
Mistress 1992
"The Director Had A Vision. The Producers All Had Girlfriends."
In the razor-sharp comedy-drama Mistress (1992), writer-director Barry Primus crafts a behind-the-scenes satire where artistic dreams collide with Hollywood's messy realities.
Director: Barry Primus
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mistress (1992) about?
Mistress (1992) follows a struggling screenwriter whose cherished script becomes a battleground for Hollywood financiers, each insisting their mistresses get plum roles. As he's forced to rewrite his masterpiece to secure funding, his original vision vanishes under layers of compromise and ego. The film paints a darkly comic portrait of an industry where art takes a backseat to personal agendas.
Who directed Mistress?
Mistress was directed by Barry Primus, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The film blends his sharp eye for satire with a keen understanding of Hollywood's cutthroat dynamics.
Who stars in Mistress?
The ensemble cast of Mistress (1992) includes Robert Wuhl, Martin Landau, Jace Alexander, Robert De Niro, Laurie Metcalf, and Eli Wallach, each bringing their signature energy to this Hollywood farce.
Is Mistress (1992) worth watching?
If you love sharp, satirical comedies that expose the absurdities of Hollywood, Mistress (1992) delivers laughs and bite in equal measure. While it's not a household name, its clever script and standout performances—especially from Wuhl and Landau—make it a hidden gem worth tracking down. Think of it as a wry, less glamorous cousin to films like *The Player*.
How long is Mistress?
Mistress (1992) runs for 110 minutes, or just under two hours, offering a tight, dialogue-driven narrative packed with character moments and industry satire.
About Mistress (1992) — A Hollywood satire where artistic dreams collide with backstage chaos
In the razor-sharp comedy-drama Mistress (1992), writer-director Barry Primus crafts a behind-the-scenes satire where artistic dreams collide with Hollywood's messy realities. Robert Wuhl stars as a passionate screenwriter whose long-gestating script suddenly catches the eye of a sharp-tongued producer (Martin Landau). What starts as a promising collaboration spirals into chaos when each potential investor—from Danny Aiello's gruff financier to Robert De Niro's smooth-talking mogul—insists on inserting their own paramour into the film. With every rewrite, the writer's original vision dissolves, leaving him grappling with a script that's been hijacked by ego, compromise, and the unspoken rules of Tinseltown.
Wuhl's razor-edged performance anchors this biting exploration of creativity vs. commerce, while Landau's producer delivers biting one-liners that skewer the industry's hypocrisy. Backed by a stellar ensemble, Mistress (1992) blends humor with melancholy, capturing the absurdity of chasing artistic integrity in a town where every hand seems to want a piece of the pie.