Watch Twenty Bucks

Twenty Bucks is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Keva Rosenfeld. The film follows the journey of a $20 bill as it changes hands through various transactions in and around Minneapolis-St. Paul. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Linda Hunt, Brendan Fraser, Elisabeth Shue, Steve Buscemi, Christopher Lloyd, and William H. Macy among others. Each of these actors plays a small but significant role in the story. The film begins with a homeless man, Frank (Brendan Fraser) finding the $20 bill on the street. He uses it to buy a lottery ticket, hoping to win big. However, luck is not on his side and he loses. The bill then changes hands to a teenager who spends it on a cassette tape. From there, it is used to buy cigarettes, coffee, and a newspaper. The bill is used by a stripper to tip a musician, and by a skittish young man on a first date to pay for his pizza. As the day progresses, the bill is passed from hand to hand, revealing the inner lives of its various owners. Through their interactions, we get a snapshot of the different ways in which people use money and how it affects their lives. The film also explores themes of addiction and desire, as some of the characters struggle with their compulsions. For instance, a shoplifter cannot resist the temptation to steal, while a lonely woman uses the bill to pay for a personal ad. Throughout the film, we witness the interconnectedness of different lives through the journey of the $20 bill. The story is both heartwarming and tragic, as we see the characters' hopes and dreams, as well as their struggles and disappointments. The performances of the actors are noteworthy, particularly that of Linda Hunt who plays a street vendor trying to sell a wooden bird for more than it's worth. Her character's persistence and wit provide some of the film's funniest moments. Brendan Fraser's character Frank provides a poignant and memorable performance as a down-on-his-luck street person. Fraser brings out the vulnerability and humanity of his character in a way that makes him endearing. The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of popular and lesser-known songs from the early 90s. The music adds to the film's overall tone and helps to establish the different moods of the various scenes. Ultimately, Twenty Bucks is a charming and insightful film that depicts the universal human experience through the ordinary, everyday act of exchanging money. It reminds us that our lives are interconnected, and that even the smallest of actions can have an impact on the lives of others.