Gossip (2000 American film)

Gossip

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2000
Headquarters	United States
Products	Psychological thriller film

Gossip is a 2000 American teen psychological thriller directed by Davis Guggenheim, featuring performances by James Marsden, Lena Headey, Norman Reedus, and Kate Hudson. The storyline follows three college students who fabricate a rumor as part of a class project and observe how it spreads, but the situation quickly escalates with severe repercussions. Although produced on a $24 million budget, the film earned just $12 million and was met with unfavorable critiques.

Plot

Set at a college in Manhattan, roommates Derrick Webb, Travis, and Cathy Jones enroll in a Communications course taught by Professor Goodwin. For their final assignment, they decide to invent a rumor and track its dissemination. At a social gathering, they falsely claim that Naomi Preston and her boyfriend Beau Edson have been intimate, a story that rapidly distorts as it circulates.

Naomi, unaware of the fabrication and influenced by her peers, accuses Beau of rape, resulting in his detention. Jones uncovers that Derrick and Naomi share a complicated history involving an alleged sexual assault that damaged Derrick’s reputation. Derrick confesses that he initiated the rumor as an act of vengeance against Naomi. As tensions rise, Jones attempts to reveal the truth but is thwarted by Derrick’s manipulative tactics.

After discovering the accusation against Beau, he confronts Derrick; subsequently, Derrick assaults Naomi, who later takes her own life. Suspicion turns toward Derrick, prompting police scrutiny. In a climactic sequence, Derrick seemingly shoots Jones but ultimately admits to raping Naomi. This admission is captured during a contrived police interview that exposes the facts and implicates Derrick.

The film delves into themes such as deceit, retaliation, and the harmful consequences of rumors within a collegiate environment.

Production

Principal photography took place in Toronto and Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, from October through December 1998.

Critical response

Critics offered mixed opinions on the film; while some pointed out inconsistencies in the plot and excessive melodrama, others commended its visual style and musical score. Wesley Morris of the San Francisco Examiner characterized it as combining elements typical of music videos and made-for-TV movies. Roger Ebert acknowledged the film’s initial engagement with serious subjects like date rape and gossip but expressed disappointment with its conclusion. Angus Wolfe Murray rated it three out of five stars, noting James Marsden’s compelling performance despite overall shortcomings.

Box office

Gossip opened at number 12 in the North American market with an opening weekend gross of $2.3 million but experienced a steep 59% decline the following week, dropping to 17th place.