The Offer is a biography drama by Michael Tolkin that follows the production of Francis Ford Coppola’s crime film ‘ The Godfather. The show focuses on the numerous challenges facing producer Albert S. Ruddy when he attempts to adapt the novel of Mario Puzo to the screen with the assistance of Puzo and Coppola.
Although Ruddy enjoys the support of the head of the studio Robert Evans, studio executive Barry Lapidus creates constant hurdles for Ruddy and Evans. Naturally, viewers are interested to know if the character’s origins are based on an actual person. If you’re interested in finding out if Barry Lapidus was an inspiration from a real-life person, Here is what we’ve gathered about the subject!
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Who Is Barry Lapidus?
Barry Lapidus is introduced in the premiere episode of the show ‘The Offer, which is titled “A Seat at the Table. He is an executive in the studio in Paramount Pictures and works directly under the CEO Charles Bluhdorn. Barry has become a fierce adversary of the studio’s director Robert Evans and disapproves of Evans’s decision-making.
Barry is constantly trying to interfere in the making of ‘The Godfather and poses an affront to Evans in his position. Barry attempts to persuade Bluhdorn that he should sell the rights to adapt the book in the direction of Warner Bros, while Evans believes that the movie will generate huge profits at the box office for the struggling studio.
The actor Colin Hanks essays the role of Barry Lapidus in the series. Hanks is the child of famous actor Tom Hanks and first appeared on stage in 1996. Hanks’s first big break came from the science fiction TV series ‘Roswell’, which began airing in 1999. Hanks is perhaps most famous for his character Greg Short in the sitcom ‘ Life in Pieces. His other credits include shows like ‘ Fargo’ and ‘ Dexter’ and the action-adventure movies “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and ‘Jumanji: the next Level.’
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Is Barry Lapidus Based on a Real Person?
It’s not true; any one real person does not inspire Barry Lapidus. The creators of the show create the character. In an interview with the show’s creators, actor Colin Hanks shed light on the character’s inspiration and called Barry The Godfather the series “bad guy.” Hanks declared that his character was an amalgamation of the many people who didn’t want “The Godfather” to be seen in the light of day. The actor also revealed that he had himself the preparation for the role and didn’t take his inspiration from actual people.
Hanks said that Barry’s notions of Hollywood are old-fashioned, and he doesn’t support the auteurist view. Instead, he would like the directors, writers and actors to adhere to the basic formula of filmmaking. Based on Hank’s remarks, it’s a clear fact that Barry Lapidus is a fictional character who represents the dangers of the studio system. The character demonstrates the mindset of studio executives who see the cinema as a commercial venture rather than an art. This character contributes to the drama’s tension and increases the tension.
