Highball

Highball is a 1997 film that serves as a fascinating study of the dynamics and complexities of human relationships and interactions. The film has an ensemble cast that includes popular actors such as Justine Bateman, Peter Bogdanovich, and Chris Eigeman. The film is distributed by Shoreline Entertainment and was directed by the veteran filmmaker Noah Baumbach, although he chose not to use his name in the credits due to dissatisfaction with the final product.

The storyline of Highball is centered on a young couple, Diana (played by Justine Bateman) and Travis (played by Chris Reed). They are newlyweds, just starting out on their journey in life together and are trying to navigate their way through their new roles as a married couple. In an attempt to maintain their friendships and stay connected with their incredibly diverse group of friends, they ambitiously decide to host three parties over the course of a year at their apartment. The film is essentially a year in the life of this young couple, capturing the tension, humour, and differing perspectives and personalities that collide as a result of their gatherings.

One unique aspect of Highball is its structure, which is essentially divided into three segments, each segment corresponding to a party - a birthday party, a Halloween party, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Each party serves as a setting for exploring the dynamics of the friendships that Diana and Travis share with their associates.

Justine Bateman’s portrayal of Diana encapsulates the spirit of a young wife trying to balance her personal life with her societal roles, as she deals with the joy, anxiety, and occasional absurdity of hosting her friends. Chris Reed playing Travis brings life to a character who is as besotted by his wife as he is overwhelmed by the eccentricities of their friend group.

The film also features Peter Bogdanovich in the role of Felix, an older, intellectual man who seemingly relishes in recounting his extensive film knowledge and offering his theories on life. His character provides an interesting contrast to the younger and more hedonistic bunch.

What stands out about Highball is its compelling comedic narrative style. The film is marked by a healthy portion of witty dialogue, which serves to animate and define the quirks of each character, and by extension, the character of the gatherings themselves. Highball successfully uses comedy to present an observation of social interactions, relationships, and human behavior, in particular, the different ways in which people communicate.

While it covers a span of one year, the movie effectively encapsulates a microcosm of the characters’ entire lives through the lens of these three events. The audience gets to witness the evolution of the relationships among the friends and between Diana and Travis. You see friendships tested, bonds strengthened, new friendships formed, and the sometimes amusing, sometimes frustrating, interactions that take place.

Simply put, Highball is a film about people, friendships, interactions, and life’s quirks. It does not sugarcoat the complexities and the occasional absurdity of human relationships but presents them in a manner both humorous and at times deeply insightful. Highball is a must-watch for viewers who enjoy ensemble casts, witty dialogues, character-driven narratives, and explorations of modern relationships.

While the film may not have met the director's full expectations at the time of release, it is worth watching to appreciate the early signs of Noah Baumbach's potential as a storyteller. Not to mention, the performances of the ensemble cast succeed in creating an authentic depiction of the experiences that emerge when a group of distinct individuals coexist in a confined space. So, get ready to dive into the world of Highball, where every party brings a flurry of emotions, confessions, confrontations, and above all, an entertaining exploration of human camaraderie.