I remember watching Boondock Saints for the first time on satellite. The movie had been out for a while, I assume, but I had never heard of it. I remember taking the directors name, Troy Duffy, during the opening credits. I thought about it, but couldn't seem to associate him with anything else I could remember seeing. When the movie was done, however, I was impressed, very much so. I saw a lot of potential in Duffy's first film. I didn't realize exactly why he never made another movie. Overnight documents Duffy's rise in Hollywood, and his subsequent destruction, due to his own arrogance, intolerance, and ineptitude.

Overnight begins with the heart of a traditional Cinderella story. Troy Duffy achieves overnight success when his script for Boondock Saints is purchased by Harvey Weinstein at Miramax. For his script, Duffy gets $300,000 - a good amount for a script from a first time writer. Harvey Weinstein buys the bar which Troy Duffy works as a bartender, giving him 50% ownership. Duffy is also given directorial responsibilities, with complete control of casting, and final cut. Giving a director final cut is a big deal, and for a first time director, who has no filmmaking experience or education, it's completely unheard of. It's a film deal the likes of which has never been seen before, and, most likely will never be seen again.

Needless to say, things fall apart, and soon Troy finds himself at the bottom of the Hollywood ladder. But, he refuses to give up, believing he is better than everyone else. It's this arrogance that proves to be his downfall, as he turns on friends, business associates, etc. It seems like he's yelling or swearing at someone in nearly every scene for the duration of the film. I won't spoil any more for you, but if you're interested in filmmaking, Overnight is certainly worth watching.

The filmmakers, Tony Montana and Mark Brian Smith, begin as friends of Duffy's, however, they admit that in the later years, they only stayed with Duffy to complete their project, as he was becoming very hard to deal with as time passed. They've done a good job telling the story, which spans the better part of a decade. The story covers equal parts in relation to Duffy's film career, as well as his music career. Music career? Oh yes, I must have failed to mention it. Troy Duffy brings his band along, to score the soundtrack for Boondock Saints and in the process, attempt to score a record deal. Needless to say his controlling ways affect not only him but his colleagues and friends as well.

There is definitely something to be said about the effects fame and fortune have on our attitudes, and general interaction with others. Tony Montana and Mark Smith paint a picture of a man corrupted by his sudden power. Yet they never display Duffy as mean or cruel, his actions are a product of his situation. He believes he is the reason the group is where they are, and doesn't believe anyone should have the right to question him. You would think he'd come across as an ignorant asshole, but he comes across as more of an inept doofus, which is partly why the film works so well. Regardless of his actions, Duffy remains a moderately sympathetic character.

The film moves at such a leisurely pace, one is left wondering continuously, throughout the film, what Duffy can possibly do next, to worsen the situation. Keep this old adage in mind: No matter how bad things are, they can always get worse. At the very least, if you want to take something away from this film, appreciate what you're given, especially if it just falls into your lap.

Troy Duffy says something early in the film, which I believe is perfect to close this review, and sum up the movie: “If you've got the goods, you've got the goods. No matter what kind of fuck-up you are.” I think that about sums it up. You know what they say… Once a fuck-up, always a fuck-up.