The Weather Man
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Hope Davis
Director: Gore Verbinski
The film: Although often pigeon-holed as a 'dark comedy' since its release last year, I can't see the comedy for the darkness - or, more accurately, the bleakness. But bleak comedies work better than this one when more sympathy can be built around the protagonist.
The Weather Man charts the downward spiral of the life of Nicolas Cage's character, David Spritz, a high-rolling famous face on American TV, who, despite admitting to knowing nothing about meteorology, has the right face and turn of phrase to front weather forecasts.
Although working in this well-paid and high-profile post affords Spritz all his material desires, his marriage, relationship with his two children and general lust for life are in tatters. Sounds like the makings of a decent scenario, but ultimately you're encouraged neither to side with Spritz nor detest him for his wanton anti-social and destructive behaviour.