John Ritter plays Zach, a writer with writer's block who also is a womanizer, a drunk and a selfish jerk. When the story begins, Zach's destroying yet another marriage by cheating on his spouse. The story consists of watching Zach screw up his life again and again.
Despite being written and directed by Blake Edwards, this film is NOT a comedy...though some reviewers inexplicably thought it was hilarious. It has a few mildly funny moments (such as the cock fight and, although very sick, the bit involving Harry) but I don't think Edwards intended it as a comedy but a portrait of an incredibly screwed up man....and on that level the film does work. You dislike and possibly hate Zach...but you also can't help but think that Edwards and Ritter did a fine job of making a realistic self-destructive man. In some ways, it reminded me of one of Edwards' earliest successes..."Days of Wine and Roses". And, on that level, the film worked well for me. Overall, while very unpleasant to watch at times, a very well made picture.
One thing to note. If you do watch the film, don't be surprised with all the nudity. It isn't surprising based on the material....but I thought you should know.
Despite being written and directed by Blake Edwards, this film is NOT a comedy...though some reviewers inexplicably thought it was hilarious. It has a few mildly funny moments (such as the cock fight and, although very sick, the bit involving Harry) but I don't think Edwards intended it as a comedy but a portrait of an incredibly screwed up man....and on that level the film does work. You dislike and possibly hate Zach...but you also can't help but think that Edwards and Ritter did a fine job of making a realistic self-destructive man. In some ways, it reminded me of one of Edwards' earliest successes..."Days of Wine and Roses". And, on that level, the film worked well for me. Overall, while very unpleasant to watch at times, a very well made picture.
One thing to note. If you do watch the film, don't be surprised with all the nudity. It isn't surprising based on the material....but I thought you should know.