Another Day in Paradise (1998)

Director:

Larry Clark

Writers:

Eddie Little (book)
Christopher B. Landon (written by) ...

Release Date:

1999 (Austria)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

We live at the abyss.

Plot:

In the hope of a big score, two junkie couples team up to commit various drug robberies which go disastrously wrong leading to dissent, violence and murder.

Plot Keywords:

Robbery | Drugs | Addict | Violence | Junkie

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

James Woods	...	Mel
Melanie Griffith	...	Sid
Vincent Kartheiser	...	Bobbie
Natasha Gregson Wagner	...	Rosie
James Otis	...	Reverend
Branden Williams	...	Danny
Brent Briscoe	...	Clem
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Ty
Paul Hipp	...	Richard Johnson
Kim Flowers	...	Bonnie Johnson
John Gatins	...	Phil
Ryan Donahue	...	Barry
Christopher Doyle	...	Conan
Dick Hancock	...	Breather
Pamela Gordon	...	Waitress

Also Known As:

Paradise (USA) (working title)
Un altro giorno in paradiso (Italy) (Italy) (video title) [it]
Al final del edén (Spain) [es]
Alli mia mera ston paradeiso (Greece) [el]
Another Day in Paradise (France) [fr]
Ein anderer Tag im Paradies (Austria) [de]
Ein neuer Tag im Paradies (Germany) [de]
Kids E os Profissionais (Brazil) [pt]
Paratiisin vangit (Finland) [fi]
Um Dia no Paraíso (Portugal) [pt]
Un autre jour sans paradis (Canada: French title) [fr]

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Finland:K-15 | USA:R (Certificate #36165) | Argentina:18 | Australia:R | Chile:18 | France:-16 | Germany:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Portugal:M/16 | Spain:18 | UK:18 | USA:Unrated (director's cut) | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

Firestone Boulevard, Norwalk, California, USA

Company:

Chinese Bookie Pictures

Trivia:

Director Larry Clark didn't believe that Vincent Kartheiser, then 18, was of a legal age for his role (involving nudity, sexual situations, and drug use) and wouldn't cast him until he was able to prove his age. Kartheiser was cast once he produced his driver's license.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Vincent Kartheiser, alone in a toilet cubicle, climbs into the roof cavity through the overhead access hole. The hand of a crew member can be seen coming up from bottom of frame, giving him a boost.

Quotes:

Sid: I'm no role model. I'm a junkie and a thief.

Movie Connections:

References "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" (1952)

Soundtrack:

One More Cup of Coffee

surprising...

This was a movie I was unsure about, having not really liked "Kids" and not being too much of a James Woods or Melanie Griffith fan.But from the first scene to the very last, I have only praise for all concerned.

The writing is both funny and intelligent, the direction sure and the performances stunning.

The relatively unknown Vincent Kartheiser and Natasha Gregson Wagner have their characters well nailed and promise much for future roles. James Woods is his usual intense self, though with real comic flair. But its Melanie Griffith who shines, revealing hitherto unknown depths and subtlety in her acting ability.

There is much in the way of drugs, sex and violence which may be offputting to many. In "Kids" I found Clark treading dangerously between authenticity and exploitation. "Another Day in Paraidise" despite the harsh mileau remains ultimately a moving experience.