"There is an old Spanish proverb; 'It is good to have a friend even in Hell".  This is quoted in the beginning of this movie, and playing throughout the film is a lovely delicate, Irish flavored piece of music. It is a movie that makes you laugh and think about today's society and how hard it is when your values are more ethereal.

The paradox of being creative and being employed: the dilemma of the thinking artist. John Lee, (Trevor, of Aeon Flux fame) the star of the film, plays Duggan, a playwright, and we watch his struggle to interact with the cold world around him that is so often flimsy of soul which can leave the best of us short of breath.

Duggan, an intelligent, sensitive man, with values out of step with his marriage (wife played by Denise Poirier, who was the voice of Aeon Flux) and his address, Hollywood.  Emma, an aging English stage actress, (played by June Claman), and Duggan find their lives intertwined through the necessity of employment. She needs a driver, he needs to pay the rent. It doesn't take long for the cantankerous actress to manage to obtain a role in his play, without his blessing, which she deems a fine work suitable for her talents. As she moves into his world taking over his play, still a fighter of life in her last years, he finds it difficult to cope and turns to sarcastic remarks and sullen behavior.

At this point his marriage dies it's last breath,and he muses, "As ridiculous as it sounds I miss the yelling and the arguing", but the scene you are viewing is one of loving caresses between his best friend Hammond and new girl. The real author of this movie, John Lee, seems to be making his point as to what is really missed when love is over, as one becomes the outsider and observer to love.

Left alone in his world, he turns complete attention to his play.  Emma, who entered his life like a hemorrhoid now becomes a friend and peer as they together employ their talents in his play.  His life changed forever he takes uncertain steps as he puts the pieces of his life back together, submerged in his work.  Friends in the enjoyment of the real craft of the arts, they rise above life's struggle to accomplish a serious work.

It is the story of people, friends and lovers, all living in a complex world that steals from you before giving back.  The jokes are honestly funny and the cast is well chosen, and I haven't had such a good time watching a movie in a long time. John Lee's voice is incredible in it's own power to convey emotion and depth. Directed by Eric Neal Young, this movie is perfect in its timing, like a song in which all the notes are correct.  I thought this movie was subtle and refreshing.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

A struggling Hollywood writer takes a job as a driver for a cursing, cantankerous old British actress. She believes she has one great role left in her...and decides that it should be in his new play.

June Claman and John Rafter Lee in Breathing Hard (2001)

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

John Billingsley and John Rafter Lee in Breathing Hard (2001)

Breathing Hard

Photos3

Top Cast35

User reviews3

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed