tongue-tied inarticulateness, is a breakthrough for the talented actor." Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times added, "Though 'Permanent Midnight' can’t be classified as fun, Stiller’s comic energy and timing are essential in providing the film with the numerous bleak laughs that become its trademark." In a three-star review, Roger Ebert wrote, "The movie gets credit for not making the high life seem colorful or funny. It is not. It is boring, because when the drugs are there they simply clear the pain and allow the mind to focus on getting more drugs. Stahl doesn't seek drugs because he wants to feel good but because he wants to stop feeling bad. It isn't the high that makes people into addicts; it's the withdrawal." See also Bright Lights, Big City Prozac Nation References External links 1998 films 1998 directorial debut films 1998 romantic drama films American biographical films American romantic drama films Artisan Entertainment films 1990s English-language films Films about heroin addiction Films based on biographies Films scored by Daniel Licht Biographical films about writers Films produced by Don Murphy 1990s American films 1998 independent films Films about screenwriters Films set in Los Angeles Films about Hollywood, Los Angeles