When it came to spinning out of control, Ben Stiller's fine, corrosive performance as a druggy Hollywood player in "Permanent Midnight" took the cake.

Permanent Midnight (1995)

Permanent Midnight (1998)

"You can read 'Permanent Midnight' if you want to know about that," he said, smiling.

"In 'Permanent Midnight,' I identified with my character's alienation," he says earnestly.

Permanent Midnight (1997)

And now there is "Permanent Midnight," with Ben Stiller as a heroin-addicted television writer.

Last year she played opposite Ben Stiller in "Permanent Midnight," based on the turbulent life of a Hollywood writer and heroin addict.

"Permanent Midnight" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian).

But he's still scrounging; he got "Permanent Midnight" only after David Duchovny dropped out.