In a message dated 11/9/98 3:35:56 PM PST, [log in to unmask] writes:
 
<< Can anyone tell me what movie answers this description?
 
 The nightmare of all scriptwriters: Being invited to the private home of
 a powerful studio boss, our scriptwriter is called upon to state what
 progress he has made writing the script he was supposed to write. The
 scriptwriter however, is not able nor in any condition to do so. Thgat
 very morning he woke up only to find his mistress murdered beside him in
 bed. Apart from his much tattered apparel he has nothing to offer the
 studio boss. Things take a different turn when the studio boss kisses
 him and praises him beyond all accounts. >>
 
It sounds as if it could be BARTON FINK (1991), from Joel and Ethan Coen.  The
scriptwriter was played by John Turturro, the mistress by Judy Davis, and the
mogul by Michael Lerner.  My memory is a little foggy (it's been awhile since
I've seen it) but this sounds generally accurate.  It also sounds a bit like
Norman Mailer's TOUGH GUYS DON'T DANCE (1987), with Ryan O'Neal in the lead
role.
 
W. Ross Anglin
Los Angeles
 
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