Factory Girl (2006)
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19% of critics liked it
(112 reviews) -
59% of users liked it
(76,160 ratings)
The true story of one woman's brief and ultimately tragic flirtation with fame in the 1960s provides the basis for this biographical drama. In 1943, Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller) was born to a wealthy and socially prominent family, and she grew up with beauty and money, but also a history of mental… More The true story of one woman's brief and ultimately tragic flirtation with fame in the 1960s provides the basis for this biographical drama. In 1943, Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller) was born to a wealthy and socially prominent family, and she grew up with beauty and money, but also a history of mental illness; she was hospitalized with an eating disorder in her late teens, and by the time she was 21, two of her seven siblings had died before their time. In 1964, Edie moved to New York City, and quickly made a splash on the Manhattan social scene; she became friendly with the famous pop artist Andy Warhol (Guy Pearce), who was fascinated by her gamine loveliness and her quirky personality. Warhol wasted no time in casting her in one of his underground movies, and she quickly became a crucial part of his retinue of "superstars." Fashion icon Diana Vreeland (Illeana Douglas) was convinced Edie had the looks and charm to also become a successful model, and soon she was gracing the pages of Life, Vogue, and Glamour. But Edie's instability was hardly helped by her new fast-lane lifestyle, and when she met Billy Quinn (Hayden Christensen), a folk rock singer-songwriter often cited as "the voice of a generation," he persuaded her that Warhol and his associates were simply using her fame and beauty for their own gain, and she found herself torn between two powerful mentors, one of whom had become her lover as well. Factory Girl also co-stars Jimmy Fallon, Mena Suvari, and Tara Summers as regulars at the Warhol "Factory." The character of Musician was inspired in part by Bob Dylan, who was romantically involved with Edie Sedgwick for a brief time. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 1 hr. 29 min.
- Directed By
- George Hickenlooper
- Written By
- Captain Mauzner, Aaron Richard Golub
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Feb 9, 2007 Wide
- On DVD
- Jul 17, 2007
- Studio
- MGM
Critic Reviews
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
I think Sienna Miller does a really nice job of capturing Edie Sedgwick, who really was the fore-runner to Paris Hilton and a lot of other people who are just famous for being famous.
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
It's a movie without that emotional spark that lets us connect with her, or anybody else.
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Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
When Sedgwick's whirl of liberation turns into addiction, clichés stall the plot.
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Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
Sedgwick's death seems as predestined as a Hollywood melodrama.
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Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
You feel as if either you or the filmmakers have missed the point, if there ever actually was one.
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Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
Thanks to the flashy work of the film's two editors and cinematographer, style trumps substance. Or perhaps it merely masks the lack of it.
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Far less insight than the flattest of E! True Hollywood Story segments
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Dan Callahan, House Next Door
In Factory Girl, a jumbled account of the short life and photogenic hard times of the first Andy Warhol superstar, Edie Sedgwick, Sienna Miller makes Sedgwick into an archetypal over-confident blond with a mannered young Kathleen Turner croak.
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Brian Holcomb, CinemaBlend.com
Summing up a complex human being in two hours is like an MTV spot about Nelson Mandela cut to a Kanye West track. We don't really get to know Sedgwick at all.
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Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media
True story of drugs and sex is for adults only.
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Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
As a bio-pic, Factory Girl is limited, but as a snapshot of Sedgwick and Warhol's fiery relationship, there is much to fascinate us.
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Bill Gibron, PopMatters
The draw between Warhol and Sedgwick is so strong and handled so well that Factory Girl manages to easily overcome its other minor flaws.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The new, unrated DVD, which includes new footage and Hickenlooper's bitter commentary (attacking critics who dismissed his film, among other things), is just as disappointing as the shapeless and shallow theatrical release.
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Prairie Miller, WBAI Web Radio
This raw spotlight on the debutante 'Mayflower girl' turned Andy Warhol superstar groupie, pretty much concludes that no matter how much money or blue blood a woman has, you're still just one more exploitable, disposable babe.
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Scott Collura, IGN Movies
Factory Girl is an effective evocation of a particular slice of recent history. The film benefits from Miller's turn as Edie, an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink performance that takes the poor girl from the heights and highs of fame to the depths and doom
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Jean-François Vandeuren, Panorama
les écrits de Mauzner n'arrivent malheureusement pas à rendre justice, voire même à ajouter le moindre commentaire critique, à leur source d'inspiration
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Stuart McGurk, thelondonpaper
Spoilt, rich, posh, vacuous and fame-obsessed - who better to play Edie Sedgwick? If she's acting or not, Miller is brilliant. Just a shame the film is so shallow too.
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Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Edie Sedgwick's story is sad, but never appears important or interesting.
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Johnny Vaughan, Sun Online
It's Sienna Miller's star that shines brightest in this heartbreaking cautionary tale.
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James Christopher, Times [UK]
Miller is a genuine surprise as the damaged star. But the film leaves her very much as it finds her: a clueless naive.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Emile T
Is it possible ? A movie full of flaws, that still touches you, that still breakes you ? For me, Factory Girl proved it. Guy Pearce was perfect as Andy Warhol, while Sienna Miller did a good job. Hayden Christensen played well Bob Dylan (under another name because it is still not… More
Is it possible ? A movie full of flaws, that still touches you, that still breakes you ? For me, Factory Girl proved it. Guy Pearce was perfect as Andy Warhol, while Sienna Miller did a good job. Hayden Christensen played well Bob Dylan (under another name because it is still not sure Eddie had an affair with him). There was something wrong with the direction and the screenplay, but yet both surprisingly great. There are way many movies showing imposant figures falling from high, but the beautiful Factory Girl really joined me, and I undeniably fell in love with this film. Every single person sould find something to love in this movie. -
Jim H
Edie Sedgwick becomes the 1960s version of Paris Hilton, famous for her association to achievement and her downfall. The highlights of this film are the performances by Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce who are remarkably believable as Sedgwick and Andy Warhol. In fact, Pearce's… More
Edie Sedgwick becomes the 1960s version of Paris Hilton, famous for her association to achievement and her downfall. The highlights of this film are the performances by Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce who are remarkably believable as Sedgwick and Andy Warhol. In fact, Pearce's performance frequently reminded me of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's Oscar-winning turn in <i>Capote</i>, and Miller embodied the tragic beauty of Angelina Jolie's Golden Globe-winner in <i>Gia</i>. Without a doubt, they are the only aspects of this film that keep it from falling into a morass of montage-ridden, depressing display of frenetic camerawork. I've read from multiple sources that <i>Factory Girl</i> has numerous factual errors. The <i>Village Voice</i> called it "Edie Sedgwick for Dummies," and Bob Dylan threatened to sue the film for defamation resulting in Hayden Christensen's character being called "Billy Quinn" instead of Dylan. By the end of the film, I didn't think I learned anything true. The articles I read about Sedgwick and Warhol helped me understand them as people more than the film, and I can only wish that Hollywood screenwriters would trust in the realization that sometimes real life is more interesting than what they could make up. Overall, see this film for Miller and Pearce, then do your research. -
Alexis N
this move is about the life of edie sedgwick, andy warhol's muse. poor little rich girl.. she lived hard and fast. then just like that she was gone at 28 years old. it was good movie, but heartbreaking. -
Conner R
Guy Pearce was so good that I literally believed he was Andy Warhol for an hour and a half. Sienna Miller and Hayden Christensen also did a great job with their characters. The movie itself was a really great depiction of that time period and I really felt I was in the 60's while… More
Guy Pearce was so good that I literally believed he was Andy Warhol for an hour and a half. Sienna Miller and Hayden Christensen also did a great job with their characters. The movie itself was a really great depiction of that time period and I really felt I was in the 60's while watching it. -
Anthony L
I really liked this film! It sounds like I'm alone though. Sure the editing is a little muddled, it?s a little bit over the place but I think that it actually works quite well! Miller is brilliant as Sedgwick, I really think she has been treated badly in the press and in casting,… More
I really liked this film! It sounds like I'm alone though. Sure the editing is a little muddled, it?s a little bit over the place but I think that it actually works quite well! Miller is brilliant as Sedgwick, I really think she has been treated badly in the press and in casting, she is a rare talent that is being wasted in my opinion. I really hope she gets more action over the next few years, I believe she's destined to be top of the game soon. Guy Pearce is equally impressive as Warhol and is just as good as David Bowie in my opinion! (Basquiat, 1996) Hayden Christensen is the only problem in this film. His is an impression more than a performance or interpretation and not a particularly good one at that. George Hickenlooper is a director you can rely on. His documentaries are great and this film has just the right balance of both. At an hour and a half, the information is crammed in and there is more to tell about the Factory but as an insight into the life of Sedgwick I think it?s pretty much spot on. -
Manu G
It was pretty good and you can see that the actors are trying to act even though not to perfection I must say, but it was a. very touching story. A beautiful, wealthy young party girl drops out of Radcliffe in 1965 and heads to New York to become Holly Golightly. When she meets a… More
It was pretty good and you can see that the actors are trying to act even though not to perfection I must say, but it was a. very touching story. A beautiful, wealthy young party girl drops out of Radcliffe in 1965 and heads to New York to become Holly Golightly. When she meets a hungry young artist named Andy Warhol, he promises to make her the star she always wanted to be. And like a super nova she explodes on the New York scene only to find herself slowly lose grip on reality. -
Alice S
Guy Pierce and Sienna Miller totally nailed their roles. Very frenetic cinematography and editing as well. -
Red L
This is not a film I like watching. I don't care much for Andy Warhol, I don't care much for drugs, I don't remember Edie Sedgwick. But the movie isn't badly done. -
Gordon A
Guy Pearce and Sienna Miller give believable performances for unlikeable characters, part of the art-wank factory crowd. Ultimately Andy Warhol comes across as a selfish narcissist and there is little to like about the whole 'scene' - and the Dillon character seems to have… More
Guy Pearce and Sienna Miller give believable performances for unlikeable characters, part of the art-wank factory crowd. Ultimately Andy Warhol comes across as a selfish narcissist and there is little to like about the whole 'scene' - and the Dillon character seems to have wandered in from another movie. -
Craig S
<u><b>Directed by:</u> George Hickenlooper.</b> <u><b>Starring:</u> Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon.</b> I would expect Andy Warhol's life to be fascinating, as said by Sienna Millers character in the… More
<u><b>Directed by:</u> George Hickenlooper.</b> <u><b>Starring:</u> Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon.</b> I would expect Andy Warhol's life to be fascinating, as said by Sienna Millers character in the film "It may just be a painting, but it's an idea....and the man behind that idea is what's interesting"....although you have some thoughtful dialogue such as that, it doesn't back it up. A vast story is crammed right down to 85 minutes, the entire story is incoherent and passes through stages without focus and bad editing, aside from a few ideas and referencing to the style of Andy Warhol, you just soon begin to not care once you have passed 20+ characters in the first 20 minutes and the story loses its gripping edge. The only highlight of the film that kept me watching was the two leading performances. Guy Pearce is perfectly dark and mysterious, once he puts on the glasses and adds the accent, he sinks right into Andy's persona with such skill and quality, I forgot how great an actor Guy is. Sienna Miller proves to be more than just a pretty face (and a great body), although her role is never as deep or as complex as it should have been, she stands strong and delivers a performance of great depth and control and her innocence is spot-on and her presence is strong. Aside from having two surprisingly strong and amazing performances, Factory Girl suffers from being terribly incoherent, from the lack of focus on both story and character, jumping from one scene to another with too many characters and all being crammed into an 85 minute running time, it is a major disappointment as both a coherent film and a respectable and deep biography. -
Elvira B
I was really, really skeptical about Factory Girl. Lou Reed had condemned it before it was even out, and I have to believe in his good judgement. After all, he did know Edie Sedgwick personally, and he pretty much lived through all of the events portrayed in the script, which he hated… More
I was really, really skeptical about Factory Girl. Lou Reed had condemned it before it was even out, and I have to believe in his good judgement. After all, he did know Edie Sedgwick personally, and he pretty much lived through all of the events portrayed in the script, which he hated saying the screenwriter was an "illiterate bastard" or something. I have to agree with him. This screenplay is the messiest, most completely shallow thing ever. The screenwriter could not decide whether to make this a fake documentary or to make it follow a conventional narrative line, so he meshed the two and the result is not good. The movie is composed of vignettes of sorts, different 15-minute moments in Edie Sedgwick's life. This doesn't allow any type of insight from the characters whatsoever. We don't get the chance to see how events develop -the reasons, the characters' opinions. Besides, maybe *I* am interested in Edie Sedgwick because I've always been very into the whole Factory era, but what about someone who's never even heard of her? The script doesn't give any good reasons for which anyone should care about Edie and what she symbollized, it just villifies Warhol (whether he deserves it or not isn't the issue). In that sense it's far from satisfying. It's not beautiful. It's not superficial the way it should be. Everything is shot up-close, which is dizzying, and the camera shakes and moves around a great deal. Poor Sienna Miller's terrific performance as Edie Sedgwick gets completely buried underneath the screenwriter's/director's incompetence. Guy Pearce is also very good as Andy Warhol. It's worth watching if the Factory years are of your interest, but also take in consideration that not all things here stated are true... that said, it's a disastrous film with some good performances. PS: Jimmy Fallon, completely bland. Stick with "Taxi"-esque stuff. -
Dean M
I love famous biography of an actor, actress and director so in this story is quite okay as well as Sienna Miller looks really glamorous and sexy as Andy Warhol's superstar underground actress and an IT Girl, Edge Sedgwick. I see there are lots of adult themes in Andy… More
I love famous biography of an actor, actress and director so in this story is quite okay as well as Sienna Miller looks really glamorous and sexy as Andy Warhol's superstar underground actress and an IT Girl, Edge Sedgwick. I see there are lots of adult themes in Andy Warhol's factory - little sicko. -
Michael G
Factory Girl was reasonably well-done even if the story was painfully paint by numbers and the characters were anything but. Sienna Miller did a great job, but Guy Pearce stole the show as Warhol. Pearce portrayed him in a quirky enough and conventional way, but idiosyncracy… More
Factory Girl was reasonably well-done even if the story was painfully paint by numbers and the characters were anything but. Sienna Miller did a great job, but Guy Pearce stole the show as Warhol. Pearce portrayed him in a quirky enough and conventional way, but idiosyncracy eventually gave way to a portrait of a bloodsucking monster. Unfortunately it's not all good--Jimmy Fallon continues on his journey as a douchebag SNL dropout not making good and... and... gimme a minute here... WHOSE IDEA WAS IT TO HAVE HAYDEN CHRISTIANSEN PLAY "BOB DYLAN?" MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN WOULD'VE BEEN A BETTER "DYLAN." THE COPSE OF EDIE SEDGWICK WOULD'VE DONE A BETTER JOB! No wonder Dylan threatened to sue if his name was even used in the movie! I felt like I was being drawn and quartered whenever Christiansen was on the screen (namely during the unnecessary sex scene.) It's not a total loss, but then again I had my expectations very, very low. And the interviews during the credits were and awful touch. -
William D
[size=3][color=black]Why are movies about artists always so bad? [/color][color=black]You'd think that the person making the film would at least understand art, and thus have some depth. Why else would they be attracted to a story about an artist? [/color][/size] [size=3][/size]… More
[size=3][color=black]Why are movies about artists always so bad? [/color][color=black]You'd think that the person making the film would at least understand art, and thus have some depth. Why else would they be attracted to a story about an artist? [/color][/size] [size=3][/size] [size=3][color=black]But over and over again, the people making artist bio-pics prove to be shallow and uninteresting and seem not to have a clue about art.[/color][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][color=black]It happens once again with Factory Girl, the yawn-inducing film starring Sienna Miller as Edie Sedgwick, one of Andy Warhol's muses. I don't know who Sienna Miller is. [/color][color=black]Is she a TV star or something? Whoever she is, she's an incredible bore. She plays the role at the level of a made-for-TV movie. There is just nothing going on behind the wigs and eye make-up for this girl. She is an embarrassment.[/color][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]The narration she provides from inside a rehab center at the end is so horrendous I literally felt nauseous. [color=black]It really disturbs me that someone would have cast her. But then again the script is so third-rate that perhaps it shouldn't surprise me.[/color][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][color=black]The only thing worth seeing here is Guy Pearce as Andy Warhol. Despite an incredibly shallow script, Pearce brings Warhol to life in a compelling way. Every second he was on the screen I couldn't take my eyes off him. [/color][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][color=black]The director, George Hickenlooper, has to be blamed for most of the weakness. Even a thin script can be brought to life in exciting ways if a director has any talent. How hard could it be to make Edie Sedgwick's life seem exciting or interesting? Somehow this Hickenlooper guy manages to make it seem bland. That's quite a feat![/color][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]I loved the scenes with the Velvet Underground. At least we heard good music in those parts. [/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]Hayden Christensen as Bob Dylan was laugh-out-loud awful.[/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3]Just for the record, I absolutely love Andy Warhol. I think he was one of the 10 or so greatest artists of the 20th century. So none of my disappointment here had anything to do with the subject matter. I wanted to like this film really bad. I just couldn't, because it's so empty.[/size] -
Eric B
"Factory Girl" starts off well enough with Sedgwick's photogenic rise to pseudo-stardom, but once the Not-Bob-Dylan character enters, the film turns cardboard and as convincing as a "Saturday Night Live" skit. Guy Pearce portrays Andy Warhol quite well, but… More
"Factory Girl" starts off well enough with Sedgwick's photogenic rise to pseudo-stardom, but once the Not-Bob-Dylan character enters, the film turns cardboard and as convincing as a "Saturday Night Live" skit. Guy Pearce portrays Andy Warhol quite well, but almost every other actor seems out of his/her depth. And the producers couldn't even manage to license any Velvet Underground songs? Bogus. Perhaps the casting of Weezer members as Lou Reed and John Cale is the ultimate sign of this film's aesthetic markdown. -
Sol C
Interesting film. The style of the film has a documentary feel to it. The best thing about the film is the performances by Guy Pearce, Sienna Miller, and even Hayden Christensen. Pearce and Miller shine as Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol in the film. Christensen also does great work as… More
Interesting film. The style of the film has a documentary feel to it. The best thing about the film is the performances by Guy Pearce, Sienna Miller, and even Hayden Christensen. Pearce and Miller shine as Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol in the film. Christensen also does great work as a Bob Dylan type of rocker in the film. This is the 2nd performance of Christensen that I liked. The first being in Shattered Glass. Jimmy Fallon seems out of place in the film. -
William G
Well-acted, well-meaning, but ultimately unrewarding biopic. -
Leanna E
Sienna is spot on as Edie. Fabulous clothes too! -
Marcus W
What happened to Guy Pearce? Last I heard he'd given up on life and starred in an Adam Sandler movie, and yet he's phenomenal in this. Sienna Miller is also impressing me the more I see her. Sadly, two great performances do not a good film make, and so, much like most… More
What happened to Guy Pearce? Last I heard he'd given up on life and starred in an Adam Sandler movie, and yet he's phenomenal in this. Sienna Miller is also impressing me the more I see her. Sadly, two great performances do not a good film make, and so, much like most biopics, it has no plot, she has fifteen minutes of fame and then gets hooked on drugs. I wish people making biopics would watch Dragon first. Seriously. -
Kevin M
Although the overall mood is quite tense and tragic, I gained appreciation for the director's vision in following Edie Sedgwick's dramatic emergence and descent from fame. With so many talented actors and actresses adding well-researched roles to the film, I was excited to… More
Although the overall mood is quite tense and tragic, I gained appreciation for the director's vision in following Edie Sedgwick's dramatic emergence and descent from fame. With so many talented actors and actresses adding well-researched roles to the film, I was excited to follow along in every minute. Pearce's accurate interpretation of Warhol is certainly worth recognizing. I found Miller's transition to be shocking - given how well-guided she is in accomplishing director Hickenlooper's vision. Christensen provides bright optimism in each of his scenes - something I hadn't yet seen in his last few films. Although the content is graphic and heartbreaking, due to the intense manipulation and betrayals suffered by Edie Sedgwick during her life with Andy Warhol, the closing scenes add a sense of steady calm. I discovered this hidden gem while flipping through my movie channels late at night. It's a sad story, but it enabled me to grasp some clarity in discovering exactly how Warhol's fame impacted his close relationships.
Cast
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Sienna Milleras Edie Sedgwick -
Hayden Christensenas Billy Quinn Musician -
Guy Pearceas Andy Warhol
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Jimmy Fallonas Chuck Wein -
Mena Suvarias Richie Berlin -
Shawn Hatosyas Syd Pepperman
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Illeana Douglasas Diana Vreeland -
Armin Amirias Ondine -
Edward Herrmannas James Townsend
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Jack Hustonas Gerard Malanga -
Beth Grantas Julia Warhol -
Tara Summersas Brigid Polk
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Johnny Whitworthas Silver George -
James Naughtonas Fuzzy Sedgwick -
Mary Elizabeth Winsteadas Ingrid Superstar
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Don Novelloas Mort Silvers -
Grant Jamesas Priest -
Richard Folmeras Waiter
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Tarajia Morrellas Reporter At JFK Airport -
Charles Ferraraas Vendor At Flea Market -
Brian Bellas Lou Reed
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Patrick Wilsonas John Cale -
Michael A. Stephensas Sterling Morrison -
Samantha Maloneyas Mo Tucker
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Meredith Ostromas Nico -
Jeffrey Galpinas Horse Trainer -
Robert Laskoas Frank (Cowboy Twin 1)
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Richard Laskoas Leo (Cowboy Twin 2) -
Renee Vincentas Mrs. Shingle -
Thomas Faustinas Aru
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Kevin Lyonsas Giovanni -
Peggy Walton-Walkeras Alice Sedgwick -
Will Carteras Gino
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Alexi Wasseras Lexa Spence -
Marian Faddisas Diana Vreeland's Assistant -
Brandon Oliveas Factory Freak
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Trace Cheramieas Gay Cowboy -
Stephen Michael Coxas Junky -
Kent Jude Bernardas Elmo Who
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Jon E. Edwardsas Taci Driver -
Trisha Meaneyas Musician's Wife -
Michael Hughesas Harvard Dandy
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Madeleine Poirrieras Young Edie -
Mikey Postas Taxi Driver -
Brendan Faddisas Rocco
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Heather Bloomas The Other Woman -
Jim Coopeas Harvard Club Waiter -
Colleen Campas Mrs. Whitley
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Joel Michaelyas Joey -
Tommy Pernaas Jack (Muscle Mary Bouncer) -
Peter Barnesas Reporter
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Georgina Chapman (II)as Interviewer -
Morris Bart & Kimberly C. Andersonas Reporter -
Deneen Tyleras Wanda
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Tim Soergelas Gay Cowboy #2
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