Douglas has two students in his class that are of importance in this film, one more than the other. Katie Holmes is renting a room from Douglas and seem to be flirting with him in every scene she's in. The other student is special, he's played brilliantly by Tobey Maguire. Maguire's identity largely expands throughout the picture. All we know of him early is that he knows all the movie stars who have killed themselves. He can even recite them in alphabetical order.

Not only has Douglas been stuck writing his book for so long, but he's also in love with the Chancellor (Frances McDormand), who happens to be a married woman. But that's the least of his problems, as a dead dog will soon be haunting him.

This movie, though having dramatic moments, is very funny. Robert Downey Jr., who is Douglas' editor and who will sniff out anything resembling a book, excels in his comedic turn. When he's not in jail, he can be a very capable actor, especially in a supporting role.