neumu [ cinematronic ]




	ivans xtc.
	Bernard Rose Danny Huston, Peter Weller, James Merendino, Adam Krentzman, Lisa Enos 2002		Danny Huston, whose lead performance in "ivans xtc." is the substance-addled head, damaged heart and heaving guts of a sad and memorable movie, should be recognized during awards season. That presumes Academy members have the good fortune to see the shot-on-digital-video transposition of Leo Tolstoy's bleak tome "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" to a Hollywood setting. If there's any justice in Tinseltown, Huston's work as esteemed, eager-to-please talent agent Ivan Beckman will catapult him into the upper ranks of leading men. But "ivans xtc." is up front about the dearth of justice in show biz — and the prevalence of infighting, hedonism, arrogance and power-brokering. The film begins with Ivan's premature demise and shifts to flashback. He tries to broker a collaboration between a conceited star (Peter Weller) and a self-important writer/director. Yet, Ivan also has to satisfy his girlfriend and mollify his carping family, all while indulging his various addictions. The question is: Will his body or spirit give out first?