200 Cigarettes (1999)

A collection of twentysomethings try to cope with relationships, loneliness, desire and their individual neuroses.

Director:

Risa Bramon Garcia

Writer:

Shana Larsen

Stars:

Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Affleck	...	Bartender
Casey Affleck	...	Tom
Jennifer Albano	...	Cheryl
Jenni Blong	...	Cheryl's Friend (as Jenny Blong)
Morgan Brown	...	French Rocker
Caleb Carr	...	Cynical Bar Patron
Dave Chappelle	...	Disco Cabbie
Elvis Costello	...	Elvis Costello
Guillermo Díaz	...	Dave (as Guillermo Diaz)
Angela Featherstone	...	Caitlyn
Patrick Frederic	...	Tiki Sobbing Man
Janeane Garofalo	...	Ellie
Gaby Hoffmann	...	Stephie
Kate Hudson	...	Cindy
David Johansen	...	Tiki Bartender

Storyline

New Year's Eve, 1981, the Lower East Side. Monica's having a party, but as late as 9, no one's there. She stews (and drinks). Folks are on their way, all looking for love, sex, or both. En route, paths cross, gambits misfire: a performance artist, her boyfriend until today and his long-time pal Lucy, two Long Island high-school girls, two punk rockers, a bartender, a Scottish painter who's lousy in bed, a pretty face named Jack who runs when women say they love him, his cute but clumsy date Cindy, two trendy vamps, a loquacious cabby, the man-crazed Hillary, and Elvis Costello. Nearly everybody smokes, and nearly everybody scores. And all get who and what they deserve.

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Plot Keywords:

cigarette smoking | number in title | new year's eve | party | friend | 

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Taglines:

It's 11:59 on New Year's Eve. Do you know where your date is?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language and sexual content

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 February 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Islander

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,244,277, 28 February 1999, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$6,851,636, 9 May 1999

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dogstar Films,Lakeshore Entertainment,MTV Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Christina Ricci once said in an interview, that while shooting in the East Village, the landlord of one of the buildings, of which shot in front, did not want her building featured in the movie, because she was personally against smoking, due to her father dying of lung cancer. She orchestrated several antics to sabotage shooting, including hanging a "NO SMOKING" sign in one of the windows, covering posts on the street with aluminum foil, and singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" during filming. She even almost punched out an extra for stepping onto the stoop during a shot, and walked towards camera with the "NO SMOKING" sign while singing.

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Goofs

The beer that the punk kids offer to Val and her friend is Miller Genuine Draft, a brand of beer that was not introduced until well after 1981.

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Quotes

Lucy: In the five years we've known each other, have you once even ever considered having sex with me? Apart from tonight. You don't think I'm attracted to you.
Kevin: I don't think you're attracted to half the men you sleep with.
Lucy: You think I'm a slut!
Kevin: What? No.
Lucy: Yeah, you think I'm a big slut.
Kevin: I don't think you're a slut. A skanky little ho maybe, but never a slut.
Lucy: The truth is, you're afraid.
Kevin: What? I'm afraid. I'm, yeah, OK, you... I feel so naked right now. I'm totally afraid.
Lucy: It is so obvious.
Kevin: And so ...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

At the end of credits Disco Cabie can be heard saying, "If you only remember one thing I've said, remember this; James Brown is the baddest motherf@cker in show business."

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Alternate Versions

A workprint copy exists, which does add some extra footage

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #22.6 (2005)

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Soundtracks

Cruel to Be Kind
By Nick Lowe & Ian Gomm
Performed by Nick Lowe
Under license from Riviera Global Productions Ltd.
By Arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

User Reviews

i think you gotta be puff puffed out to be into this film

It may just be me but when i was introduced into this flick through a mate of mine back in 2002 and thought it was absolutely brilliant...BUT this may just be me.I love films with small budgets/small budget looks etc and with a plot that can keep you well entertained.

Personally i felt that every actor/actress involved done a marvelous job with their roles, and being a fan of the likes of Paul Rudd, Dave Chappelle (also tied with him Guillermo Diaz - Half Baked is a classic) and definitely not forgetting the Afflecks, and to stimulate that macho side of me i better name Janeane Garofalo as a great cult actor.I found myself gut-twisted to realize that Courtney Love (to whom i thought i despised) was pretty damn alright in this flick (again i haven't really seen another flick with her in).

Back on point and to conclude i watched this flick about 3 years ago and loved it...Over time it kept creeping up on me and remembering the title i search the net and was sad to realize that a PAL(UK/Euro) copy was not available...Thy blessed thou Multi-region DVD Player and bought an NTSC from the states and the results were that of one satisfied customer. As to summarizing, if you enjoy films such as Half Baked, Idle Hands or teen movies to the likes of Van Wilder then buying this movie is without a doubt for you..If you are the absolute opposite of this then i advise you SPRINT away from this movie as with all NEW satirical comedies there are phrases/words that may be offensive to some and also not too many people are comfortable with liberal-type issues, older generations shall i say?.

Buy this movie but remember you are not buying the "meaning of life" so don't expect miracles such as water into wine but do expect an attractive cast and plot with many many laughs throughout.

******* out of **********

7 out of 10 because life's worth IT