Two Lovers (2008)
Firstly, I'm not Jewish. However, not being Jewish and not knowing many Jewish people (I live in a small town. I get my knowledge of Jewishfolks from movies!), I think this movie is a template for what might happen with many Jewish families. Without saying any more about the plot, I would like to say a few words about the characters and the character development and perhaps a few other things.
Joaquin Phoenix has screen presence and star power and even has acting ability, but I think he was wrong for this role. Not wrong exactly but I'm sure another actor could have done it better. My main issue was wonder- ing if the character was or was not supposed to be a nut case. If the character was supposed to be a little off kilter, then he pulled off the role perfectly. There were a few times when he would suddenly crack a joke but the joke was not funny but more surreal. I liked Joaquin in the very beginning but as the film traveled on the resonance with him was lost.
Gwyneth Paltrow manifests her character with the same finesse she was seen manifesting in The Royal Tenenbaums. Wan. Fragile. There is not the same sense of fixedness here; more a pretty fall leaf that blows into your yard on a cold gray afternoon.
Vinessa Shaw, the "other" female lover Joaquin is torn between, is the demure, trusting, nurturing young woman who knows who she wants and will not be denied says her daddy. Her skin is translucent, the smile that plays around her lips entrances, and her artful use of eyes and head movements is joyful to behold. I would like to see her in more movies!
I about fell over seeing Isabella Rosselini in this movie as Joaquin's mother. She is a damned fine actress and I daresay can master any role that is placed before her. I would love to see Quentin Tarantino do another Jackie Brown-like film and have Isabella in it.
Elias Koteas is another great surprise for this film. Believe it or not, the first film I saw him in was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1990. Since then I've seen him in Look Who's Talking, and a lesser-known film with the name Crash, directed by David Cronenberg, which has a way-different plot than the popular Hollywood piece o'crap! Elias glows in his role here.
This film is a fine piece of work on several levels other than that impressive ensemble who brings it to life. It's a sleeper, where you keep discovering new layers every time you think about it. The relationships between the characters are the stars of the show. Joaquin's relationship with his parents is painfully exquisite.
I like the location of the filming -- where else would it be?! -- and the intimacy of the sets. I'm remembering a soundtrack with at least some classical music but I may be remembering wrong. It must have been seamless. Oh yes there was at least some opera music in it. (Moonstruck flashback alert!)
Whether you are Jewish, not Jewish but can appreciate films about Jewish people, want to learn a little about New York Jewish folks, or who have ever been in love, lost love, then found it again, with a twist, you will be entertained. Thank you to the director, the actors, the screenwriter, the producer, and everyone else in any way responsible for the creation of this work. Thanks also goes to our local independent movie house for bringing another fine piece of cinema to our berg.
posted by ms_lili @ 9:56 PM
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