Taking place over 24 hours in Manhattan, director Chris Terrio’s Heights (Sony Pictures Classics) is a dense soap opera in which a handful of characters experience their share of personal lows. Isabel (Elizabeth Banks), an artistically frustrated photographer who mostly shoots weddings, is going to marry a lawyer, Jonathan (James Marsden), in three weeks. She’s feeling uncertain about the big event, especially when a conflicting, once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity arises. Meanwhile, a British journalist, Peter (John Light), works on an article about a promiscuous gay photographer. One of the photographer’s ex-lovers happens to be Jonathan, who’s alarmed when Peter starts calling for an interview – Isabel has no idea about his gay affair. Isabel’s actress mother, Diana (Glenn Close, chowing down scenery without utensils), is in an “open” relationship with her husband, but he’s taking his latest fling a little too far. In search of distraction, Diana fixates on Alec (Jesse Bradford), a cute young actor who auditions for a show she’s directing. Alec coincidentally happens to live in Isabel’s apartment building, and he’s very uncomfortable about Diana’s sudden infatuation with him. In fact, it’s not the only thing he’s uncomfortable with at the moment…

Adapted by Amy Fox and Terrio, from Fox’s play of the same title, Heights manages to paint tarnished yet artful and fascinating portraits of its denizens. That said, both the writing and directing betray hints of stiff, starchy pretentiousness – perhaps rubbed-off from producers Ismail Merchant and James Ivory (Terrio was Ivory’s assistant for a spell).

The cast is uniformly great, making what could be unlikable characters endearing, or at least rubberneck-worthy disasters. As Diana, Close balances both diva and a vulnerable, hungry humanity. I adore Bradford and – spoiler alert! – it’s quite nice to see him play gay. Speaking of gay, Rufus Wainwright, portraying an ex of the photographer, is an engaging, sharp screen presence, and shrewd off-screen businessman. Wainwright agreed to do the film only if a scene was written for him to share with Close. His negotiations were successful. Despite its tawdry goings-ons, Heights remains highbrow. Too classy for some, for sure, but as art films go this is “Desperate Housewives.” (Opens in select cities June 17) Out on DVD

One of the best sitcoms to emerge last year, HBO’s “Entourage” involves a hot rising Hollywood star, Vincent Chase (Adrien Grenier), and his clique of hanger-ons: C-list actor sibling Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon), horndog Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and managerial-minded Eric (Kevin Connolly). The first season’s arc followed the gang as Eric faced off with venomous Hollywood agent Ari (a pricelessly crazed Jeremy Piven) to gain the upper hand guiding Vince’s career. Brilliant writing, from tart comedic dialogue to cleverly serendipitous worked-out plotlines, a memorable guest turn by Debi Mazar as Vince’s attitudesy publicist, and numerous celeb cameos by Gary Busey, Owen Wilson and executive producer Mark Wahlberg, made this plastic fantastic confection super-addictive. Extras include a breezy interview segment, and back-patting commentaries by other executive producers Doug Ellin (also the show’s creator) and Larry Charles.

Season two picks up right after season one ends, adding a gay character, Ari’s new assistant Lloyd (Rex Lee). So brush up with this 2-disc ride through modern day Hollywood Babylon – with its human lampreys!