Review of Bella (2006) by L R — 12 Aug 2010

It stands to reason that so many of modern cinema?s true success stories stem from a modest budget (Clerks, Swingers, Once). Feasibility aside (mega-budget spectaculars invariably recoup the studio?s initial investment), these ?smaller pictures? usually forsake expensive digital effects and A-list actors to rely on the proven formula of simple storytelling. Bella?s could not be simpler?and delightfully so. While there is nothing overly insightful about this satisfying non-love love story, the magnetic performances cannot help but draw filmgoers in. Though your reviewer would not go so far as to call the drama a character study a la John Cassavetes (Faces, A Woman Under the Influence), the players are the thing?and the thing proves to be pure bliss.

In this PG-13-rated indie romantic drama, a chef with a mysterious past (Verastequi) befriends a waitress (Tammy Blanchard) who gets fired from a New York City Mexican restaurant due to an unwanted pregnancy.

The story is far from momentous, but intelligent enough not to be predictable?rewardingly, ?romantic? does not necessarily mean traditional romance. At the root of Bella lies a plain truth: Sometimes, people just need a friend. While this statement may seem simplistic to the point of tedium, it proves so innately identifiable that audiences will seamlessly fall into the film?s easy-going rhythm. Thanks to Verastequi and Blanchard (and their well-written alter-egos), the slight semblance of a plot works. While the problems of these lil? people don?t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world (to paraphrase Rick in Casablanca), it does account for empathy.

Bottom line: Blissfully keeps it simple, stupid.