Chinese Coffee

The 2000 American independent drama film directed by Al Pacino and written by Ira Lewis is an adaptation of Lewis's own play. Set in 1982 in Greenwich Village, New York City, the story follows Harry Levine (Al Pacino), a struggling writer who makes ends meet by working as a doorman. After being fired, he visits his longtime friend, photographer Jake Manheim (Jerry Orbach), to collect an old debt. Jake claims he cannot repay the money, leading to an all-night conversation between the two friends as they delve into their artistic failures, past and present relationships, and the directions their lives are taking. The film deeply explores themes of friendship, betrayal, creative ambition, and personal disappointment. Notably, "Chinese Coffee" was originally a one-act, two-character play set entirely in Manheim's small apartment. The play debuted in 1987 at the Apple Corps Theatre in New York City, with Pacino portraying Levine. In 1992, it was staged on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre. The film also features Susan Floyd and Ellen McElduff in supporting roles. The soundtrack was composed by Elmer Bernstein. "Chinese Coffee" premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2000 and was later screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, introduced by Robert De Niro. The film remained largely unavailable to the public until its DVD release in 2007 as part of the "Pacino: An Actor's Vision" collection. The title "Chinese Coffee" refers to a scene where Levine explains to Manheim why he believes coffee in Chinatown restaurants is superior: they use the best beans, brew them in Silex glass pots, and serve with real cream. This serves as a metaphor for the comfort and safety Levine feels in such establishments.