Wagner`s directorial debut, based on his novel, about the revolving lives of several Los Angeles residents, most notably a producer (Langella) who`s lung cancer has kicked into high gear. His son`s life is falling apart, as is his daughter`s sanity and his marriage. Added to the mix are two characters who are dying of AIDS and a child who is killed. If you hadn`t guessed, this is a film about death and dying, and how we come to terms with it, blindly or acceptingly.