This film opens with an amazing time-lapse sequence as the sun rises on Los Angeles. Among the first times we see people, it is as we learn of superagent Ivan Beckman's (Huston's) death. His agency cohorts are trying to do damage control and salvage client relationships. Those gathered at his funeral assume drugs played a key role in his demise. In fact, Beckman had a tumor, which prompted his out-of-control use of drugs and alcohol.
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The film shifts to Beckman's last days as he works to secure Don West (Peter Weller) as a client. Beckman learns of his condition during a routine physical examination. He knows he cannot tip his hand to anyone -- not even his girlfriend (Lisa Enos) -- lest he relinquish all he has worked to achieve.
Thus begins his hedonistic and nihilistic dark plunge. Beckman tries to lose himself, self-destructing as he searches for some semblance of meaning or redemption in a profession and town seemingly incapable of providing either.
Based on Tolstoy's "The Live and Death of Ivan Ilyich," Bernard Rose shot this film on high definition video and uses a modified approach to the Dogme 95 style espoused by Lars von Trier (BREAKING THE WAVES, DANCER IN THE DARK).
The review of this Movie prepared by ldpaulson
