Synopsis

Jerry Stahl is a successful television comedy writer whose heroin addiction steadily destroys his career, marriage, finances, and relationship with his daughter. After entering rehabilitation, he revisits the choices and compulsions that brought him to the brink. His memories reveal a darkly comic descent through Hollywood, addiction, and self-destruction, followed by an uncertain attempt to rebuild his life.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is adapted from Jerry Stahl's autobiographical 1995 memoir of the same name.

• David Duchovny was initially attached to play Stahl, but left the project to make Playing God. Ben Stiller then took the role after spending time with Stahl and developing a strong connection to the material.

• Stiller lost approximately 30 pounds for the part, using a liquid diet to achieve the gaunt appearance required for Stahl's darkest period.

• Financing took about nine months to secure. Artisan Entertainment ultimately produced and distributed the film.

• The fictional television series Mr. Chompers is modeled on ALF, reflecting Stahl's experience writing for commercially successful but unconventional television comedies.

• The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 1998, before receiving a limited United States theatrical release on September 18. Its modest theatrical performance was followed by stronger results in the home-video market.

• Stiller's dramatic performance was widely noted as a major departure from his better-known comic roles.