What Just Happened

A 2008 American satirical comedy-drama directed by Barry Levinson, based on the 2002 book "What Just Happened? Bitter Hollywood Tales from the Front Line" by producer Art Linson. The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Hollywood film industry through the experiences of Ben (Robert De Niro), a seasoned film producer facing professional and personal challenges. Ben struggles to salvage his latest film, "Fiercely," after a disastrous test screening due to its shocking ending, where Sean Penn's character (playing himself) and his dog are killed. Studio executive Lou Tarnow (Catherine Keener) demands a change to the ending, threatening to pull the film from the Cannes Film Festival lineup. Simultaneously, Ben deals with the erratic behavior of actor Bruce Willis (also playing himself), who refuses to shave his beard for a new role, jeopardizing the production. Ben's personal life is equally tumultuous as he attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife Kelly (Robin Wright Penn), who may be seeing another man. The film portrays the absurdities and challenges of the Hollywood system through Ben's interactions with various characters, including screenwriter Scott Solomon (Stanley Tucci), agent Dick Bell (John Turturro), and director Jeremy Brunell (Michael Wincott). "What Just Happened" was screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2008, and released theatrically on October 17, 2008.