That crazy screenwriter Charlie Kaufman is at it again. This time, his focus is Gong Show creator Chuck Barris. Just how much of this story is based on fact, remains the big mystery.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind suggests that Mr. Barris was a TV. show creator by day (creating such popular shows as The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game) and a CIA killing machine by night.

The line between reality and fantasy is blurred, but what makes this movie so enjoyable is that Barris was such an oddball character that everything that unfolds in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind seems possible.

This is George Clooney's directorial debut, and he shows much confidence behind the camera. He certainly paid attention while working in front of the camera for Steven Soderbergh (Solaris, Out of Sight), because much of that style is on display here. But Mr. Clooney does have his own vision, and for his first time out, he proves himself remarkably adept behind the camera.

It is Rockwell (The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest) that really carries the movie, particularly in the re-created Gong Show segments. He has the manic game show icon's mannerisms down. This is perhaps Rockwell's most memorable role to date and will most certainly open the door to bigger parts. The rest of the cast is appealing save for a rather dull turn by Julia Roberts as a fellow CIA operative. She reportedly did the film in order to work with Clooney again (the two shared the screen in Soderbergh's Ocean's 11), and while she is by no means awful, she isn't particularly interesting in the role either.

Drew Barrymore is light and bubbly as Barris' love interest and Clooney is hilariously deadpan as Chuck's CIA contact. Also watch for two quick but funny cameos by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, as well as interview footage with Gong Show regulars J.P. Morgan and The Unknown Comic.

Kaufman has done some interesting things with this story. It's fun to watch Barris not only develop into this killing machine, but enjoy it. It's dark and twisted, but in a fun sort of way. I also enjoyed seeing how Barris came up with the concept for some of these shows, particularly The Newlywed Game.

Alas, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind doesn't quite know when to quit. The final half hour or so is sluggish and sadly, I found myself losing interest. Still, Clooney and crew have, for the most part, created a bizarre and entertaining film--turning a cult figure into an even bigger cult figure. I'm very interested in seeing what Clooney and Rockwell choose as their next projects.