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

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Broadway production of "Hurlyburly" by David Rabe opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater in New York on August 7, 1984, ran for 343 performances and was nominated for the 1985 Tony Award for the Best Play.

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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

Mickey: You're right. Good taste has undoubtedly deprived me of any number of friendships.

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Connections

Referenced in The Larry Sanders Show: Flip (1998)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Review

This is a recipe for filmmaking at its finest... Get a dialog driven play, get the playwright to pen it for the screen, and toss in two of the most intense and talented actors (Kevin Spacey and Sean Penn) in the business, supported by a very talented and surprising cast. What do you get? Hurlyburly! Billed as a black comedy, this is more what I would term "black hole" comedy. It is VERY dark, very disturbing, and the humor comes from the characters' need to lighten up a moment or to justify their actions. This film is NOT for everyone... If you're looking for anything truly humorous, this isn't the film. But if you want to see amazing acting and professionals who work well together, this is your film. Read other reviews with cautions on this film--don't confuse the tone of someone who hates what the characters stand for, what they believe in, and how they behave with the quality of the work done by the entire cast.

Details

Official Sites:

Fine Line Features

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hurlyburly

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$164,826, 27 December 1998

Gross USA:

$1,798,862

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,808,004

Company Credits

Production Co:

FilmColony, Storm Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1