In this second adaptation of a Chuck Palahniuk novel, we are introduced to a character not far evolved from Tyler Durden. He’s obviously less violent, but his sexual cravings and his obscure view of the world are similar, if not the same. Venturing away from the drama and focusing more on the comedic side of this dark world, Clark Gregg goes behind the camera in his directorial debut “Choke.”

Meet Victor Mancini (Sam Rockwell) — a scruffy, emotionally beaten man with the drive of a 17-year-old suburban stoner. His childhood was not like ours. He was raised by a nomad of a mother — always teaching him odd lessons and keeping him away from any kind of real friendship. That sounds terrible to you and I, but it’s his mother, and he loves her.

When his mother’s mental capacity dwindles away, he drops out of medical school and puts her in a mental facility, which he pays for by working at a demeaning job he can’t stand.

With the company of his friend Denny (Brad William Henke), he manages his career as a “historical interpreter.” The pair share a similar problem. While Victor is a sex addict, constantly engaging in endless dirty, erotic encounters with strange women, Denny is a chronic masturbator.

While visiting his mother, Victor falls for Dr. Paige Marshall (Kelly Macdonald). However, there’s one problem — she turns out to be the only woman he’s unable to have sex with. The story continues on spewing out darkly comic situations, including the possibility that Victor might be the offspring of Jesus.

I’m an avid Sam Rockwell fan, so I might be bias here, but metaphysically, he is Victor Mancini. His hopelessness is comically uncomfortable but also something many of us can relate to.

The little-known Brad William Henke surprises us with his performance. He doesn’t present anything special but his ability to keep his friend Victor at bay is more than adequate.

Kelly Macdonald and Anjelica Huston also help sew the seams with their performances as women with a very different case of the crazies.

Gregg makes a respectable debut, as he picked a very good base subject. Followers of Palahnuik were sure to come in waves, regardless of whether or not the film was good — which it was.

I’ve seen this film three times since its release — twice on the big screen and once on DVD. Not because I love it that much, but because the opportunity presented itself and well, I took it. It’s worth seeing, and while some things may elude you the first go round, it will be well understood with a second helping.