Listen Up Philip

Sparks fly from the dialogue and acting in Alex Ross Perry’s comedy Listen Up Philip. Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, The Grand Budapest Hotel) plays the title role of Philip, an angry, young New York writer who half-heartedly keeps his relationship with his photographer girlfriend Ashley (Elisabeth Moss) alive. Just before his second novel is published, Philip is offered a residence in the countryside with ageing author Ike. Philip jumps at the chance to avoid his own success (or failure!) and everyone he hates, and to cultivate his one true passion: himself.

Listen Up Philip was the international breakthrough for Alex Ross Perry, being his first opportunity to work with really big actors. As a movie it might be related to the very best of Woody Allen; but it possesses its very own cheeky nerve, a restless energy, and a delightfully jazzy soundtrack. And being as this is an Alex Ross Perry film, the characters are all neurotic, self-absorbed, witty, tough, pathetic, and melancholy, all at once.