Weapons of Mass Distraction

Weapons of Mass Distraction is a 1997 television film directed by Stephen Surjik and written by Larry Gelbart, about two media moguls and their fight over ownership of a professional American football team. The film starred Gabriel Byrne and Ben Kingsley, with an ensemble supporting cast including Illeana Douglas, Mimi Rogers, and Jeffrey Tambor.

Not to be confused with Weapon of mass destruction or Weapons of Mass Distortion.
Weapons of Mass Distraction
Written byLarry Gelbart
Directed byStephen Surjik
StarringGabriel Byrne
Ben Kingsley
Music byDon Davis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerSean Ryerson
CinematographyAlar Kivilo
EditorZach Staenberg
Running time100 min
Release
Original releaseMay 17, 1997 (1997-05-17)

The film was nominated for four awards at the 49th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or a Special for Gelbart.

Plot

Lionel Powers and Julian Messenger are filthy rich men with dirty family secrets. They play dirty as well, fighting for control over a professional football team in Los Angeles with every weapon at their disposal.

While the billionaires scheme and squabble, the married couple Rita and Jerry Pascoe can barely make ends meet. Their marriage becomes strained with Jerry's continuing inability to hold or find a job. While rich people blackmail one another, homeless people look for handouts and Jerry Pascoe is reduced to cleaning stadium restrooms and applying for a job as a peanut vendor.

The tabloid-worthy secrets in the lives of Powers' wife Ariel and right-hand man Alan Blanchard lead to dire consequences for all. The marriage of the Pascoes, meanwhile, turns tragi-comically from a terrible climax to fodder for reality TV.

Cast


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