Permanent Midnight

A largely dull and inert rendering of a story that (as presented here) would have only limited appeal as a compelling narrative in the best of worlds – Stahl’s efforts at destroying himself are a one-dimensional, overly familiar tale, and reducing the characters around him to cardboard cut-outs makes the world of the movie a flaccid and dull place to visit. Made watchable by a creditable dramatic turn from Stiller, who at least disappears into the role and remains credible throughout; it’s a shame the screenplay can’t match the modest power of his performance.