Chinese Coffee (2000)

Harry and Jake, two unsuccessful writers, spend a cathartic evening arguing about money, aesthetics, their friendship, and Harry's new manuscript.

Director:

Al Pacino

Writers:

Ira Lewis (play), Ira Lewis (screenplay)

Stars:

Al Pacino, Jerry Orbach, Susan Floyd

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Al Pacino	...	Harry Levine
Jerry Orbach	...	Jake Manheim
Susan Floyd	...	Joanna
Ellen McElduff	...	Mavis
Michel Moinot	...	Maurice
Judette Jones	...	Supermarket cashier
Paul J.Q. Lee	...	Counterman
Joel Eidelsberg	...	Harry's brother
Maria Gentile	...	Sarah / Bellydancer
Christopher Evan Welch	...	Hamlet actor
Neal Jones	...	Eteocles / Actor in play
Laura Esterman	...	Actor in play / Messenger
Hazelle Goodman	...	Cafe Dante waitress (as Hazel Goodman)
James Bulleit	...	Sgt. Boyle - Undercover cop #1
Mark Scarola	...	Undercover cop #2

Storyline

When aging, unsuccessful Greenwich Village writer Harry Levine is fired from his job as restaurant doorman, he calls on friend and mentor Jake, ostensibly to collect a long-standing debt. Harry takes the opportunity to solicits his opinion on his latest manuscript, a work of semi-fiction based on their longtime friendship. Although he initially denies having read it, Jake later attacks it on aesthetic grounds, and deep-seated feelings of betrayal and jealousy surface, resulting in a traumatic confrontation.

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Plot Keywords:

writer | friendship | doorman | jealousy | reference to william shakespeare | 

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Taglines:

There's a fine line between friendship and betrayal.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Al Pacino starred in the 1992 Broadway stage production of "Chinese Coffee".

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Goofs

Around 25 minutes into the film, Harry opens a large jar of pennies by unscrewing the lid and placing it onto the table. The lid then mysteriously reappears on the jar seconds later.

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Quotes

Harry Levine: Fucking French.

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Connections

Referenced in Biography: Al Pacino: Inside Out (2001)

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Soundtracks

Na Pozicky Ji Dyevushka
Performed by Sándor Lakatos (as Sandor Lakatos) and His Gypsy Ensemble
Published by Apon
Courtesy of Radical Entertainment

User Reviews

Star(no)buck (web)

For his 2nd movie, Al gives us an unusual movie, maybe imperfect but original and totally personal.

We are far away of a big production and big issues as the movie is a nightly discussion between two friends that have real troubles to live with their art.

Honestly, I see no difference between this fiction character and the real Al that was unveiled in his first movie: Al is a simple guy that loves NYC and his passion is more for stage than acting.

Nowadays when stars are obsessed with their look, Al just doesn't care, even if his bent attitude and ugly clothes, he may look as a tramp. It's funny to see that getting older, he has gone from godfather, mayor, the devil to lefty, Shylock and this penniless beret writer! In a funny way, he's like an old Serpico who hadn't leave his basement accommodation!

However, inside, he's still the same great guy: supportive, helpful but sometimes a bit grumpy and always ready to scream! But, what the heck, we are humans so imperfect and it's better to be straight and noisy than devious and smiling!

Thus, even if the stage is minimal and narrow, we have access to all those nuances from Al and his buddy is great to share the ball. There are even funny moments and a good reflexion about artists' condition.

In a way, Al didn't look for big effects but true, simple moments. It may be a waste but finally, it's like you can share a evening with him, talking about life and nothing, and thus it's infinitely valuable.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 September 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chinese Coffee

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chal Productions, Shooting Gallery

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1