Watch The House of Blue Leaves

The House of Blue Leaves is a 1987 American black comedy film directed by John Guare and based on his own play of the same name. The movie's story takes place in Queens, New York, on the day of the visit of Pope Paul VI to New York City. The film follows the everyday life of Artie Shaughnessy (played by John Mahoney), a zookeeper at the zoo in Queens, struggling to match the expectations of his family, his mistress, and the nuns next door. Artie harbours an ambition to become a famous songwriter for the movies, and with the help of his girlfriend, Bunny Flingus (played by Swoosie Kurtz) he hopes to achieve stardom.

Artie is married to a schizophrenic named Bananas (played by Julie Hagerty) who is confined to the home, and whilst he is hoping to pursue his dreams, his jaded wife is hell-bent on making sure he fulfills his responsibilities as a husband. Meanwhile, their son, Ronnie (played by Ben Stiller), is off fighting in Vietnam, leaving them worried sick about his safety. In addition to this, Artie's girlfriend Bunny is constantly urging him to leave Bananas and marry her instead.

As the day progresses, an array of characters joins Artie's chaotic life. One of the characters is the bombastic movie producer Billy Einhorn (played by Richard Portnow) who has a complicated history with Artie, having been his best friend in high school. Einhorn convinces Artie to showcase some of his music to a Hollywood film producer friend who he has brought along for the Pope's visit.

Things go hilariously wrong when a visit from the Pope gets both Artie and his life turned upside down. Bunny, desperate to finally marry Artie and become the star singer, hatches a plan to drive Bananas to California and leave her there. Meanwhile, Artie himself struggles with a guilt-ridden confession inspired by the Pope's presence that reveals long buried secrets of his own.

The incredible cast of talented actors, including Swoosie Kurtz, John Mahoney, Christine Baranski, Julie Hagerty, Ben Stiller, and Richard Portnow, makes this film a must-see. The film explores the themes of family, dreams, and identity with sarcastic humour, drama and eventual chaos, and presents an ironic commentary on the American Dream.

The House of Blue Leaves is a masterfully crafted, passion-filled work of cinema that remains true to Guare's original themes and tones. It promises to be an enjoyable and exciting watch, full of great performances, clever dialogue, and a captivating storyline.