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Maria Bello's first major film role was in the 1998 film Permanent Midnight. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Jerry Stahl, who also wrote the screenplay. The film tells the story of Stahl's struggles with drug addiction and his subsequent recovery. Bello plays Stahl's girlfriend, Nikki, who is also a drug addict. The film was well-received by critics, and Bello's performance was praised.