Play It as It Lays (1972)
Maria's life was a search for the ultimate answer even after she found there was none.
Burned-out B-movie actress Maria, depressed and frustrated with her loveless marriage to an ambitious film director, Carter Lang, who would rather work on his career than on his relationship with her, numbs herself with drugs and sex with strangers. Only her friendship with a sensitive gay movie producer, B.Z., offers a semblance of solace. But even that relationship proves to be fleeting amidst the empty decadence of Hollywood.
Cast
- Tuesday Weld - Maria Wyeth Lang
- Anthony Perkins - B.Z.
- Adam Roarke - Carter Lang
- Tammy Grimes - Helene
- Ruth Ford - Carlotta
- Eddie Firestone - Benny Austin
- Diana Ewing - Susannah
- Paul Lambert - Larry Kulik
- Chuck McCann - Abortionist's Assistant
- Severn Darden - Hypnotist
Screenplay
- Joan Didion (Screenplay)
- John Gregory Dunne (Screenplay)
- Joan Didion (Novel)
Themes
The Suffocating Silence of Loneliness, Mental Health and Inner Struggle
Keywords
drug abuse, mental breakdown, alienation, film in film, fame, mental institution, mental illness, lgbt, forced abortion, marital tensions, parental alienation, lavender marriage
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Play It as It Lays about?
- Burned-out B-movie actress Maria, depressed and frustrated with her loveless marriage to an ambitious film director, Carter Lang, who would rather work on his career than on his relationship with her, numbs herself with drugs and sex with strangers. Only her friendship with a sensitive gay movie producer, B.Z., offers a semblance of solace. But even that relationship proves to be fleeting amidst the empty decadence of Hollywood.
- Who directed Play It as It Lays?
- Play It as It Lays was directed by Frank Perry.
- Who stars in Play It as It Lays?
- Play It as It Lays stars Tuesday Weld, Anthony Perkins, Adam Roarke, Tammy Grimes, Ruth Ford, Eddie Firestone.
- How long is Play It as It Lays?
- Play It as It Lays has a runtime of 1h 39m (99 minutes).
- What genre is Play It as It Lays?
- Play It as It Lays is a Drama film.
- What is the budget of Play It as It Lays?
- Play It as It Lays had a budget of $1M.
- Where was Play It as It Lays produced?
- Play It as It Lays was produced in United States of America.
- What are the themes of Play It as It Lays?
- The themes of Play It as It Lays include: The Suffocating Silence of Loneliness, Mental Health and Inner Struggle.