Watch Blue in the Face

Blue in the Face is a comedy-drama film released in 1995 starring Harvey Keitel, Lou Reed, and Michael J. Fox. The movie is directed by Wayne Wang and co-written by Paul Auster. The film is a follow-up to Wang's successful indie drama Smoke, which was also co-written by Auster. The movie is set in Brooklyn, New York and tells the story of a few days in the lives of various characters who frequent a small cigar shop. The film opens with the shop's owner, Auggie Wren (Harvey Keitel), getting robbed at gunpoint. But instead of calling the police, he invites the thief to come back to the shop and take a free cigar. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is a witty, meandering exploration of life in Brooklyn.

The film is structured around a series of vignettes, each one featuring a different character who comes into the shop. These include a frustrated writer (played by Auster), a group of neighborhood regulars, a jazz musician (played by Lou Reed), and a celebrity (played by Michael J. Fox) who is filming a movie nearby. Each vignette is set up as a conversation or interaction between the characters, often revolving around the theme of life in Brooklyn.

The film's strength lies in its unique blend of humor and drama. The characters are quirky and often larger-than-life, but they are also relatable and grounded in reality. The film also features a number of star cameos, including Lily Tomlin, Roseanne Barr, and Madonna, who add to the film's off-beat charm.

The movie's themes are universal, despite being set in a specific location. The characters grapple with issues such as love, loss, and the search for meaning. The film probes deep into the human psyche and explores the emotions and desires that drive people's actions. At times, the film can be poignant and even heartbreaking, but it never loses its sense of humor or joy.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie features Lou Reed performing a live version of his hit song "Perfect Day" in the middle of the cigar shop. The performance is raw and emotional, showcasing Reed's musical talent as well as his unique presence as a performer.

Overall, Blue in the Face is a charming and engaging film that showcases the talents of its talented cast and crew. It's a movie that celebrates the joys of everyday life while also examining the deeper complexities of human relationships. The film is cleverly written, well-acted, and filled with memorable moments that will make viewers laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Blue in the Face is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 54.