Ambition 1991
"To write the perfect thriller I had to get into the mind of a murderer. Now I can't get out."
In *Ambition (1991)*, aspiring writer Mitchell Osgood is desperate to craft the perfect thriller, but his manuscript keeps getting rejected. His luck changes when Albert Merrik, a notorious psychopathic killer freshly released from prison, becomes the subject of his next project.
Director: Scott D. Goldstein
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ambition (1991) about?
*Ambition* follows Mitchell Osgood, a struggling writer who becomes fascinated with Albert Merrik, a recently released psychopathic killer. Desperate to pen the definitive crime thriller, Osgood manipulates his way into Merrik's life, blurring the boundaries between observer and participant in a disturbing game of cat and mouse.
Who directed Ambition?
Ambition was directed by Scott D. Goldstein, known for crafting tense, character-driven thrillers that explore the darker side of human ambition.
Who stars in Ambition?
The film stars Lou Diamond Phillips as Mitchell Osgood, Clancy Brown as the chilling Albert Merrik, and includes standout performances from Cecilia Peck, Willard E. Pugh, and Grace Zabriskie.
Is Ambition (1991) worth watching?
As a mid-90s psychological thriller, *Ambition* delivers a moody, suspenseful atmosphere with strong performances and a unique premise. While it may not have achieved widespread acclaim, it's a solid pick for fans of crime dramas and horror that prioritize tension over cheap scares.
How long is Ambition?
Ambition runs for 94 minutes, offering a tight, engaging runtime that sustains its tense narrative without unnecessary filler.
Ambition (1991): A Psychological Thriller About Obsession and Dark Ambition
In *Ambition (1991)*, aspiring writer Mitchell Osgood is desperate to craft the perfect thriller, but his manuscript keeps getting rejected. His luck changes when Albert Merrik, a notorious psychopathic killer freshly released from prison, becomes the subject of his next project. As Osgood shadows Merrik, he becomes obsessed with capturing the killer's twisted mind—even if it means walking the razor's edge between creator and participant. Directed by Scott D. Goldstein, this psychological horror-thriller blends chilling suspense with a dark exploration of ambition and obsession, where the line between fiction and reality blurs.
With a moody, atmospheric tone reminiscent of classic 90s psychological thrillers, *Ambition* delivers a gripping narrative fueled by Lou Diamond Phillips' compelling performance as Osgood and Clancy Brown's menacing portrayal of Merrik. The film delves into themes of artistic desperation, the seduction of darkness, and the cost of chasing fame at any price. A tense, thought-provoking ride for fans of horror and crime dramas alike.