Enemies of Laughter Directed by Joseph Travolta, 2003

A Hollywood version of “American Splendor,” “Enemies” tells the story of a playwright and sitcom writer Paul Halpern (Academy Award Nominee David Paymer) who can’t buy a break! Somewhat successful professionally, he can’t get his private life together. When his dates don’t stand him up, they turn him off. His bizarre friend Sam (Judge Reinhold) secretly makes a documentary about his life, interviewing his parents, his former girlfriends and his colon hydrotherapist, all scrounging for good things to say about him. His luck changes when he meets Carla (Rosalind Chao), a new director in town who wants to produce his script. Paul hates the idea but after the premiere of the film about himself, Paul’s luck turns for the better.