though that it isn’t as funny as one hoped for.
1999-U.S. 97 min. Color. Directed by Frank Oz. Screenplay: Steve Martin. Cast: Steve Martin (Bobby Bowfinger), Eddie Murphy (Kit Ramsey/Jiff Ramsey), Heather Graham (Daisy), Christine Baranski, Jamie Kennedy, Robert Downey, Jr… Terence Stamp.
Trivia: The Kit/Jiff parts were allegedly written for Keanu Reeves.
Quote: “White boys always get the Oscar. It’s a known fact. Did I ever get a nomination? No! You know why? Cause I hadn’t played any of them slave roles, and get my ass whipped. That’s how you get the nomination. A black dude who plays a slave that gets his ass whipped gets the nomination, a white guy who plays an idiot gets the Oscar. That’s what I need, I need to play a retarded slave, then I’ll get the Oscar.” (Murphy)
