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The Words poster

The Words (2012)

“There's more than one way to take a life.”

6.7/10 · 1,337 votes 1h 42m pg-13 ThrillerDrama

#92 of 232 films from 2012 #943 of 2475 in thriller

Directed by Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal · Written by Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

The Words follows young writer Rory Jansen who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch - he didn't write it. As the past comes back to haunt him and his literary star continues to rise, Jansen is forced to confront the steep price that must be paid for stealing another man's work, and for placing ambition and success above life's most fundamental three words.

Cast

Bradley Cooperas Rory Jansen
Zoe Saldañaas Dora Jansen
Jeremy Ironsas The Old Man
Dennis Quaidas Clay Hammond
Olivia Wildeas Danielle
J.K. Simmonsas Mr. Jansen
John Hannahas Richard Ford
Željko Ivanekas Joseph Cutler
Ben Barnesas Young Man
Michael McKeanas Nelson Wylie
Nora Arnezederas Celia
Ron Rifkinas Timothy Epstein
Gianpaolo Venutaas Dave Farber
Liz Stauberas Camy Rosen

Facts

Release dateSeptember 7, 2012
Runtime102 min (1h 42m) — about the same as the 2012 average of 103 min
GenresThriller, Drama
LanguageEN
Budget$6,000,000
Box office$13,231,461 (2.2× budget)
IMDbtt1840417

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Questions

How long is The Words?
The Words runs 102 minutes (1h 42m).
Is The Words worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.7/10 across 1,337 votes, which places it #92 of 232 films released in 2012 in this index (top 61%) and #943 among 2475 thriller titles.
Who directed The Words?
The Words was directed by Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal.
Who stars in The Words?
Bradley Cooper as Rory Jansen; Zoe Saldaña as Dora Jansen; Jeremy Irons as The Old Man; Dennis Quaid as Clay Hammond; Olivia Wilde as Danielle; J.K. Simmons as Mr. Jansen.
What is The Words rated?
It carries a pg-13 certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Words?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/8744.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.