Permanent Midnight

Based on the autobiographical novel by Jerry Stahl, this film chronicles the chaotic life of a television writer struggling with severe drug addiction in the 1980s. He navigates the highs and lows of his career and personal life, all while battling his demons and the consequences of his choices. The narrative follows his descent into addiction and his attempts to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst the self-destruction. It's a dark, often surreal portrayal of a creative mind at war with itself.

Permanent Midnight received mixed reviews from critics. While Ben Stiller's performance was widely praised for its intensity and commitment, many found the film's subject matter and tone to be uneven and somewhat exploitative. The film struggled to find a wide audience, with some critics lauding its unflinching portrayal of addiction and others deeming it bleak and self-indulgent.

• Ben Stiller delivers a powerful and committed performance as a struggling writer.
• The film's exploration of addiction is dark and unflinching, but can be tonally uneven.
• Despite its strong lead, the narrative sometimes feels unfocused and bleak.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight Ben Stiller's performance as a standout, with many appreciating the film's raw and honest portrayal of addiction. However, some viewers found the movie to be too dark and depressing, with a few commenting that the humor didn't always land effectively.

Jerry Stahl, the author of the autobiographical novel on which the film is based, makes a brief cameo appearance as a dealer.