Review of Two Lovers (2008) by Ran C — 26 Sep 2009
The best love story in years, and the best yet from director James Gray. There is no cinematic sleight of hand at work here, no complex story structure. Gray instead places the focus on character and emotion.
He lets us experience and absorb the story at a measured and steady pace, so we have room to build empathy for the characters. Gray's sense of time and place is perfect, and he develops a realistic, earthy vision of New York and family life.
The complex and tender relationship drama is handled with remarkable subtlety and complexity. Phoenix is flat out brilliant, Paltrow is superb, and Vinessa Shaw is extraordinary in her supporting role, proving what an underutilized and wonderful actress she is.
One of the best so far this year.
This review of Two Lovers (2008) was written by Ran C on 26 Sep 2009.
Two Lovers has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
