The Center of the World

Richard is one of Florence's regulars at a strip club. He wants more from the relationship than a simple lap dance. He offers Flo $10,000 to accompany him on a three-day trip to Las Vegas. She says yes, but with a condition: no sexual intercourse. Their first night together seems fun. They are compatible in many ways. The night ends with Richard asking for an erotic fantasy of his called "fire and ice," which involves ice cubes and hot sauce. Florence consents. Though short of sex, the encounter is passionate and intense and serves much the same purpose. Richard is sated, and Florence seems happy to have satisfied his sexual desires.

In the background, we learn of Richard's day job. He's a successful computer whiz for a start-up company with potential buyers. He is missing important meetings with these interested parties. Richard ignores the pleas of his panicked partners and refuses to attend any of the investor meetings. At one point, he is discovered in Vegas by those who know him from his work. He still doesn't care.

Flo may be weakening in her resolve. She calls a Vegas friend named Jerri and tells her she "kinda likes" the guy. This is where the tension of the story is built. Here are two people that you think could be together, and perhaps should, but have legislated their way out of the possibility of it. There are rules, and these rules are not to be broken.

Richard's business sells, and he's now a millionaire. The partners curse him out, telling him "he doesn't deserve a penny of it." But Richard has spent the weekend the way he wanted; he is happy. He and Flo make love, finally, but this does not necessarily mean they are going to be together.

Peter Sarsgaard stars as Richard. His strong performance helped him gain notoriety as a lead actor.