Cigarette Burns

Author(s): Ben
Location: Canyon, Texas

“Cigarette Burns"

Directed by Paul Weitz
Written by Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz
Produced by Rodney M. Liber & Andrew Miano & Paul Weitz

Principal Cast:

Mary-Louise Parker as Sarah Newman
Tim Roth as Lenny Briskman
Anthony Mackie as Laurence Phillips
Ian McShane as Sage McWeen
Ian Holm as Benjamin Louis
Julie Walters as Julia Newman

Tagline: “She’s getting the best reviews of her career. She’s praying they stop"

Synopsis: Sarah Newman is a famous actress, not known for her quality of work. She decides she wants to quit the business and get out of Hollywood. Unfortunately she is in the midst of a six-picture deal with her studio. So, Sarah decides every movie she appears in she will purposely try to screw up. Her sly and morally-lacking agent, Lenny Briskman, gets her a role in a long-delayed movie that is expected to bomb. Unfortunately for her, the film becomes a huge hit and she gets the best reviews from critics, even leading to an Oscar nomination. Her sudden acting “abilities” have led to attractions from her costar, Laurence Phillips, which may or may not be reciprocated. To make thing worse, her quirky director, Sage McWeen, may be stalking her. Sarah would be more than happy to talk to Sage about his attraction to her, if only she understand anything he said due to his heavy Scottish accent. The head of her studio, Benjamin Louis, wants to extend her contract, while her mother Julia, an actress from the sixties, just won’t stop calling to ask if she can be in one of Sarah’s movies or critique something in her personal life. Lenny continues to get bad movies for her, and starts to hit on her now that she is successful. Can she dispatch Lenny, pursue Laurence, figure out what the hell is going on with Sage and finally appease her mother? And on the eve of the Oscar ceremony, does she want her career back or does she still want to get out of Hollywood?

What the press would say:

There aren’t a whole lot of Hollywood movies that one can call up to memory. But as a Hollywood film, “Cigarette Burns” takes a different angle. While many films are about how lowly actors/directors/writers are trying to break into the business and find success, “Burns” turns it around and shows Sarah Newman, a successful actress played by Mary-Louise Parker, who is trying to get out. This is the dynamic that makes the film work. Written by Chris and Paul Weitz and directed by Paul, they continue to go behind the scenes in their film forays. They first looked into the world of modern-day high school (“American Pie”), the corporate world (“In Good Company”) and now Hollywood. Parker is radiant in a character that has grown tired of the attention and fame. She conveys her anxiety and cynicism about the entire situation, but whenever things start to go in a different direction, she is torn with the decision to remain in the place she, up until recently, hates. In the hands of a lesser actress, the role of Sarah Newman could have been a stereotypical picture of a Hollywood actress, but Parker brings all the bravado expected without all the drama. It certainly doesn’t hurt that she is utterly hilarious and drop-dead gorgeous. All the supporting players certainly leave a lasting impression. Tim Roth plays Sarah’s sleazy agent whose job is to get Sarah the awful roles to get her out of the film business. Roth makes the character strangely likable despite being one of the most despicable people. I don’t know who to credit more with the success of the character, Roth or the screenplay for his lightning-fast speeches and sharp wit. Also showing great ability is Anthony Mackie as Sarah’s co-star. Mackie, known by roles in “Million Dollar Baby” and “She Hate Me,” is incredibly charming and makes the audience root for his character to get the girl. He is so into his craft, that he may be discredited for how easy he makes it look (a la Jeff Bridges). Also shining in small performances is Julie Walters as Sarah’s annoying, yet warm-hearted mother, constantly seeking movie roles and providing the comedic commentary on her daughter’s life. Maybe the funniest performance of the year goes to Ian McShane. The “Deadwood” actor plays Sarah’s director who has become obsessed with her and even begins to stalk her. McShane’s conversation with any character is gut-busting due to his over-the-top, Scottish accent and the other character’s inability to comprehend. Overall, this is definitely one of the funniest and best films of the year.

For Your Consideration (Comedy)

Best Picture: Rodney M. Liber & Andrew Miano & Paul Weitz
Best Director: Paul Weitz
Best Actress: Mary-Louise Parker
Best Supporting Actor: Tim Roth
Best Supporting Actor: Anthony Mackie
Best Supporting Actor: Ian McShane
Best Supporting Actress: Julie Walters
Best Original Screenplay: Chris Weitz & Paul Weitz