Permanent Midnight 1998

As the rehabilitation program approaches its end, Jerry Stahl finds himself compelled to make a rash decision: he quits his dull fast-food job, captivated by the mysterious Kitty, who catches his eye at the drive-through window. Their chemistry ignites a whirlwind romance, leading the two to a motel room where Jerry reveals the chaotic story of his life through heartfelt discussions intermingled with fervent passion.

The narrative rewinds, illustrating Jerry’s transition from New York City to Los Angeles and highlighting his instant camaraderie with Nicky, a fellow addict. Under the influence of Nicky and Vola, Jerry ties the knot with Sandra, a friend of Vola’s, which ultimately grants him a writing gig on the hit comedy series Mr. Chompers thanks to Sandra’s connections in the television industry. As Jerry maneuvers through his new career, he finds comfort in sketching from his childhood experiences, especially the harrowing loss of his mother after his father’s death.

Amidst his writing responsibilities, Jerry’s repeated visits to Dita, a heroin dealer, exacerbate his addiction, culminating in his dismissal from Mr. Chompers. Sandra steps in again, helping him land a role on No Such Luck, but their star, Pamela Verlaine, a fellow recovery seeker, mandates that he undergo treatment and rid himself of his dependency before returning to work.

Jerry’s enrollment in a methadone program introduces him to Gus, who entices him with the seductive dangers of crack cocaine and Dilaudid. This heightened drug use wreaks havoc on his life, causing him to lose his new job, and when Sandra discovers her pregnancy, their relationship deteriorates. Her feelings of disgust turn into utter revulsion when Jerry shows up high for their daughter Nina’s delivery.

As time slips by, Jerry’s struggles with addiction strain his relationships, particularly with Sandra and Nina. These flashbacks culminate as Jerry makes his way back to Los Angeles, motivated to reconnect with his daughter and revive his faltering writing career. In a twist of fate, Kitty resurfaces, leading to one last passionate encounter before she departs for Anchorage, leaving Jerry to reflect on the course of his life.

As Jerry’s tumultuous saga unfolds, he embarks on an odd journey through popular culture, making appearances on various television shows and news segments. Throughout these experiences, his story is accompanied by piercing voiceovers that criticize the harsh impacts of his addiction. With brutal honesty, Jerry addresses the series of misfortunes that plague him, illustrating the burden of his mistakes. As he poignantly states, > “I managed to escape with a compromised liver and an insurmountable debt burden that will likely keep me in financial servitude until my 90th year, if fortune smiles upon me and I’m fortunate enough to see it through.” His reflections cast a heavy shadow, serving as a stark reminder of the enduring consequences of addiction and the challenging path that lies ahead as he seeks redemption.