Trees Lounge

Released 1996
Stars Steve Buscemi, Carol Kane, Mark Boone Jr., Bronson Dudley, Anthony LaPaglia
Directed by Steve Buscemi

Things aren't going so well for Tommy. He lost his job because he "borrowed" money from the register, his girlfriend left him for his boss (and best friend), and he can't find work. His life revolves around the Trees Lounge, a neighborhood bar that he lives over. He drunkenly wanders through his life, still in love with his ex, desperate for some sort of meaning beyond the bar. This is no downer, though. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next--especially when his ex's seventeen year-old sister comes into the picture. This is a brilliant debut from Steve Buscemi who obviously learned a lot from his previous work. He's a sure-handed director here who's able to draw out perfect performances from everyone involved

Summary by Bill Alward