The Leading Man

Her first original feature screenplay, The Leading Man, has now been made by her brother, John Duigan; her husband, Bruce Beresford, never read the script, but liked the film. From the beginning I felt that all the characters had to be likeable and recognisable - the Americans had a bit of trouble with this notion - and that they are simply caught up in the circumstances, doing things they normally wouldn't. ... Full Review

Duigan himself has been long romantically linked with Newton, who he directed in the wonderful film ``Flirting'' (1992).....The movie's about ``Britain's greatest living playwright,'' a bedeviled middle-aged man with a wife and a mistress, both angry with him.....But the climax does not, I'm afraid, do justice to the setup..... ... Full Review

A handsome, polished effort, "The Leading Man" is a sly, traditional-style delight. Friday March 6, 1998 Rocker Jon Bon Jovi continues the careful building of his film career with "The Leading Man," a witty English romantic comedy not likely to attract a large swath of his fans. ... Full Review

this twistless, yet humourous drama....For while The Leading Man may be quick-paced and entertaining, it's too bland....a confident screen performance....a contrived plot.... ... Full Review

Thandie Newton is delightful, although the emotional range of her role is somewhat limited as the film progresses. The camera loves Jon Bon Jovi, and we are graced with enough tight close ups to satisfy the fans. ... Full Review

Release Date: 1998 Ebert Rating: *** By Roger Ebert Mar 13, 1998 ``The Leading Man'' begins as a backstage story about the London theater world, and then a little Hitchcockian intrigue edges into the frame. ... Full Article

Apart from a few recent exceptions Madonna in Evita, Tupac Shakur in Gridlock'd pop people and films usually make for bad bedfellows (just think of Sting in Dune or any Prince movie). ... Full Article