Pipe Dream

I saw this film last night at the Seattle International Film Festival, and was absolutely delighted at the wit and wry humour that this film possessed. Each of the characters is endearingly flawed - ("this person could be me") and adds a lovely human factor. I guess this film is only going to be limited in it's release initially, but seriously, if you have a chance to see it - it'll brighten your week. It's very off-the-cuff, not contrived a bit and NOTHING like your usual romantic comedy. . .The characters are actually bright and original. The screenwriter, Cynthia Kaplan, was at the screening that night, and it was very apparent that there will be much more to come from her. She has a book evidently too: "Why I'm like this". Sign me up!

It is a breezy comedy about identity crisis - a plumber, a screenwriter, a casting professional. Using the process/journey of making a film as the storyline, tying the various characters and relationship concerns together, "Pipe Dream" is rather amusingly fun. Watching Martin Donovan and Mary Louise Parker interact is a treat. They are both the leads in this film, front and centered. Their enjoyable pairing in supporting roles can be appreciated in w-d Brian Dannelly's "Saved!" 2004. Both appeared in Jane Campion's "Portrait of a Lady" 1996 with Nicole Kidman.

Martin Donovan is a staple collaborator in Hal Hartley's films: "Amateur" 1994, "Simple Men" 1992, "Trust" 1991 (highly recommended. NFE: Not for everyone.) He's also remarkable in director Angela Pope's "Hollow Reed" 1995, about child custody situation, where Martin delivered a firm and sensitive role of a divorced father/doctor who lives with a male partner (heart-rending, excellent child performance from Sam Bould as Oliver, the 9-year old son). Donovan co-wrote (with David Koepp) and directed a film called "Apartment Zero" 1988, with Colin Firth in the lead - another NFE but for dark/psycho ventures/suspense (in Buenos Aires) if you're gamed.

Mary Louise Parker is ever so marvelous and underrated. She's in w-d Jeremy Podeswa's "Five Senses" 1999 (Canadian production), Herbert Ross's "Boys on the Side" 1994 (written by Don Roos) with Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Barrymore, Jon Avnet's "Fried Green Tomatoes" 1991 with a stellar women cast.

For an Asian (Hong Kong) flavor of a movie/comedy drama using process of making a film as storyline, try the forever versatile and talented Leslie Cheung in "Viva Erotica" aka "Se Qing Nan Nu" 1996.

We caught "Pipe Dream" on the Cable last night. I must say it was entertaining, well written and extremely well acted.

The funny part is that the whole movie *also* has an "indie" aura that's supposed to be in the film thats being filmed.

Very good acting. The only actor that doesn't really "fit" is the plumber. He has a cultural level WAY above I would guess 95% of NY Plumbers. But besides that, all the rest is very good.

Even though it's not a *great* movie, it surely is way above 70% of what's being made today.

I would expect more fine screenplays from the same author...

Nice and entertaining...

This is an extremely charming comedy that delivers on every level: as a witty, touching love story (Martin Donovan and Mary Louise Parker are both fantastic and have terrific chemistry), as a perceptive satire on filmmaking, and as a thoughtful look at the ways we perceive the people with whom we come into contact every day. The film's examination of how we perceive those around us is sharp and complex but never preachy---the movie's message is communicated through thoroughly absorbing drama rather than pontification. The direction is elegant and expressive without being self-conscious---the director doesn't have to force his effects because the characters are strong and the lush cinematography makes us fall in love with each and every one of them. The film goes in unexpected directions without feeling contrived and generates big, smart laughs. "Pipe Dream" is a real winner.

There's a scene towards the very end of the movie, where Mary-Louise Parker .. bit.ly/Suuvwk .. (now the director) and Martin Donovan are talking about the filming setup. It is here that you see just how good an actor she truly is... watching her very subtle and natural facial movements adding depth to her character and the role. All the cast is good and the script is sharp and witty. This is a very good movie, smartly made and very well acted. It's easily four star.. even slightly higher. That same scene at the very end of the film shows a corner street sign.. anyone from the city know what part of town that is? (Good number of family members one time lived right around the corner.)