Confessions of a Burning Man

In 1940, Chuck Barris, played by Sam Rockwell, spends his teenage years in Philadelphia focused on romantic escapades. However, despite his attempts at promiscuity, he often faces disappointment and unfulfilled expectations in his love life.

After being inspired by a television advertisement in 1955, Chuck decides to leave Philadelphia. His ambition to become a celebrated television figure leads him to Manhattan, where he seeks out new opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Chuck applies for a competitive management trainee program at NBC, facing stiff competition from 2,000 applicants for just 5 spots. To stand out among the crowd, he resorts to dishonesty on his application, showcasing his desperation for success.

During his time at NBC, Chuck becomes romantically involved with a fellow page named Georgia. Their relationship takes a serious turn when Georgia discovers she is pregnant, coinciding tragically with Chuck's impending job termination.

In 1961, Chuck returns to Philadelphia and begins working as a personal assistant to Dick Clark on *American Bandstand*. This role allows him to immerse himself in the television industry and continue his pursuit of fame.

As Chuck becomes more involved in the television scene, he starts a romantic relationship with Debbie, an ABC executive. Their relationship propels Chuck further into the entertainment industry, but it also complicates his romantic life.

During this period, Chuck writes the hit song 'Palisades Park' and falls for Penny Pacino, who happens to be Debbie’s roommate. This new relationship inspires Chuck to create a unique dating show concept, eventually leading to the development of *The Dating Game*.

Initially, Chuck's proposal for *The Dating Game* is met with rejection from ABC, which opts to pursue a different show, *Hootenanny*. Chuck's disappointment highlights the often harsh realities of breaking into the television industry.

After a bar fight that leads to his dismissal, Chuck meets CIA agent Jim Byrd, who tempts him with the allure of espionage. This meeting draws Chuck into a world of adventure, danger, and the promise of lucrative missions.

Chuck undergoes basic training for his new role and proves to be an exceptional sniper. This unexpected skill propels him deeper into the life of a spy, intertwining his television career with thrilling covert operations.

After completing his training, Chuck is sent on a mission to Mexico. Upon his return, he finds that Penny has transformed into a peace-loving hippie, showcasing the changing dynamics in both his personal and professional life.

By 1967, *The Dating Game* becomes a massive success, elevating Chuck into the spotlight. However, he faces challenges as he must balance the demands of fame with the pressures of the CIA and the strict standards imposed by the network.

As Chuck juggles his television success, he is sent on an assignment to Helsinki, where he meets an attractive operative named Patricia Watson. The encounter leads to complex entanglements that blur the lines between his professional and personal lives.

In 1970, Chuck's journey takes him to West Berlin for a mission to eliminate a communist named Hans Colbert. This operation leads to a harrowing experience of captivity at the hands of the KGB, revealing the dark side of his double life.

By 2002, Chuck prepares for a much-anticipated interview about his memoir, *Confessions of a Dangerous Mind*. This moment encapsulates the complexities of his double existence as both a television producer and a covert operative.