Ivans XTC

Ivans XTC is a 2000 drama film directed by Bernard Rose and stars Danny Huston in the lead role of Ivan Beckman, a ruthless Hollywood agent. The film is loosely based on Leo Tolstoy's novel "The Death of Ivan Ilyich".

The plot revolves around Ivan Beckman, a powerful and successful talent agent in Los Angeles, who seemingly has it all. He has a luxurious home, a loving wife, and he represents some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. However, despite his outward success, Ivan's personal life is falling apart. He is in the midst of a bitter divorce from his wife, who is seeking a larger settlement, and he is struggling to find work for his clients.

The film opens with Ivan sitting in his luxurious home, surrounded by champagne bottles and cocaine. He is alone, and his phone is ringing constantly with messages from his colleagues and clients. It quickly becomes clear that Ivan is a man on the edge, and his reckless behavior is a reflection of his desperation.

One day, Ivan receives a call from his doctor, who informs him that he has a rare form of cancer and only has a few months to live. This news sends Ivan into a tailspin, and he quickly spirals out of control. He starts to party even harder, hire prostitutes, and becomes increasingly abusive to those around him, including his clients and his own wife.

In one particularly disturbing scene, Ivan is shown berating his assistant for not finding him a job. He screams, "I'm the fucking golden fucking boy of the fucking industry!" as he throws a stapler at her, narrowly missing her head. This scene is a powerful testament to how far Ivan's character has fallen, from a successful agent to a drug-addled monster.

As the film progresses, Ivan's condition worsens, and he becomes more isolated and paranoid. He starts to see hallucinations of death and decay, and he becomes obsessed with the idea of leaving a legacy behind after he dies.

Despite his terrible behavior, there are moments where Ivan shows a vulnerable side, particularly in his relationship with his son, who he tries to win back with gifts and gestures. These moments serve to humanize Ivan and show that even the most monstrous characters can have a soft side.

Overall, Ivans XTC is a powerful and unflinching look at the dark side of Hollywood and the lengths that people will go to succeed in this cutthroat industry. The film is beautifully shot, with haunting imagery that perfectly captures the desperation of its protagonist. Danny Huston gives a standout performance as Ivan Beckman, delivering a nuanced and complex portrayal of a man at the end of his rope. With its sharp writing, impressive visuals, and strong performances, Ivans XTC is a cinematic masterpiece that is not to be missed.