Blue in the Face
Blue in the Face is a 1995 American comedy film directed by Wayne Wang and Paul Auster. It stars Harvey Keitel, Victor Argo, Giancarlo Esposito, Roseanne Barr, Michael J. Fox, Lily Tomlin, Mira Sorvino, Lou Reed, Mel Gorham, Jim Jarmusch and Malik Yoba.
Blue in the Face | |
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Promotional film poster | |
Directed by | Paul Auster Wayne Wang |
Written by | Paul Auster Wayne Wang |
Starring | |
Music by | John Lurie |
Cinematography | Adam Holender Harvey Wang |
Edited by | Maysie Hoy Christopher Tellefsen |
Distributed by | Miramax Films |
Release date | October 13, 1995 |
Running time | 89 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $2 million |
Box office | $1,268,636 |
Blue in the Face was filmed over a five-day period as a follow-up to Wang's 1995 film Smoke. During production of Smoke, Keitel and the others ad-libbed scenes in-character between takes and a sequel was made using this improvised material.
Lily Tomlin was nominated for an American Comedy Award as "Funniest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture" for her performance in this picture.
Blue in the Face features songs by singer Selena. Her bilingual duet with David Byrne, "God's Child (Baila Conmigo)", appears on the film's soundtrack.
Plot
The film once again centers on the Brooklyn Cigar Store and manager Auggie (Harvey Keitel), although most of the other characters are different. The store owner's frustrated wife Dot (Roseanne) is one of them, and one of the plotlines follows her attempts to seduce Auggie. Madonna, Michael J. Fox, Lily Tomlin, and Lou Reed (as himself) also put in appearances.
Cast
- Harvey Keitel... Augustus "Auggie" Wren
- Victor Argo... Vinnie
- Keith David... Jackie Robinson
- Giancarlo Esposito... Tommy Finelli
- Michael J. Fox... Pete Maloney
- Mel Gorham... Violet
- Jared Harris... Jimmy Rose
- Jim Jarmusch... Bob
- Madonna... Singing Telegram Girl
- Lou Reed... As Himself
- Roseanne Barr... Dot
- Mira Sorvino... Young Lady
- Lily Tomlin... Waffle Eater
- Malik Yoba... Watch Man
- Rupaul... Dance Leader
Reception
The film received mixed reviews.[1][2][3] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 41% based on reviews from 22 critics, with an average rating of 5.5/10.[4]
References
- Thomas, Kevin (13 October 1995). "MOVIE REVIEW : Wang's 'Blue in the Face' a Valentine to Brooklyn". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- Maslin, Janet (13 October 1995). "Blue in the Face (1995) FILM REVIEW; In Hip Brooklyn, Take 2 On That Old Cigar Store". New York Times. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- Ebert, Roger (20 October 1995). "Blue In The Face". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blue_in_the_face/