   What happens to a young marriage when the thing that once
brought two people together suddenly vanishes? In a new film
"Smashed," the answer isn't pretty. But neither is the
alternative, because in "Smashed," the thing that brings the
couple together is alcohol.  The couple is played by Aaron Paul
of "Breaking Bad" and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The film also
stars Nick Offerman of "Parks and Recreation," Megan Mullally,
best known from "Will and Grace" and Oscar-winner Octavia
Spencer. James Ponsoldt directed and cowrote the film, and he
joins me now from the studios of NPR West in Los Angeles.
Welcome.  JAMES PONSOLDT: Thanks. Thanks for having me.
HEADLEE: Now, I just mentioned a number of cast members, but the
movie's really centered around Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who
plays Kate. And Kate is a elementary school teacher with a
serious drinking problem. We're going to hear a clip here. This
is Kate attending her first AA meeting.   MARY ELIZABETH
WINSTEAD: (as Kate) Yeah. I don't know if I'm an alcoholic