What Just Happened

Main Plot

"What Just Happened" directed by Barry Levinson is a satirical comedy-drama that delves into the chaotic world of Hollywood filmmaking. The story follows a beleaguered film producer as he navigates a series of professional and personal crises over a tumultuous two-week period. He struggles to manage the demands of a difficult director, a temperamental star, and a studio executive who is unhappy with the ending of his latest film. Simultaneously, he deals with the fallout from his crumbling marriages and strained relationships with his children. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the absurdities and pressures of the movie industry, highlighting the often surreal and cutthroat nature of show business. Through a blend of humor and drama, it captures the relentless challenges faced by those trying to balance artistic integrity with commercial success.

Characters

• Robert De Niro plays Ben, a harried Hollywood producer struggling to manage his chaotic professional and personal life while navigating the complexities of the film industry.
• John Turturro plays Dick Bell, a nervous, indecisive agent who struggles to manage his demanding clients and navigate the chaotic world of Hollywood.
• Stanley Tucci plays Scott Solomon, a studio executive who navigates the chaotic world of Hollywood, dealing with difficult directors and actors while managing film production crises.

Ending Explained

In the movie 'What Just Happened,' directed by Barry Levinson, the ending sees Hollywood producer Ben (played by Robert De Niro) grappling with the chaotic and often absurd nature of the film industry. The film concludes with Ben attending the Cannes Film Festival, where the controversial film 'Fiercely,' which he has been struggling to get released, is screened. Despite his efforts to make the film more palatable by altering its ending, the director Jeremy Brunell (Michael Wincott) reverts to the original, more shocking conclusion, leading to a disastrous reception. Ben's personal life is also in disarray; his ex-wife Kelly (Robin Wright) is moving on, and his relationships with his children are strained. The final scenes depict Ben returning to Los Angeles, where he is immediately thrust into another problematic production, indicating the relentless and cyclical nature of his profession. The conclusion underscores the film's satirical take on Hollywood, portraying it as a place where personal and professional turmoil are constants, and where the line between success and failure is perpetually blurred.