Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the movie is not for kids. It alludes to a child's sexual abuse in language and impressionistic, somewhat hectic visuals. Characters talk explicitly about sex (specifically, gay sexual activity and desire). An unhappy writer misses his boyfriend, then develops a friendship with a boy he never meets. Characters lie to one another, sometimes maliciously, sometimes out of seeming illness. A couple of arguments end in minor violence (pushing and shoving). Characters are depressed, physically ill, and mean to one another. Characters smoke cigarettes and drink.

Sexual Content

Brief, subjective shots from child's POV of sexual abuse in scary basement; gay couple discusses relationship using sexual and pejorative slang ("fag," "d--k-smoker"); couple of shots of a Playboy magazine.

Violence

During escape from authorities, Gabriel hurts his leg in a stairwell; during struggle, woman pulls man into street with her, hoping both will be hit by truck.

Language

Frequent uses of f-word, "s--t," "a--hole," slang for genitals and sex acts.

Social Behavior

Writer questions his own use of other people's lives; character appears to lie about the existence of a little boy.

Consumerism

Background logo (Coca-Cola).

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Drinking (beer and liquor, once to drunken, self-pitying state); ashtray full of cigarettes; Gabriel smokes cigarette.