Intriguing to consider that Lena Headey, Joshua Jackson, Norman Reedus and James Marsden were pretty much unknown to me (as I guess to many of us) back around 2000 when I first watched this entertaining film; and Kate Hudson hardly known. And then here we are in 2016, catching the same film again, and it does change the perspective.But overall what sums this piece up is the word "edgy". There's a slightly specific triangle of room-mates, albeit with the word "room" taken to indicate about half an acre of space. They are not unlikeable and close, very close, though also part of a wider circle of students characterised by that uneasy mix of determined maturity and actual immaturity, plus a deliberate desire to live on the edge, that seems to be the hallmark of students everywhere.Ultimately our three main characters seem more than willing to do the dirty on each other. In the meantime, they (together) decide to see how far they can get with a piece of gossip, and the answer is very far indeed. And on the way, we learn what whole sections of society (artists, psychiatrists, economists, politicians, special advisers and so on) have known for years - that big lies are more easily believed than small ones, and that the truth is what the majority believe it to be.These awful realities are made manifest in a host of different, pretty clever ways as the film develops, and even the wrap-up-the-story sting in the tail cannot really erase the "truth" of that, if you'll pardon the iteration; though it is admittedly hard for the average viewer (like me) to work out just how far back through the film what we might call "the counter-offensive" actually goes.In any case, this is a film with a point to make and it makes it pretty effectively. It's slick and well-acted and rather dark (figuratively, but also literally given the amount of rainy nights we seem to experience). Perhaps most people, most of the time, will have something better to watch, but perhaps that will be a pity given the competence of this piece of work from Davis Guggenheim.

Gossip, in my opinion is one of the best films ever, one for the ages. Now I realize that most people don't really like this film, for one reason or another, however this film has some of the most amazing qualities that filmmakers neglect to acknowledge in today's filmmaking. One of which is the anatomy-and assemble of the cast. The main and supporting cast alone is one of the reasons that I first wanted to watch the film. James Marsden gives an absolutely enthralling performance that should be more recognized in his career. I see no real holes in his acting and his character makes me wish that we could see more of those characters in films today. When James was in this film he was just getting his career going and, what some might say he was somewhat young in that stage of his career, we should hope to see such hard work, attention to character and determination in today's 'upcoming stars', as he did then. Derrick Webb is a character, I for one, hope to see more often in thrillers in the near future. Derrick's interesting appeal to women, and the fact that he is rich, makes it so much more enjoyable. Not to mention his character's thrilling change and turn of events; where at one stage we actually feel sorry for the guy for being a different type of 'freak'. Travis, played by Norman Reedus is one of those characters that I love, to delve into his artistic expressions and talent, and not to mention Norman's gripping performance as yet another type of 'artistic freak' in the film. So basically I love almost everything in this film from Joshua Jackson (and his performance) to the actual storyline as well. Furthermore, the camera lens and series of close ups at thrilling points of the film are absolutely brilliant, which again I wish filmmakers put into today's movies more often. Say what you will about Gossip but I completely love this film, and find myself watching it over and over again for multiple reasons. So it all comes down to great acting, and not only good looking actors (that we don't see as much today, as we should), great storyline, great camera shots and angles. One for the ages in my opinion (that should really get higher ratings than 5.6).

The movie premise for this film is a neat one, but looses its way in the final 1/3 of the film. Acting is good, the only problem is that near the end of the film you kinder figured it out yourself anyway.So hears the set up. Three College students decide to make up a completely untrue rumour about a fellow student to see how it changes as it is passed on via word of mouth around the campus, just like Chinese whispers. Things get out of hand though when the rumour spreads and changes into something more serious and the police become involved and arrests are made. Issues with the film are one unbelievable scene and a continuity issue, otherwise worth a watch.

*Gossip SPOILERS* Three young journalism students, Derrick (James Marsden), Jones (Lena Headey) and Travis (Norman Reedus) have an interesting idea for a Journalism class project; they'll tell a rumor and then track it as it spreads.The selected victims are the Golden Boy and Girl of the campus, Naomi (Kate Hudson) and Beau (Joshua Jackson).But the gossip, naughty but nice at first, quickly takes a turn for the worse, destroying both Naomi and Beau's lives.Jones wants to tell the truth, Travis hides in his art and Derrick... what about Derrick? And why didn't he tell anybody that he used to go to school with Naomi? For this matter, why does Naomi react with rage at the mere mention of his name? Enticing, interesting and thought-provoking, 'Gossip' is one of the most enjoyable and underrated thrillers of the '90s - early '00s, with a talented cast, an inspired directing - by Elizabeth Shue's husband, no less - and a very well-written (especially for a post Scream teen-college thriller) and tight script.Watch it... and then remember it when you talk with your friends about rumors.Gossip: 8/10.