Harry and Jake, two unsuccessful writers, spend a cathartic evening arguing about money, aesthetics, their friendship, and Harry's new manuscript.
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Title: Chinese Coffee (2000)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Al Pacino | ... | Harry Levine | |
| Jerry Orbach | ... | Jake Manheim | |
| Susan Floyd | ... | Joanna | |
| Ellen McElduff | ... | Mavis | |
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Michel Moinot | ... | Maurice |
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Judette Jones | ... | Supermarket cashier |
| Paul J.Q. Lee | ... | Counterman | |
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Joel Eidelsberg | ... | Harry's brother |
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Maria Gentile | ... | Sarah / Bellydancer |
| Christopher Evan Welch | ... | Hamlet actor | |
| Neal Jones | ... | Eteocles / Actor in play | |
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Laura Esterman | ... | Actor in play / Messenger |
| Hazelle Goodman | ... | Cafe Dante waitress (as Hazel Goodman) | |
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James Bulleit | ... | Sgt. Boyle - Undercover cop #1 |
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Mark Scarola | ... | Undercover cop #2 |
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
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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. Written by duke1029@aol.com
Plot Keywords:
writer | friendship | doorman | jealousy | reference to william shakespeare |Taglines:
There's a fine line between friendship and betrayal.Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for languageParents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Written by Victor Young (as V. Young)
Performed by Ellis Marsalis
Courtesy of Columbia Records, by arrangement with Sony Music Licensing and Famous Music Publishing
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Did You Know?
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. See more »Soundtracks
Delilah (Delilah's Theme)Written by Victor Young (as V. Young)
Performed by Ellis Marsalis
Courtesy of Columbia Records, by arrangement with Sony Music Licensing and Famous Music Publishing
See more »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
2 September 2000 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Chinese Coffee See more »Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
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.