Details
Movie Description
A successful New York publisher and Jewish family patriarch watches his family and business crumble when his painful childhood memories of the Holocaust cause him to become obsessed with publishing a four-volume compendium of Nazi medical literature at the expense of more commercially viable projects. Adapted by Jon Robin Baitz from his stage play.
Synopsis
An adaptation of Jon Robin Baitz's popular stage play. Rigid, domineering publishing magnate Isaac Geldhart has never been much of a father to his three children. A final showdown occurs when he refuses to publish a hot book written by his son's male lover. In retaliation, the siblings buy out their father's failing company and run it themselves, successfully. Isaac then breaks all ties to his children and starts his own rival business -- which falters. On the brink of professional and personal failure, Isaac begins a downward spiral, from which he may never recover.
Film Notes
Shown at the Deauville Festival of American Cinema (competing) September 3, 1996.
Released theatrically in New York and Los Angeles December 6, 1996; wider release January 1997.
Film directorial debut for Daniel Sullivan, a noted theater director of such plays as "The Sisters Rosensweig," "Conversations with My Father," and "I'm Not Rappaport."
Additional cast: David S. Howard (Dr. Bernard Kramer), Benjamin Ungar, Tom McDermott, John Sullivan, Sophia Salguero, and John Patrick Walker.
Additional credits: Jeff Lazar (assistant director), John M. Tyson (2nd unit director), and Steve Hamilton (sound).
Ron Rifkin won an Obie and a Drama Desk award for his performance in the off-Broadway production of Jon Robin Baitz's play. Sarah Jessica Parker also reprises her stage role in this film.
Industry Reviews
"...Parker nicely reprises her stage role..."
Variety - Lisa Nesselson (09/09/1996)
"...The film is well-written and acted, it holds our interest..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (03/14/1997)
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