One of Ben Stiller’s better non-comedy performances can be seen portraying a real-life drug addict in Permanent Midnight (1998), also starring the stunning Maria Bello and Owen Wilson.
Critics and audiences alike did not seem too fond of this film, but I believe it is underrated and worth a viewing.
Comedy writer Jerry Stahl, 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, who listens patiently to Stahl’s flashback. Other women in Stahl’s life are his British wife Sandra and his agent Vola. For the TV series “Mr. Chompers” (inspired by ALF), Stahl meets with sitcom exec Craig Ziffer and puppeteer Allen. For freaky freebasing, Stahl hangs with mumbler Nicky and druggie Gus.
While the acting may be good, movies about drug addicts bum me out. I won’t pay to be bummed out.
I much prefer Stiller in this kind of stuff over his “dumb comedies” (like his “smart comedies,” tho)
Can’t wait to watch this Chess! What do you think of “Boost”?
James Woods has done much better.