Little Black Book 2004
Directed by
Nick Hurran
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
Stacy Holt, a detail-oriented associate producer on The Kippie Kann Show, firmly believes that fortune favors the prepared. Her boyfriend Derek, though seemingly the embodiment of this principle, harbors secrets about his past romances that only add to her concerns. While reviewing show tapes at home, Stacy stumbles upon a familiar face—Lulu, Derek’s ex-girlfriend and a French model.
Derek’s reluctance to discuss his past only intensifies Stacy’s anxieties, prompting her to share her worries with her coworkers, Barb and Ira. Inspired by Ira’s clever idea of using PalmPilots as a digital “little black book,” they devise a plan to delve into Derek’s digital life. Under the pretense of potentially inviting Lulu back onto the show, they question her about her relationship with Derek and unearth the truth—Derek was taken from his committed girlfriend Joyce by Lulu’s allure.
As Stacy digs deeper into Derek’s history, her insecurities grow stronger. She becomes fixated on his answering machine messages and goes through his memorabilia. Discovering that there are women from his past, including Joyce and Rachel, just a click away in his PalmPilot, she decides to meet Rachel under the guise of research, only to realize that Rachel is actually a gynecologist.
This revelation sets off a chain of events where Stacy interrogates Rachel regarding her ties to Derek, unveiling that they share custody of his cherished dog, Bob, and still see each other on occasion. Feeling like an outsider, Stacy witnesses their cordial relationship, which deepens her sense of unease.
Simultaneously, she develops a friendship with Joyce, initially under false pretenses. As their bond grows, so does Stacy’s guilt, aware that her probing has contributed to the ending of Derek and Joyce’s relationship. The revelation hits hard: it was Lulu who caused Derek to confront his authentic feelings for Joyce.
Now, as Stacy contemplates the repercussions of her actions, she questions whether her pursuit of truth has ultimately damaged her relationship with Derek beyond repair.
As The Kippie Kann Show approaches its live broadcast, Stacy assumes a critical production role, preparing to weave a significant storyline into the episode. Her investigative discoveries will become the centerpiece of the narrative, thrusting her into the spotlight. However, the harsh reality surfaces before the audience; a script crafted by Barb ensnares Lulu, Rachel, Joyce, and Derek, leading to emotional upheaval. The fallout hits hard for Joyce and Derek, leaving their relationship in disarray.
In a moment of sincere reflection, Stacy offers her apologies to the cast and tenderly concludes her relationship with Derek, recognizing its inherent flaws. With her conscience clear, she encourages Derek to mend things with Joyce before she departs amid an audience’s applause.
In the aftermath of this chaotic episode, Stacy embarks on a journey of self-reflection during a heartfelt interview with Diane Sawyer. This introspective dialogue sparks her personal growth and ultimately opens doors for her career, as she secures a position under the tutelage of the esteemed journalist. Excited about her new path, Stacy is elated to encounter her idol, the iconic Carly Simon, and revels in the magic of this unexpected meeting.
Timeline
Stacy's Belief
Stacy Holt, an associate producer, upholds the principle that fortune favors the prepared. Her meticulous nature drives her to maintain control over her life and relationships, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Derek's Secrets
Stacy learns that her boyfriend, Derek, is hiding secrets about his past romances, particularly concerning Lulu, an ex-girlfriend. This revelation stirs Stacy's concerns and her need to confront the truth.
Discovery of Lulu
While reviewing show tapes at home, Stacy recognizes Lulu, Derek's ex-girlfriend and a French model. The connection intensifies Stacy's anxiety and compels her to investigate further into Derek's past.
The Plan with Coworkers
Sharing her worries with coworkers Barb and Ira leads to the ingenious idea of using PalmPilots as digital 'little black books'. They decide to explore Derek's digital life to uncover his true relationship with Lulu.
Interrogating Lulu
Stacy and her team question Lulu under the pretense of inviting her onto the show. Through their conversation, they learn that Derek left Joyce for Lulu, deepening Stacy's insecurities about her relationship.
Digging into Derek's Past
As Stacy delves deeper into Derek's life, she fixates on his answered and unanswered messages. Her search leads her to troubling discoveries about his past relationships, including Joyce and Rachel, increasing her emotional turmoil.
Meeting Rachel
Under the guise of research, Stacy meets Rachel, only to discover that she is Derek's gynecologist. The conversation reveals their shared custodial responsibilities over Derek's dog, Bob, complicating Stacy's feelings.
Friendship with Joyce
Stacy forms an initial bond with Joyce, Derek's ex, based on false pretenses. As their friendship grows, Stacy struggles with guilt over her actions that led to the dissolution of Derek and Joyce's relationship.
Consequences of Investigation
Stacy realizes that Lulu’s past actions forced Derek to confront his true feelings for Joyce. This painful truth makes Stacy question her own motives in investigating Derek’s past.
The Kippie Kann Show's Live Broadcast
As the show approaches its live broadcast, Stacy prepares to interweave her investigative findings into the episode's storyline. This decision places her in the center of emotional turmoil among all involved.
Catastrophic Script Revelation
As the narrative unfolds on live television, Barb's crafted script ensnares Lulu, Rachel, Joyce, and Derek, leading to emotional chaos. The situation results in significant fallout, particularly for Joyce and Derek's relationship.
Stacy's Apology
In the wake of the chaos, Stacy sincerely apologizes to the cast for the turmoil her investigation has caused. Recognizing the flaws in her relationship with Derek, she concludes it tenderly and encourages him to rekindle his bond with Joyce.
Self-Reflection with Diane Sawyer
After a tumultuous episode, Stacy engages in a heartfelt interview with Diane Sawyer, leading her toward personal growth. This introspective dialogue marks a turning point in her personal and professional life.
A New Career Opportunity
Following her interview, Stacy receives an offer to work under the esteemed journalist Diane Sawyer. This exciting new chapter presents her with opportunities for professional advancement.
Meeting Carly Simon
Delighted by her new path, Stacy has an unexpected meeting with her idol, Carly Simon. This encounter encapsulates the positive changes in her life and her journey towards fulfillment.
Characters
Stacy Holt (Ron Livingston)
Stacy is a determined and detail-oriented associate producer torn between her desire for truth and her emotional well-being. Her insecurities about her relationship with Derek prompt her to dig into his past, complicating her feelings and leading to significant self-discoveries.
Derek (Holly Hunter)
Derek is portrayed as a charming but secretive partner, whose romantic past looms large over his relationship with Stacy. His reluctance to discuss previous relationships fuels Stacy's anxiety, revealing the complexities of trust and commitment.
Joyce (Kathy Bates)
Joyce is Derek's ex-girlfriend, who becomes an unexpected ally for Stacy. Through her interactions with Joyce, Stacy experiences the weight of guilt and the intricacies of relationships affected by unfaithfulness and deep-seated emotions.
Lulu (Brittany Murphy)
Lulu is Derek's alluring ex, whose presence adds tension to the narrative by reminding Stacy of the unresolved feelings in Derek's past. She symbolizes temptation and the complexities of past relationships that complicate the present.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, capturing the essence of modern relationships and the impact of technology on personal interactions. It reflects the cultural landscape where digital communication and social media begin to influence romantic dynamics.
Location
The Kippie Kann Show set, Various locations
The Kippie Kann Show set serves as a bustling hub of creativity and entertainment, where engaging stories come to life. Various urban locations like cafes and parks reflect the modern relationships and social dynamics explored in the film, showcasing the intertwining of personal lives and public personas.
Themes
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak serves as a central theme, with characters navigating the complexities of past relationships and emotional truths. As Stacy uncovers Derek's romantic history, the hurt inflicted on former partners becomes evident, highlighting the lingering pain of unhealed wounds and rekindled feelings.
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Truth-Seeking
The quest for truth drives the narrative as Stacy's curiosity leads her down a path of revelation and self-discovery. Her digging into Derek's life not only uncovers secrets but also challenges her understanding of loyalty, love, and the consequences of her investigations.
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Identity
Exploration of identity unfolds as characters grapple with their pasts and the impact of others on their self-perception. Stacy's journey reflects a struggle between her professional ambitions and personal insecurities, prompting reflections on who she truly is outside her romantic entanglements.
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