Synopsis

Olivia, a single and financially struggling former teacher, supports herself by cleaning houses while remaining close to three wealthy married friends. As each friend confronts private marital and personal problems, Olivia searches for stability, romance, and a direction for her life. Her work eventually brings her into contact with Marty, an awkward client whose circumstances challenge her assumptions about money and happiness.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was made on an estimated production budget of $6.5 million and earned approximately $18.1 million worldwide.

• The farmers market sequence was filmed in a guerrilla-style setup with permits but without hired extras. Most of the people visible were genuine shoppers, and some reportedly did not realize they were near the film's stars.

• The screenplay was written with Catherine Keener's role in mind. Keener received the script before the other principal performers and helped attract additional talent to the project.

• Simon McBurney was directing and performing in a London stage production during filming. He reportedly flew between London and Los Angeles several times, staying in the United States only long enough to complete his scenes.

• The opening dinner was filmed inside a real Los Angeles restaurant. Production caused enough damage to the walls that the crew had to leave marks behind after shooting.

• The movie premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival before Sony Pictures Classics released it theatrically in the United States.

• The film's domestic theatrical release expanded from a limited opening in April 2006 to more than 1,000 theaters.