Blue in the Face
A wacky group of locals visit the neighborhood cigar shop, looking for good times and finding plenty of hilarious fun. But when the greedy owner threatens to close the shop for good and turn it into a trendy vegetarian restaurant, the neighborhood proves they'll do just about anything to save their favorite hangout.
Insights
Plot Summary
Auggie Wren, a cigar store owner in Brooklyn, is having a midlife crisis and considers selling his beloved shop. His regular customers, including a host of eccentric characters and a former showgirl, rally around him to convince him to keep the store open. Through their collective support and his own introspection, Auggie rediscovers his passion for life and the community that surrounds him.
Critical Reception
Blue in the Face was met with mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the performances, particularly Harvey Keitel's, and the improvisational feel of the film. However, some found the plot to be slight and the film overly self-indulgent. Audience reception was generally lukewarm.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its improvisational spirit and Keitel's engaging performance.
- Criticized for its lack of a strong narrative and occasional meandering.
- Seen by some as a charming, albeit quirky, character study.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's unique style and the performances, particularly that of Harvey Keitel. However, many found the plot to be somewhat underdeveloped and the overall experience to be less impactful than expected.
Fun Fact
The film was largely improvised by the cast, with director Wayne Wang giving actors broad strokes and allowing them to develop their characters and dialogue on the spot.
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