"Listen Up Philip," Jason Schwartzman Never Shuts Up, Worth Watching

The acerbic, self-indulgent character study of a writer who is his own worst enemy, is played winningly by Jason Schwartzman.  Schwartzman is one of Wes Anderson's featured actors who never disapoints.  The film "Listen Up Philip" is written/dir. by Alex Ross Perry.  Perry provides Schwartzman (Philip) self-indulgent, mean-spirited diatribe that spurns everyone in his wake.  Schwartzman makes his character impossibly fascinating with his ego-maniacal asshole behaviors.  Philip sharp witted tongue lashes insults & breaks hearts.  The fabulous cast includes Elizabeth Moss radiating both strength & vulnerability as Ashley, his dejected girlfriend.  Jonathan Pryce portrays Ike Zimmerman, an older acclaimed author & misanthropic asshole whom Philip emulates.   Philip achieves literary acclaim as a young writer & takes great pleasure in humiliating people from his past who doubted him.  Philip goes on to sabotage the success of his latest book & any opportunity for a meaningful relationship.  Ike's daughter tells Philip he's just like him, "you destroy the lives of people all around you."  Both writers obtain future critical & financial success while alienating those around them.  When Philip shows up at the aptmt. he shared with Ashley after a long absence he finds he's persona non grata; replaced by a cat she has to come cherish.  "You should love a human instead," Philip tells her.  Philip proves unloveable  but totally irresistible to watch.