Ruby Liang (ruby_fff)
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.
wizard42
This is a charming little comedy. The cast is first rate, the script witty, and the concept unique. The premise is absurd, which is part of the films appeal. There are two major drawbacks to the film. It doesn't show how the buzz is truly generated for the film within the film. It shows the buzz building, but doesn't explain it. This is in part required by the absurdity of the plot but it would have been nice for a realistic build up to have occurred. The other problem is that, like so many comedies, the creative team had no idea how to end the film. As a result, you get an ending that is abrupt, and which only partially builds on what went on in the film. It makes sense for the leads to end up together, but not for Mary-Louise Parker's character to end up actually directing. It would have been truer to her character for her to still need Martin Donovan's character as a front. These complaints, however, do nothing to take away from the enjoyment of the film.
roman-15
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...
LilsZoo2
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!
AD
