Pipe Dream

"Pipe Dream", directed by John Walsh with a screen play by Cynthia Kaplan presents us with the amusing premise that anyone can direct a film if one puts one mind's to it, or if the hype behind it makes it a "hot property". The film is a satirical study of the people behind the movie making deals.

We are presented with a plumber, David, whose job is perceived as such an unimportant one in comparison to the glamorous jobs in the movie business, even if it's an Indie that even Robert Redford might be interested in producing himself. David, the plumber, after spending a night with Toni Edelman in her apartment, overhears her giving a review of his performance to a girlfriend. He doesn't like what he hears! After all, he considers himself a good lover. How can he get dates with a lot of young and attractive women?, well, make believe one is a film director in search of stars for his movie.

David takes the matter into his own hands and with the help of his friend, a casting director, he makes up a non existing film based on the script he steals from Toni. Little does Toni knows what's going on behind her back until she finds out. In the meantime, all the hip talent agencies are running amok because suddenly "Pipe Dream", the still 'pipe dream' of a film, is becoming the project that everyone wants to be involved in.

Martin Donovan, as David, and Mary-Louise Parker, as Toni, make a delightful pair at the center of the story. Both performers are good at playing comedy, something that Mr. Donovan doesn't get to do often because we always tend to see him portraying intense characters. On the other hand, Ms. Parker is such an accomplished actress, she can do anything at all. The rest of the cast is excellent.

The film is a lot of fun that could have used a different resolution, but we feel good spending the hour and a half in the company of a lot of talented young actors, most of them based in New York.

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.

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!

A movie being made about a movie being made, behind the scenes stuff that you never get to see made this soulfully made and sharply done little film a hit for me. The actors found ways to get to you, an all around great and believable job each and every one. Much fun here to be enjoyed. Highly recomended for a great movie watch. Bring the popcorn and have a sit!

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.)