2002, 1 hr 50 min., Rated R for language, sexual content and violence.�Dir: George Clooney. Screenplay: Charlie Kaufman. Based on the book by Chuck Barris. Cast: Sam Rockwell (Chuck Barris), George Clooney (Jim Byrd), Drew Barrymore (Penny), Julia Roberts (Patricia), Rutger Hauer (Keeler).

Well, it looks like my boycott of George Clooney movies was over faster than you can say, "As a movie fan it's your self-imposed duty to see every critically acclaimed film." I'm so weak.

Clooney makes his directorial debut, which you can tell since he plays with the look throughout, especially experimenting with the colors. Whatever he did, it looked good.

Of course, his first work at the helm is made easier with a script adapted by Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation). Confessions contains riveting dialogue, a great mix of being a "lesser" man while intellectual at the same time. It's very funny in many parts, but also a dark picture full of doom and gloom.

Sam Rockwell is Chuck Barris, from whose journal the screenplay is taken. In it, he claims to have been a TV producer by day, and CIA operative by night. Will anyone really believe it? Doubtful. But the concept makes for an enjoyable movie. Maybe I should embellish my own journals, too, if I feel like my life was too dull. ("At age 20 I climbed Everest in pajamas, and married Deborah Gibson in a secret Caribbean wedding that was never disclosed ... until now.")

One thing few reject is that Barris was a creative genius. From scribing 50s hit song Palisade Park to creating "The Dating Game," "The Newlywed Game," "The Gong Show," et al., he knows what Americans like to see on the boob tube.

Sure, Barris was unlucky in love, felt unloved at home, and was antisocial and bitter (at least as I understand from the movie, since I don't know anything of Barris in reality). Still, as one 'Gong Show' regular notes, "He's a good guy, even if he's a prick."

People seem to be drawn by his strong personality and determination, and of course his talent for reading the minds of the American public, but he's played as a jerk with a self-defeating attitude destined for breakdown.

The (possible) enhancing of his life story comes from Clooney as a CIA agent, turning Barris into an independent contractor for the CIA, i.e., an assassin, by pressing the buttons of insecurity in Barris: "You are 32 years old. Jesus was dead and alive again at 33; you better get cracking."

Okay, this may not fit with the rest, but what's with Clooney's addiction to the naked male rear end? He unnecessarily shows his own in two scenes of Solaris, and makes frequent use of Rockwell's here, none of which is necessary. And since there's no female nudity, I wonder if he's just trying to make a point about how sensitive a guy he is, that he "understands" how women are portrayed as slabs of meat by other sexist male directors.

Great cast, covering a wide spread of movie biz, from Rutger Hauer to Julia Roberts, all fitting into solid roles, none of whom seem to age at all over the 25+ years the film covers. Props for cameos by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, and a little piece for up-and-comer Maggie Gyllenhaal. Roberts has a small yet important part as another contact for Barris worldwide.

Drew Barrymore plays Penny, Barris sort-of love of his life, and is every bit the doll she always plays. It may be impossible for her to not be lovable in a movie.

You can't help but notice that Barris' work transcends the ages, tapping into Americans' instincts for being loved by one person and loved by every person. In "The Dating Game" and "The Newlywed Game," then ten-fold on the "Gong Show," Barris shows that people from all generations and makeup want to be stars, even if it means looking foolish. Today the biggest forum for these goofballs who laugh with us laughing at them is "American Idol" on Fox. Instead of a Gong, we get Simon figuratively beating scared kids over the head.

Confessions is by no means dangerous, but it is subversive. It touches on your inner worries, that you may feel underwhelmed in life, despite all successes and/or failures. But to make a confession also means that you are cleansed, that the slate is wiped fresh and you can start anew. This movie allows for just that, as you can choose to take whatever part of it that applies to your life or idea of entertainment, and leave uplifted.