Listen Up Philip (2014)

In the bustling heart of New York City, Philip Lewis Friedman, a budding novelist of some renown, grapples with his growing discontent and simmering anger. He's a young literary prodigy, yet self-absorbed and condescending, often blaming others for his unfulfilled dreams and ambitions. As he navigates the tumultuous landscape of his life, his relationships, notably with Ashley Kane, his photographer girlfriend, start to crumble under the weight of his disillusionment and his inability to accommodate them in his world. As the impending release of his second novel, 'Obidant,' looms, Philip confronts the harsh reality of negative early reviews, a blow made worse by his haste in spending the advances he received while penning it. His refusal to compromise his integrity for monetary gain drives him to seek alternate income sources. It is during this struggle that he crosses paths with the enigmatic Ike Zimmerman, a once-successful novelist now waning in his twilight years, his pen stagnant and his fame diminished. Ike sees a kindred spirit in Philip and takes him under his wing, offering him solace in his tranquil country retreat, sage advice on life and writing, and even a temporary teaching position at Lambert College. This new arrangement distances Philip from Ashley and the city's perpetual noise, giving him the solitude he craves to delve into his favorite subject: himself. However, this separation also serves as a looking glass into his potential future, revealing what might await him should he continue down this self-centered path. Meanwhile, Ashley, left behind in the city, has time to reflect on their relationship and the emotional toll of being tethered to Philip's tumultuous life, leading her to question if their separation should extend beyond the physical and become permanent. Amidst the chaos of his self-induced exile, Philip must grapple with his choices, his relationships, and his very identity, painting a nuanced portrait of a man teetering on the precipice of self-discovery and self-destruction.

Listen Up Philip is a comedy movie featuring Keith Poulson and directed by Alex Ross Perry.

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