Joe Eszterhas could write one type of movie really well - the erotic thriller - though he tried his hand at other kinds, including comedy. He did a few comedies actually, and they were rarely funny (though his books can be witty).
It's a black comedy about Jedd Daniels in Jack Lemmon mode becoming obsessed with health after his racist best friend dies while telling a joke. British HandMade Films responded to it as did director David Leland.
Leland changed some of Eszterhas' stuff - Eszterhas says he changed it back.
A film like this needed carefully handing in script and directing and playing. It goesn't get it. Jeff Daniels is fine it's not his fault. I think David Leland maybe struggled being out of England, not being across the acting scene as much, knowing the intricacies of the culture. There's a bit of over acting going on.
Fun to see cameos from David Byrne and George Harrison. I liked hearing the Traveling Wilbury's over the beginning and end credits.
I hated the lead for being best friends with a racist. And for Melanie Myron for having nothing to play.
Gosh, HandMade took risks though.
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