Overnight (2003)

It is a performances centric movie

Don't listen to the negative reviews

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

This is the story of David and Goliath; except Goliath wins. (You didn't buy that story about the sling, did you?) David in this case is Troy Duffy, Boston bartender-turned cause celebre, after Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein snaps up his script, The Boondock Saints, in a promised multi-million deal. Amazingly, Duffy will also direct and his bad, the rubbishly-named 'The Brood', will score, having rush-signed with Madonna's record label. Trouble is, Duffy's ego is easily the match for Harvey's ("There is a deep cesspool of creativity here" he bellows without irony) and he soon, er, displeases Harvey, who dumps the project without a second thought. From this point on it's a study in psychosis: determined to get his movie made, Duffy the duffer alientates absolutely everybody (including the documentary makers) in the face of industry indifference. The punchline? Duffy's finished film is utter guff.

Wow.It's stunning to see how success or more accurately, potential success, can turn someone into even more of a buffoon than they may already be. This documentary revolving around the explosive rise and equally explosive fall of director Troy Duffy ("Boondock Saints") who hit it big with the sale of the Boondock Saints screenplay to Miramax is easily one of the most stomach turning examples of vanity eating its host and rearing its head like some karmic Godzilla. It's really disgusting to see Duffy literally squander the opportunities that came his way, opportunities that many on this planet don't even come close to breathing on as they drive past. This fool had the kind of deal you read about in a fantasy story where devils are involved, except this guy didn't have to trade in his soul. I've met this kind of guy in film school, the type that believe that they're more creative than anyone else around them and it's just as enjoyable to watch this guy crash and burn just as it was with the big-talkers and egomaniacs back at school.Though the question remains as to whether or not this was really just a big smear piece by the film's co-directors (I mean let's face it, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility when you take into considering the verbal lashings and mental abuse administered to them by Mr. Duffy himself), the fact that Troy Duffy is nothing but a complete jackass still lays bare for you on the screen for you to stare at in wonder. No matter how this film may have been cut, no matter what may have been left out as opposed to what was left in, the fact remains that Duffy sank his own ship with his caustic persona and idiotic decisions and didn't even bother to get out the life preservers for him or his crew. This was a very enjoyable and well done documentary even though it was kind of tough to watch in a way. It's a perfect cautionary tale for filmmakers and artists alike.RATING: ***1/2 out of *****.P.S. And in the end, Boondock Saints wasn't even worth all the fuss.

** MINOR SPOILERS **This film shows how the perfect opportunity can be destroyed. Troy Duffy is the writer/director who strikes it rich when his screenplay for "The Boondock Saints" is bought by Harvey Weinstein at Miramax. Duffy is going to get an upfront fee, get to direct, have his band do the film score and everything.But, when the film doesn't get made right away, Duffy's paranoia gets the best of him, leaving him on the outs with the studio. Duffy decides to take the film to a small studio, and get it made for half the original budget and for half his original fee.The remainder of the film shows the fate of the film and what becomes of Duffy and his friends.The bottom line is, once you get your deal, be thankful. Be passionate about your project, yes. But, realize that you are getting what so many others out there could only hope to have. Even if there are some bumps or lots of bumps in the process, you have to accept what comes your way. Because, the second you start alienating a studio, you can forget it.After all, would you want someone who you gave a big break to tell you to go (bleep!) yourself? No. Duffy does it, and in his meltdown, loses everything he had or ever could have.The film is well made, well paced and is one of the most telling documentaries on the film industry.( 8 Out of 10 Stars ******** )

So who was the blow hard at the end of the movie standing outside of a bar? Harvey, er no Troy of course.Wow, the sheer arrogance of this guy. Just how does he live with himself? Now everyone who meets Duffy will avoid him like the plague lest they endure his endless "No one appreciates my genius" tirade. Like Harvey or not, Duffy wasn't smart enough to know decent manners or listen to anyone else. Well, now he's got time to reflect without all the pressure of being the best in the world.I just couldn't wait to see him fall. How does he expect anything more in life when he just bullies people? Yeah, who's laughing now Duff? I truly don't think this guy will ever learn humility, if he had from the beginning he might have been a success. What goes around comes around.