The Man (Robert LaPorta) has reached a turning point in his life. He and his wife (LaPorta's real-life wife, Alexa Fischer) live in a small apartment in a rundown neighborhood where parking is a constant problem, exacerbated by their car's recurrent transmission trouble. An upstairs neighbor he's never seen plays loud music and has a mysterious and vaguely sinister package delivered. Another neighbor threatens him with physical violence when he tries to throw his garbage in the dumpster next door. The Man's architecture career was floundering, until he got the chance to design a new Mexican restaurant. But his boss has nixed all of his innovative ideas for the place, insisting that the clients want things simple and dull. Now he's ready to make his presentation, but he's also reached the end of his rope. He has a chance to show what he can do, but it means usurping his boss' authority. Should he take the chance? Is he ready to take charge of his life? One Man's Ceiling was shot on digital video. It was written, directed, and edited by Richard LaPorta, and produced by his brother Robert, who also stars in the film. It was shown in competition at the 2002 Tribeca Film Festival.