Films & Events

The Dying Gaul

It is 1995 and fledgling screenwriter Robert (Peter Sarsgaard) has been offered a million dollars for a script, called THE DYING GAUL, that recounts his anguish during his male lover’s dying days. But there’s a catch. Jeffrey (Campbell Scott), the slick and ruthless studio executive pursuing the deal, wants to change the lead character into a woman, despite the fact that the famous eponymous sculpture is a male nude. Turning on his cunning salesman charm, Jeffrey pulls Robert into the exclusive world of power cocktail parties at his Malibu estate, and introduces him to his attractive wife Elaine (Patricia Clarkson), a screenwriter whose career has been sidelined by her marriage and kids. Taking a more hands-on approach in his quest, Jeffrey seduces Robert into a sexual affair. Meanwhile Elaine, intrigued by Robert's original script, hatches an elaborate plan to seduce him anonymously in an Internet chat room, setting off a chain of events full of sexual innuendo and increasingly dangerous revelations for all three. Longtime playwright and screenwriter Craig Lucas makes a stunning transition to film director with THE DYING GAUL, a modern Greek tragedy based on his successful play of the same name. Filled with intrigue, betrayal and revenge, all against the backdrop of modern Los Angeles’ cell phones, Internet chat rooms and sleazy executives, this poisoned Valentine to Hollywood evokes the psycho-thriller traditions of Hitchcock--with sharp-witted humor thrown in for good measure. The movie includes stellar performances by all, with a breakout performance by Peter Sarsgaard, and makes for an astounding debut feature by Craig Lucas that showcases how his command of storytelling extends far beyond the written page.
Actor Peter Sarsgaard scheduled to attend both screenings

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Sponsor:
KPLU

Cast & Crew

Director: Craig Lucas
Producer: Campbell Scott, George VanBuskirk
Editor: Andy Keir
Screenwriter: Craig Lucas, based on his play
Cinematographer: Bobby Bukowski

Music: Steve Reich
Principal Cast: Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Campbell Scott
Filmography: Debut Feature Film

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Screenings

Egyptian Theatre
May 21, 2005 7:00 PM
7:00 PM (Date has passed.)
May 22, 2005 1:30 PM
1:30 PM (Date has passed.)