Two Lovers

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Two Lovers

Written by backrowcritic

Friday, 06 March 2009 18:07

Two Lovers

Director:

James Gray
Writers:
James Gray
Ric Menello

Starring:

Joaquin Phoenix
Gwyneth Paltrow
Vinessa Shaw
Moni Moshonov
Isabella Rossellini

Rating:

Quotes:

Do you think is going to stay with me forever?

We are both messed up.

I have to admit that I was on the fence about seeing this movie. The story line isn’t unique and the two principles (Paltrow & Phoenix) are talented actors but their previous performances have always left me wanting. However, this quiet little film has quite a soft but effective (and funny) punch.

Joaquin Phoenix plays a young (late 20’s – early 30’s) Jewish man who has returned to living with his parents in New York. He had a fiancé, he had dreams – and they disappeared. Now he goes through the slow day-to-day process of coming out of a deep depression. His well-meaning parents (Rosellini & Moshonov), have him working at the family dry cleaning business, living in their house and having him reconnect with family friends; some of whom have young single Jewish daughters. All this gauzy protection makes him feel stifled and more alone than ever. Even with what most would consider the vision of girlfriend perfection and understanding (Shaw), he goes through the motions, but feels more like he’s biding his time. He doesn’t know what life he wants exactly; all he knows is that he wants something different.

In flies upstairs neighbor girl (Paltrow), who as much as she complains to the contrary, likes the attention of living in the eye of a storm. She is beautiful, she is broken and she becomes something new for him to focus on – as if saving her will somehow save himself.

It’s a shame that Mr. Phoenix is out “finding himself” right now, for I believe he has given one of the best performances of his career. Isabella Rossellini is excellent at fading into the background (no makeup ladies & gentlemen!) as a mother trying to let her little bird fly again, without crashing to the ground. I am also impressed by the compelling performance of Vinessa Shaw, who spends the film navigating the almost manic emotions and divided affections of the man she loves. You worry for her, and wonder if she realizes that she may be a compromise choice.

Bravo to James Gray for writing such a touching film, and making old themes new again. If you are having doubts about where your relationship is going and want to clear the air, then take your partner to see it – the conversation afterward will be worth as much as a professional therapy session.

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