Paparazzi and the supermarket tabloids that feature their work fascinate millions of people (even though many are reluctant to admit it), including screenwriter Forrest Smith. After hearing some incredible tabloid horror stories, Smith wrote the PAPARAZZI screenplay, fashioning it around a fictional rising star named Bo Laramie. Bo has been dreaming of a Hollywood career and the joy and success that come with it for most of his life. But the old warning about being careful what you wish for is about to change his life in ways he never imagined.
“Bo is pretty down-to-earth, an all-American guy,” says Cole Hauser about his character. “He’s from small-town Montana, probably worked construction, and then found his calling after doing a few plays.”
Moving to California with his wife Abby was the next logical step, and Bo was lucky enough to land a small movie role, which led to another, and another. “Then he hit with his first big movie, and skyrocketed from there and gets his first taste of real fame,” says Hauser.
But what price fame? For Bo and his family, it’s the beginning of a nightmare. “This is a story of a young actor who’s been dreaming of great Hollywood success,” says Robin Tunney, who plays Bo’s wife, Abby. “But with that success comes things I don’t think he ever imagined – the invasion of privacy by the paparazzi.”
“It’s a common tale,” Tunney continues. “Part of what comes with fame is a certain responsibility but also the understanding that you might lose a little bit of privacy in return. It’s something they don’t teach you in acting class.”
Bo accepts that fate, until a horrible accident – caused by a relentless band of photographers – sends his wife and son to the hospital. Abby Laramie has multiple injuries and their son, Zach lapses into a coma. This sets in motion a chain of events that will spell the end of these paparazzi.
These particular paparazzi have been harassing Bo since he began his rise to stardom. “The irony is that Bo really doesn’t care if you take pictures of him,” says Cole Hauser. “But they stepped over the line when they started taking pictures of Bo’s family.”
“The most sacred thing in the world to Bo is his family,” adds director Paul Abascal. “They mean everything to him, and once you start messing with his family, it begins a ripple effect.”
But this band of paparazzi couldn’t care less about ripple effects. Led by Rex, they’re a ruthless bunch, thinking only of the monetary gain the “right” photo will bring… consequences be damned. “Rex is the rock star of paparazzi,” says Tom Sizemore. “He’s the best there is, and the most ambitious.” Sizemore has had his own experiences with the paparazzi, and the irony of playing this part brings a chuckle. “My first reaction to the script, having had my own run-ins with these guys, was that it’s kind of fitting. I’m not the most hounded of actors, but I’ve been on that end enough to know just how devastating it can be.”
As Bo takes steps to ensure the safety of his family, paparazzi begin dying, one by one. Detective Burton becomes suspicious of Bo, but without proof his hands are tied. Bo and the detective engage in a game of cat and mouse. “Burton respects Bo,” says Cole Hauser, “and I think Bo respects Burton. There’s a certain amount of understanding that Burton has for Bo, but he has a job to do.” Dennis Farina agrees: “Burton knows who’s behind all these murders and after a short while the audience knows, too,” he says. “These guys (the paparazzi) give their peers a bad name,” he continues. “They’re pretty bad guys and they cause all kinds of havoc. There’s a little bit of a revenge motive going on, and then my character comes in and puts it all together.”
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