Pipe Dream

A gentle little parable about what the "perception categories" of regular people as well as those in the movie business that was in the theaters for a short period of time and currently is playing on cable and so forth. Martin Donovan plays a plumber, though more of a quiet and introspective one than many might know, who in upset that people look down on him because of his profession. He seizes on a chance to see what would happen if people so him differently, and maybe get a pretty woman in the process, by pretending to be a director of a new independent film. Things get complicated when the film is actually funded ...

Martin Donovan is a bit too laid back in this film, but it adds to the low key nature of the film that gives it charm. Mary-Louise Parker plays his neighbor, who gets to show another side of herself as well, being the author of the screenplay and the director behind the scenes. She plays her usual strong woman with self esteem problems role (mixed and match in other projects with her woman with mental or physical problems role) well. Parker does much better here, I think than her underwritten "West Wing" role. The supporting characters also are good, while Jill Hennessey (formerly of "Law and Order" and in a few indies herself) has a funny cameo as an actress.

The film starts to drag a bit toward the end, but it is enjoyable overall with a nice understated overall tone throughout.

It is a breezy comedy about identity crisis - a plumber, a screenwriter, a casting professional. Using the process/journey of making a film as the storyline, tying the various characters and relationship concerns together, "Pipe Dream" is rather amusingly fun. Watching Martin Donovan and Mary Louise Parker interact is a treat. They are both the leads in this film, front and centered. Their enjoyable pairing in supporting roles can be appreciated in w-d Brian Dannelly's "Saved!" 2004. Both appeared in Jane Campion's "Portrait of a Lady" 1996 with Nicole Kidman.

Martin Donovan is a staple collaborator in Hal Hartley's films: "Amateur" 1994, "Simple Men" 1992, "Trust" 1991 (highly recommended. NFE: Not for everyone.) He's also remarkable in director Angela Pope's "Hollow Reed" 1995, about child custody situation, where Martin delivered a firm and sensitive role of a divorced father/doctor who lives with a male partner (heart-rending, excellent child performance from Sam Bould as Oliver, the 9-year old son). Donovan co-wrote (with David Koepp) and directed a film called "Apartment Zero" 1988, with Colin Firth in the lead - another NFE but for dark/psycho ventures/suspense (in Buenos Aires) if you're gamed.

Mary Louise Parker is ever so marvelous and underrated. She's in w-d Jeremy Podeswa's "Five Senses" 1999 (Canadian production), Herbert Ross's "Boys on the Side" 1994 (written by Don Roos) with Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Barrymore, Jon Avnet's "Fried Green Tomatoes" 1991 with a stellar women cast.

For an Asian (Hong Kong) flavor of a movie/comedy drama using process of making a film as storyline, try the forever versatile and talented Leslie Cheung in "Viva Erotica" aka "Se Qing Nan Nu" 1996.

"Pipe Dream" tells a simple tale of a plumber (Donovan) who falls in like with a screen writer (Parker) and, using her script for phony movie auditions as a way to meet babes, ends up directing an indie which may just be the next big thing. Like so much tofu, "Pipe Dream" is bland, light, reasonably palatable, and isn't likely to win any awards for its food group. An easy-going, good natured flick with little to fault and little to praise, "Pipe Dream" makes for an enjoyable though forgettable 90 minute watch. (B-)

I saw this film last night at the Seattle International Film Festival, and was absolutely delighted at the wit and wry humour that this film possessed. Each of the characters is endearingly flawed - ("this person could be me") and adds a lovely human factor. I guess this film is only going to be limited in it's release initially, but seriously, if you have a chance to see it - it'll brighten your week. It's very off-the-cuff, not contrived a bit and NOTHING like your usual romantic comedy. . .The characters are actually bright and original. The screenwriter, Cynthia Kaplan, was at the screening that night, and it was very apparent that there will be much more to come from her. She has a book evidently too: "Why I'm like this". Sign me up!

Saw this in preview at the Seattle Film Festival, and was wowed by Parker and Donovan -- also found the script immensely smarter and funnier than most of what passes for romantic comedy these days. This movie deserves a wide audience, I hope it gets a chance to find it.