Chinese Coffee

Chinese Coffee is a 2000 American independent drama film, starring Al Pacino and Jerry Orbach. It was directed by Pacino and written by Ira Lewis, adapted from his play of the same name. Two longtime friends in New York City struggle with their relationship, which has become contentious after years of mistrust and resentment over professional and personal failures. It premiered at the 2000 Telluride Film Festival, and also screened at the 2000 Tribeca Film Festival, where it was introduced by Robert De Niro. Plot Harry Levine (Pacino) is a struggling writer barely eking out a living as a doorman—that is, until he is fired. Desperate for money, he pays a visit to his friend Jake Manheim (Orbach), an arts photographer, to collect an old debt. After Jake says he does not have the money, the two engage in an all-night conversation about their respective art, past and present loves, and the directions their lives are heading. The play and film are set in Greenwich Village circa 1982. Production Al Pacino directed the 2000 film adaptation of Chinese Coffee, in which he also starred opposite Jerry Orbach. Ira Lewis, who wrote the original play, also penned the screenplay for the film.