IVANS XTC
2000,
93 min,
UK/USA,
Dir: Bernard Rose
Director Bernard Rose’s (CANDYMAN) adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich centers on a towering performance by Danny Huston as movie agent Ivan Beckman, whose greatest career triumph coincides with a diagnosis of terminal cancer. The self-serving girlfriend (Lisa Enos), director (James Merendino) and star (a wonderful Peter Weller) who surround Ivan but remain oblivious to his situation make this a stinging indictment of Hollywood at first glance, but by the final frame, this HD-shot drama emerges as something much deeper. Nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Director and Best Male Lead.