Anger rages in Philip as he awaits the publication of his second novel. He feels pushed out of his adopted home city by the constant crowds and noise, a deteriorating relationship with his photographer girlfriend Ashley, and his own indifference to promoting the novel. When Philip's idol Ike Zimmerman offers his isolated summer home as a refuge, he finally gets the peace and quiet to focus on his favorite subject: himself.
Acting
Schwartzman's committed performance as human garbage.
Writing
Dialogue so sharp it draws blood — then laughs.
Direction
Perry's 16mm grain makes ugliness strangely beautiful.
Director
Alex Ross Perry
Jason Schwartzman
Philip
Elisabeth Moss
Ashley
Jonathan Pryce
Ike
Krysten Ritter
Melanie
Joséphine de la Baume
Yvette
Jess Weixler
Holly
Kate Lyn Sheil
Nancy
Dree Hemingway
Emily
Keith Poulson
Josh
Craig Butta
Lowlife at Bar
Steven Boyer
Parker
Daniel London
Seth
Jennifer Kim
Girl on Stairs (uncredited)
Wai Ching Ho
Helen (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film's 16mm grain and Academy ratio were deliberate choices to evoke 1970s American cinema, particularly the works of Woody Allen and Paul Mazursky.
Jonathan Pryce based Ike Zimmerman partly on Philip Roth, creating a meta-commentary on literary legacy and the monstrous men who shape it.
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