Hurlyburly (1998)

Hollywood movers and shakers dissect their own personal lives when everything seems to clash together.

Director:

Anthony Drazan

Writers:

David Rabe (play), David Rabe (screenplay)

Stars:

Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sean Penn	...	Eddie
Kevin Spacey	...	Mickey
Robin Wright	...	Darlene (as Robin Wright Penn)
Chazz Palminteri	...	Phil
Garry Shandling	...	Artie
Anna Paquin	...	Donna
Meg Ryan	...	Bonnie
Gianna Palminteri	...	Susie (as Gianna Renaudo)
David Fabrizio	...	Store Manager
Kenny Vance	...	Singer
Michaline Babich	...	Receptionist
Elaine Corral Kendall	...	TV Anchor (as Elaine Corral)
Sharon Tay	...	TV Reporter
Frank Somerville	...	TV Anchor
Bob Jimenez	...	Newscaster

Storyline

Hurly-burly is an adaptation of David Rabe's well known play about the intersecting lives of several Hollywood players and wannabes whose personal lives threaten to veer into a catastrophe more interesting than anything they're peddling to the studios.

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Plot Keywords:

one word title | based on play | group of friends | male female relationship | teenage girl | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for constant drug use, pervasive strong language and sexual material

Details

Official Sites:

Fine Line Features

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ano kato

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$164,826, 27 December 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$1,796,328, 4 April 1999

Company Credits

Production Co:

FilmColony, Storm Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film cast includes three Oscar winners: Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey and Anna Paquin; and one Oscar nominee: Chazz Palminteri.

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Goofs

When Eddie lies under the glass table while Mickey and Artie talk to him, the location (and amount) of cocaine changes between shots.

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Quotes

Eddie: She doesn't have to have one now.
Phil: I tried telling her that, Eddie! I told her, I've got three kids in Toledo, I don't even know how old they are! I haven't seen 'em since I went to prison. I don't want any more kids rolling around their beds at night with this sick, fuckin' hatred of me. I can't stand it.

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Connections

Features The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt (1983)

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Soundtracks

Aldritch Sauce
(music video)
Written & Performed by Red Aunts

User Reviews

solid direction-terrific ensemble cast

You liked "Glengarry Glen Ross"? You're gonna love THIS one. Kevin Spacey doing his patented "snide" riffs. Anna Paquin growing up and showing some range. Garry Shandling? Who knew? Meg Ryan finally playing something besides America's Sweetheart. Disturbingly funny in some sequences (particularly the Sean Penn-Chazz Palminteri duets) and laugh-out-loud vaudeville in others (the Spacey-Penn cell phone bit is an instant classic). The ensemble cast, with excellent direction, gets all the rhythms of the script. It may look a little over-the-top here and there but it seems to be a conscious choice by the director in this epic send-up of 80's Hollywood excess.

While it's readily apparent that no one is going to go home humming the tunes from this one, it's still a bit surprising that the film garnered no major nominations. Same deal as "Glengarry". Give 'em a great ensemble in a black comedy with no discernible "star", a solid script and inventive direction and be prepared for the icy shoulder at Oscar time. It's an unjust world we live in. This movie deserves a wider audience but owing to the subject matter, it probably won't get one. But I'll give it an 85, Dick. It's got a great beat and you can dance to it!