“Little Black Book” (Revolution Studios)
Brittany Murphy charms her way through the romantic dramadey “Little Black Book.” This little film relies heavily on her charisma to make the first half of the movie absorbable, and on her dramatic skills to make the second half believable. She pulls it off but with some bruising of the plot and some scars of disbelief.
The plot centers around a young woman named Stacey (Murphy) who wants to one day work with Diane Sawyer. She also relies on the music of Carly Simon to get her through any traumas in her life. She leaves Jersey and heads to New York to find fame and fortune. What she finds is a chance to work as an Associate Producer of the “Kippie Kann Show.” Kippie (Kathy Bates) stages a Jerry Springer type show and appeals to all of her audiences worst instincts.
Stacey’s co-workers include Barb (Holly Hunter) and Ira (Kevin Sussman). When they learn Stacey has a boyfriend they immediately want to know all the details of their relationship. Later when he goes out of town they encourage her to do some electronic snooping on his “palm pilot.”
Stacey begins to learn things about Derek’s (Ron Livingston) past. She discovers three old girlfriends and in order to learn about their relationships with Derek she stages a fake interview for the “Kippie Kann Show.” She talks with each of the women and doesn’t feel too badly about her snooping until she gets to know Joyce (Julianne Nicholson), a woman with whom Stacey could be friends.
The first half of this movie is just watching the adorable Murphy get herself into one pickle after another. The second half of the film gets serious as it explores the lurid and sleazy world of “Reality TV” and the people who create the shows. It is an abrupt change but one that works.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and sexual innuendoes.
Murphy continues to improve as a dramatic actress and a comedienne. This film highlights all of her talents and she rises to the occasion. Hunter deserves better roles than she gets but she always manages to impress no matter if she is the star or the co-star of the film.
Ron Livingston and Julianne Nicholson are both impressive in their roles. Livingston is rarely seen as the straight romantic lead but he pulls it off in this film. Nicholson is appealing due to her vulnerability as Joyce.
“Little Black Book” is probably one of those movies that should carry a “chick-flick” label but males who wander in will initially be fascinated by Murphy and later caught up in the drama of the show. It isn’t “Broadcast News” but it is a startling look at life behind the scenes of a Springer type talk show.
I scored “Little Black Book” a page-turning 6 out of 10.
