The Words Poster

The Words 2012

★ 6.71,274 votes102 min📅 2012-09-07

"There's more than one way to take a life."

In *The Words (2012)*, directed by Lee Sternthal, a young writer's career takes an unforeseen turn when he publishes a manuscript that skyrockets him to literary fame—only to discover it wasn't his work to claim.

Director: Lee Sternthal

Cast

Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper
Rory Jansen
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña
Dora Jansen
Jeremy Irons
Jeremy Irons
The Old Man
Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
Clay Hammond
Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde
Danielle
J.K. Simmons
J.K. Simmons
Mr. Jansen
John Hannah
John Hannah
Richard Ford
Željko Ivanek
Željko Ivanek
Joseph Cutler
Ben Barnes
Ben Barnes
Young Man
Michael McKean
Michael McKean
Nelson Wylie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Words (2012) about?

*The Words* follows aspiring writer Rory Jansen, whose breakthrough novel turns out to be the work of another man he never knew. As his literary stardom rises, the ghost of the original author haunts him, forcing Jansen to confront the consequences of his stolen success.

Who directed The Words?

The Words was directed by Lee Sternthal, who crafts a tense narrative that blends drama and thriller elements around themes of guilt and ambition.

Who stars in The Words?

The film stars Bradley Cooper as Rory Jansen, with Zoe Saldaña, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, and Olivia Wilde rounding out the principal cast.

Is The Words (2012) worth watching?

While *The Words (2012)* doesn't carry an IMDb rating for reference, its gripping plot and strong performances make it a compelling watch for fans of moral thrillers. The film's exploration of ambition and ethics adds depth to its suspenseful storytelling.

How long is The Words?

The Words (2012) has a runtime of 102 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Words (2012) — A Gripping Thriller About Literary Theft and Redemption

In *The Words (2012)*, directed by Lee Sternthal, a young writer's career takes an unforeseen turn when he publishes a manuscript that skyrockets him to literary fame—only to discover it wasn't his work to claim. As the truth unravels, Rory Jansen faces the haunting consequences of ambition, identity, and the ethical cost of deception. The film weaves a tense psychological thriller through the lens of drama, exploring how far one might go to achieve success and the moral weight of stolen words. With a stellar cast led by Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldaña, and Olivia Wilde, *The Words (2012)* blends suspense with poignant reflections on literary integrity and the ghosts of the past.

The atmosphere crackles with moral ambiguity, shifting between the glittering ascent of a rising star and the dark shadows of plagiarism. Sternthal crafts a story where ambition clashes with conscience, and the pursuit of glory leaves lingering scars. As Jansen grapples with guilt and the looming threat of exposure, the film questions whether success is worth the price of betraying one's own voice—or another's life work.