Watch Hurlyburly

Hurlyburly is a 1998 drama film, directed by Anthony Drazan, and starring an ensemble cast of Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Anna Paquin, Robin Wright, and Garry Shandling. The film is an adaptation of David Rabe's play of the same name, which was originally staged on Broadway in the 1980s. The story centers around several Hollywood players who are all struggling with the meaning and purpose of their lives. Eddie (Sean Penn) is a hot-headed talent manager who is constantly partying and using drugs to numb the pain of his existence. He lives with his best friend Mickey (Kevin Spacey), a casting director who is perpetually dissatisfied with his relationships and his work.

The two men are joined by some of their friends: Phil (Chazz Palminteri), another talent manager who is looking for the next big thing; Darlene (Robin Wright), a self-destructive former model who Eddie is trying to help; Bonnie (Anna Paquin), a young woman who moves in with Eddie and Mickey and complicates their lives; and Artie (Garry Shandling), a screenwriter who is trying to make it big in Hollywood.

Throughout the film, the characters engage in a series of intense and often violent conversations about their struggles and their dreams. They trade barbs and insults with each other, discussing everything from sex to art to existential questions about the nature of being alive. The dialogue is witty, biting, and intense, perfectly capturing the frenetic energy of these troubled people.

As the film progresses, Eddie becomes increasingly unhinged, lashing out at the people around him and spiraling deeper into his own self-destructive behavior. Mickey tries to help him, but he is also struggling with his own existential questions and his inability to connect with others. Their lives become a swirling, chaotic mess of addiction, failed relationships, and unfulfilled desires.

Hurlyburly is a dark and gritty drama that pulls no punches in its exploration of the human condition. It is a searing indictment of the emptiness and despair that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most glamorous and successful lives. The film's raw energy and powerhouse performances from its talented cast make it a must-see for fans of intense character dramas.

Hurlyburly is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.