Blue in the Face Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cigar shop owner in Brooklyn navigates quirky customers, celebrity cameos, and the potential sale of his store while everyone debates the merits of smoking, waffles, and the Dodgers leaving, making it a cinematic exploration of Brooklyn’s soul, one cigarette at a time.

🍿 Blue in the Face: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Scene: Auggie’s Cigar Store

The film primarily unfolds within and around Auggie Wren’s Brooklyn Cigar Store, a central hub for a diverse cast of characters. Auggie, played by Harvey Keitel, serves as the anchor, observing and participating in the everyday dramas and philosophical musings of the neighborhood. The store itself becomes a microcosm of Brooklyn, reflecting its unique blend of ethnicities, personalities, and stories.

Improvisational Encounters and Brooklyn Life

Blue in the Face consists of a series of loosely connected, often improvised vignettes. Characters engage in conversations about various topics, from smoking and relationships to baseball and the quirks of New York City. These interactions capture the offbeat humor and essential humanity of Brooklyn life, offering glimpses into the lives and perspectives of its residents.

The Threat of Change and Community Bonds

A subtle undercurrent of tension arises from the potential sale of the cigar store. Vinnie, the owner, receives a lucrative offer, raising concerns about the future of the store and its impact on the community. This threat highlights the importance of the cigar store as a gathering place and a symbol of Brooklyn’s unique identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Auggie Wren (Harvey Keitel): The heart of the film, Auggie manages the Brooklyn Cigar Store and engages with the quirky characters that frequent it.
• Man with Strange Glasses (Lou Reed): A philosophical Brooklynite who shares his quirky perspective on life and smoking.
• Pete Maloney (Michael J. Fox): An insurance man who conducts unusual surveys in Brooklyn.
• Violet (Mel Gorham): Auggie’s girlfriend who is known for her emotional outbursts.
• Bob (Jim Jarmusch): A contemplative character who discusses the significance of his last cigarette.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Man with Strange Glasses (Lou Reed): “I’m scared 24 hours a day, but not necessarily in New York. I actually feel pretty comfortable in New York.” – This reflects a quirky perspective on fear and comfort within the city.
• Man with Strange Glasses (Lou Reed): “Yes, I’m smoking cigarettes and many of my friends have died of it. On the other hand, while I’m smoking cigarettes, I’m not downing a bottle of Scotch in 15 minutes. So looked at from this point of view, it’s a health tool.” – Lou Reed sarcastically justifies his smoking habit, highlighting its relative ‘health’ benefit.
• Jim Jarmusch: “I’m smoking my last cigarette.” – Jim Jarmusch’s character announces he is smoking his last cigarette, leading to a humorous and philosophical discussion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,268,636
• Worldwide Gross: $1,268,636

💥 Blue in the Face Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Blue in the Face’! It felt like eavesdropping on a bunch of interesting conversations in a real Brooklyn neighborhood. The cameos were fun, especially Lou Reed and Jim Jarmusch, and the whole movie had this chill, authentic vibe that made me want to hop on a plane to New York. The scene with the last cigarette was brilliantly absurd and touching. It’s not a polished masterpiece, but it’s full of heart and quirky charm. I’ll definitely watch this again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Those interested in New York City culture”
  • “Viewers who appreciate improvisational acting and character-driven stories”
  • “Fans of ‘Smoke’ interested in a companion piece”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief female topless nudity”
  • “Smoking”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A charming, off-the-cuff exploration of Brooklyn life, fueled by improvisational performances and a love for its eclectic characters. While occasionally uneven, the film’s genuine heart and humor shine through, making it a delightful cinematic postcard.
• The New York Times: “A quirky and uneven experiment in cinematic improvisation, ‘Blue in the Face’ captures the essence of Brooklyn through a series of vignettes. The film’s charm lies in its spontaneity and the genuine affection for its characters, even if it lacks a cohesive narrative.

Audience Reactions

The improvisational style felt incredibly authentic and gave a real glimpse into Brooklyn life.: Viewers appreciated the film’s laid-back vibe, humor, and its celebration of Brooklyn’s unique character.

Lou Reed’s monologue and Jim Jarmusch’s ‘last cigarette’ scene were standout moments.: The celebrity cameos, particularly Lou Reed and Jim Jarmusch, added depth and humor that appealed to a wide audience.

Overall Consensus: A quirky, improvisational film that captures the essence of Brooklyn through a series of vignettes and celebrity cameos, appealing to those who appreciate its laid-back charm and unique characters, despite its lack of a structured plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Blue in the Face was filmed in just five days, utilizing improvisational techniques with the actors.”
• “The film was made as a follow-up to ‘Smoke’ when the filming of ‘Smoke’ wrapped up earlier than expected, leaving the cast and crew with extra time and resources.”
• “Many of the scenes and dialogues were created on the spot, relying on the actors’ creativity and spontaneity.”
• “The directors would hold up signs that read ‘Keep it up’ or ‘Boring’ instead of stopping the filming to give feedback to the actors.”

🖥️ How to Watch Blue in the Face?

Blue in the Face is readily available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. Check your preferred digital retailers for availability and pricing, as options may vary. Some physical media retailers may also carry the DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Blue in the Face, you might like these similar films:

• Smoke (1995): Direct sequel. Continues the stories of characters around Auggie Wren’s cigar store.
• Slacker (1990): Features a series of disconnected, seemingly random encounters and conversations, similar to the improvisational style of ‘Blue in the Face’.
• Coffee and Cigarettes (2003): Collection of short vignettes featuring various actors discussing different topics over coffee and cigarettes, similar to Blue in the Face.

🛒 Blue in the Face Related Products

• Smoke & Blue in the Face [Blu-ray]: Double feature of two great films.
• New York: A Documentary Film: Comprehensive documentary exploring New York City’s history, perfect for viewers who enjoyed the film’s exploration of Brooklyn culture.
• Brooklyn – Premium Scented Candle: Captures the essence of Brooklyn with notes of coffee, tobacco, and sea salt. The perfect gift for any movie fan.
• Brooklyn Brewery Beer: Enjoy a taste of Brooklyn while watching the movie! The most popular craft beer from Brooklyn

🎧 Soundtrack

Blue in the Face features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “God’s Child” – performed by David Byrne and Selena

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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