By KARRI LIN
karri@newsroom.byu.edu
Maybe it's because it was Tuesday night. Maybe it's because there were only five of us in the entire theater. Or maybe it's because 'The Muse' is just not amusing.
This show-biz satire centers around a screen writer who has lost the writing edge and seeks inspiration from a spoiled 'Muse.' Albert Brooks directs, co-writes, and poorly acts as a whining writer who has no chemistry with his wife played by Andie MacDowell.
However, I loved Sharon Stone's ever-changing hair-do and her energizer-bunny energy as a wacky Muse who knows how to have fun and draw out the creativity in all around her. In Greek mythology, nine of Zeus' daughters are Muses and each is responsible for a different facet of creativity.
Brooks has a monotone voice and a strong lack of facial expression. It reminds me of the pathetic look that Nicolas Cage has in 'The City of Angels' when he discovers pears in the fruit section of the market.
The audience is more familiar with Stone in action flicks, such as 'The Mighty' and 'Sphere.' Putting Stone in a comedy setting is fresh and promising.
The main problem with the movie is that it's just not funny enough. I probably laughed 1 1/2 times during the film. I purposely laughed really loud just to pretend there were more than five of us in the theater.
The movie is filled with Hollywood inside jokes, for example, Steven Spielberg's cousin, who looked more like Weird Al, is used to deal with not-so-important screen writers. The film also mocks how money-driven agents can be when a screen writer doesn't necessarily have a big name in Hollywood.
There is no logical explanation to Stone's character in the end. The audience walks away confused and not laughing. I can't think of a reaction worse than what I felt last night.
But maybe you should be the judge of 'The Muse,' because it has racked in more than $8.6 million, according to the Associated Press. If you are discouraged about seeing 'The Muse,' thanks to me, I just saved you a few bucks toward that parking ticket you haven't paid.
I can sum up the moral lesson for you: If you pay attention to all the beauty and creativity in life, your mind will be enlightened.