A failed playwright, Henry Harrison, develops an odd mentor relationship with Louis Ives, a troubled, cross-dressing, aspiring writer to whom Henry sublets a room in his New York apartment. Henry teaches Louis the art of being an "extra man", accompanying and entertaining wealthy older women in their fanciful social lives. Along the way, Louis encounters an environmentally conscious co-worker, Mary Powell, and a jealous, eccentric neighbor, Gershon.[4]
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 41% approval rating based on reviews from 73 critics, with an average rating of 5.5 out of 10.[5] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 56 out of 100 based on reviews from 26 critics.[6]
Todd McCarthy of Variety gave it a positive review and wrote: "Although too devoted to matters literary, theatrical, operatic and sexually outre to make it with general audiences, this adaptation of Jonathan Ames' novel exudes the sort of smarts and sophisticated charm specialized audiences seek."[7]
