It always feels tricky to write about a movie house, even a wonderful independent film-centered one like Nightlight Cinema, a Knight Arts grantee. The films turn over regularly, so it’s not like a single event or a three-week stint of a play. Now and then, though, a reminder about a quality arts organization and the kind of things it brings to the area is very worthy of mention.

With that said, the final week for showings of “Listen Up Philip,” conceived and directed by Alex Ross Perry, is at hand. Perry is noted for the films “Impolex” (based on the novel “Gravity’s Rainbow” by Thomas Pynchon) and “The Color Wheel,” a work influenced by novelist Philip Roth (of “Goodbye, Columbus” and “Portnoy’s Complaint” fame).

“Listen Up Philip,” currently being screened at Nightline Cinema.

Then there’s “Listen Up, Philip” (with its suggestions of the literary influence of Roth again). The fictional Philip, like rumors of the real writer, is an angry man. Reportedly he takes on all the folks in his life–his ex-girlfriend, college roommate, current girlfriend, etc. Summaries say the dialogue is harsh and cruel–as it might be in real life if someone is bent on destroying you with words that actually do break your emotional bones.

Those sorts of scenes make up the first portions of the film that is shot on Super 16mm film, hand-held as Perry’s films are. The technique of doing that allows the camera to go right up on someone, getting in their face as it were, when things get hot.

Philip, we are told, awaits the publication of his second novel, which is generating lots of pre-release press. His angst comes from feeling the pressure of New York City, not wanting to do the publicity tours, and the people in his life. When Philip’s idol, Ike Zimmerman, offers his isolated summer home as a refuge, he finally, as someone has written, gets the peace and quiet to focus on his favorite subject—himself.

Although it sounds incredibly dark, the film has its weirdly comic thrust as well, apparently. Jason Schwartzman leads the cast. The cast also includes Elisabeth Moss, Krysten Ritter, and as Ike Zimmerman, Jonathan Pryce. Actor, playwright and novelist Eric Bogosian provides bookended narration.

Times vary for showings of “Listen Up Philip,” with listings at 6:45 p.m. on November 7, 8, 11 and 13, and at 4 p.m. on November 9, at Nightline Cinema, 30 N. High St., Akron; 330-252-5782; www.nightlightcinema.com. Tickets are $8.50 ($7.50 for children and seniors).