Life on the Ledge (2005)

Brian Leib, a thirty-two year old, ritualistic neurotic recluse who lives with his paranoid parents, only leaves his house to see his psychiatrist. His days are kept as simple as the loaf ... See full summary »

Director:

Lewis Helfer

Writer:

Lewis Helfer

Stars:

Lewis Helfer, Melissa Sagemiller, Tovah Feldshuh

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lewis Helfer	...	Brian
Melissa Sagemiller	...	Claire
Tovah Feldshuh	...	Mother
Mark Blum	...	Father
Gale Harold	...	Chaz
David Thornton	...	Mr. Eddy
Daphne Rubin-Vega	...	Trisha
Max Meltzer	...	Alter Ego
Derron 'Smokey' Edington	...	Rudy (as Smokey)
Omar Metwally	...	Druggist
Jacob Reynolds	...	Donnie
Irma St. Paule	...	Grandmother
Salem Ludwig	...	Grandfather
Brad Roberts	...	Lounge Singer
Stan Lachow	...	Dr. Frank

Storyline

Brian Leib, a thirty-two year old, ritualistic neurotic recluse who lives with his paranoid parents, only leaves his house to see his psychiatrist. His days are kept as simple as the loaf of bread he makes every morning; the first slice his breakfast, the last slice his dessert--this gives him a "sense of closure for the day." On the verge of jumping he finds a tumor on his neck. Through this new found bad news he gets the strength to talk to Claire, another patient of his psychiatrist's. Claire, a beautiful stripper with a badly stained childhood lets her male guard down and lets Brian in. In order to protect Claire, Brian gets involved with a motley crew of gangsters, faces his fears and gains the will to live... but is it too late?

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Production company site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Ledge Films LLC, 75 Films

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

User Reviews

a great film

I saw this film at the Austin Film Fest of 2005 and I must say it was one of the better films I saw there. Lewis Helfer, who wrote, directed, and starred in this film, plays Brian, a 32 year old oddball, still living with his parents in NYC. His unique character, including his numerous face twitches, his daily loaf of bread, and unusual thought processes were all visually presented in a smart and comical way. Aware of his pitiful existence, Brian contemplates suicide almost daily, and finally decides to do it. But soon after his decision, he is told by doctors that he will only have two weeks to live. With this prognosis, he decides to live life "to the fullest." With this new rule for life, he decides to talk to the beautiful and mysterious Claire. As things unfold, he finds himself living for the first time, but time is running out. The experimental aspect of the film works very well comically, taking the audience into hilarious dream sequences and the inner-workings of his mind. I really enjoyed this film for it's quaint-ness, if you know what I mean. This was a little story with intricately molded characters that made a lasting impact on me. I unfortunately saw the second screening of the film, where Lewis Helfer was not present. If he was, I'd definitely give him kudos and a hug.