NOIAFT founder, Taylor Taglianetti, speaks with actor John Behlmann (Tootsie) about working on his career and his latest film, Standing Up, Falling Down.
Things are not going according to plan for Scott (Ben Schwartz), a stand-up comedian begrudgingly returning to Long Island after striking out on the Los Angeles comedy scene. He’s humiliated to move back in with his family and haunted by what could have been with Becky (Eloise Mumford), the hometown girlfriend he abruptly left for the West Coast. Wracked with doubt and facing the prospect of a soul-crushing “real” job, Ben finds an unexpected connection with Marty (Billy Crystal), a local dermatologist and charming barfly with a penchant for karaoke. Scott learns that Marty’s larger-than-life personality and alcoholism mask past disappointments of his own. As their unlikely friendship evolves, Marty and Scott find the strength to start confronting their long-simmering regrets.
Matt Ratner’s feature debut is a poignant, warmhearted comedy anchored by its leads’ easy rapport and Crystal’s boundless charisma. Nate Corddry and Grace Gummer round out a strong supporting cast in this ode to companionship and facing failure together.