Synopsis

Chicago weatherman Dave Spritz is successful on television but struggling in nearly every other part of his life. Separated from his wife, distant from his children, and overshadowed by his celebrated father, Dave receives a chance to audition for a national morning show. As he pursues professional advancement, he is forced to confront his failures, insecurities, and uncertainty about what happiness really means.

Factoids & Trivia

• The production filmed in Chicago rather than using Canada as a substitute location. Nicolas Cage and Gore Verbinski reportedly pushed for Chicago because the city's identity was important to the film's authenticity.

• Nicolas Cage recorded Dave's inner monologue before principal photography began. The recordings were played to him on set to help shape the character's detached, introspective delivery.

• The food thrown at Dave was reportedly hurled by Gore Verbinski himself during filming, turning one of the movie's recurring humiliations into a practical on-set gag.

• Dave's apparently plastic spoon is actually a metal spoon painted to look like plastic. A magnet was used to keep it attached to his clothing.

• Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling served as a technical adviser and appears as the television station's floor director. His participation helped ground the newsroom and weather-broadcast details.

• The film was released in the United States on October 28, 2005. With an estimated budget of $22 million, it earned approximately $19.1 million worldwide.