A complex, intimate, and highly idiosyncratic comedy, “Listen Up Philip” is a literary look at the triumph of reality over the human spirit.
Anger rages in Philip (Jason Schwartzman) as he awaits the publication of his sure-to-succeed second novel. He feels pushed out of his adopted home city by the constant crowds and noise, a deteriorating relationship with his photographer girlfriend Ashley (Elisabeth Moss), and his own indifference to promoting the novel. When Philip’s idol Ike Zimmerman (Jonathan Pryce) offers his isolated summer home as a refuge, he finally gets the peace and quiet to focus on his favorite subject—himself.
Following up his critically acclaimed “The Color Wheel”, Alex Ross Perry scripts a complex, intimate and highly idiosyncratic comedy filled with New Yorkers living their lives somewhere between individuality and isolation. Schwartzman leads an impressive cast including Elisabeth Moss, Krysten Ritter and Jonathan Pryce, balancing Perry’s quick-witted dialogue and their characters’ painful, personal truths. With narration by Eric Bogosian, we switch perspectives as seasons and attitudes change, offering a literary look into the lives of these individuals and the triumph of reality over the human spirit.
Critics are raving about “Listen Up Philip”. It was a Critics’ Pick in all major newspapers, including the New York Times, which called the film “Exhilarating! A sharp, sometimes gaspingly funny exploration of art and life.” Critic Andrew O’Hehir from Salon Magazine raves “Invigorating! One of the most ambitious and exciting American films of the year!”