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Plot

David Veloz made his directorial debut with this drama adapted from the autobiography of comedy writer Jerry Stahl (Ben Stiller), whose $6000-a-week heroin habit had him taking his infant daughter along on his drug runs and doing smack during TV script conferences. Departing detox, Stahl explores memories with survivor Kitty (Maria Bello), who listens patiently to Stahl's flashback. Other women in Stahl's life are his British wife Sandra (Elizabeth Hurley) and his agent Vola (Lourdes Benedicto). For the TV series "Mr. Chompers" (inspired by ALF), Stahl meets with sitcom exec Craig Ziffer (Fred Willard) and puppeteer Allen (Charles Fleischer). For freaky freebasing, Stahl hangs with mumbler Nicky (Owen Wilson) and druggie Gus (Peter Greene). Stahl himself can be seen in a cameo as the methadone clinic doctor. Shown at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival.
MPAA Rating:
R for pervasive graphic drug use, strong sexuality and language.
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
90min.
Theatrical Release Date:
09/16/1998
DVD Release Date:
02/23/1999
Distributor(s):
Artisan
Director(s):
David Veloz
Starring:
Ben Stiller , Elizabeth Hurley , Maria Bello , Owen Wilson , Lourdes Benedicto
Themes:
Writer's Life,Rise and Fall Stories,Drug Addiction
Tone:
Reflective,Biting,Matter-of-Fact,Cynical,Disturbing,Downbeat
Keywords:
autobiography,creativity,drug-addiction,heroin,script,writer
Country of Origin:
USA (09-18-1998)
Language:
English