Review of Conversations with Other Women (2006) by Teah N — 24 Jan 2008

I love pretty much every film that Eckhart has been in so I was pretty excited to see him opposite of Bonham Carter. The acting was quite excellent as the two leads manage to keep you engaged throughout the entire film with literally only their conversation to drive each scene. The camera work was also quite good as they used split screen quite effectively as well as the flashback shot to tie together the two leads past and present relationship.

Eckhart gives one of his best performances as he changes his tone mid-sentence from humorous and playful to one of fear and uncertaintity with fluidity and grace. The result is a perfect characterization of a man who is in love and isn't afraid to be himself and yet, is scared that his love will not be returned. Bonham Carter is just as good as the scared yet honest lover who is frank about the situation and plays off of Eckhart's character wonderfully.

The camera work adds another dimension to the film that allows the viewer to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship that once was. The final scene is wonderfully done with a split screen shot that not only showcases the theme of the movie but also has a wonderful bit of ironic dialog that is a perfect conclusion to the film.

I also loved the billing of the actors as man and women for Eckhart and Bonham Carter respectively, adding to the universality of the film. My rating should probably be higher but I do take personal enjoyment into account and I have to say that the film was a bit of a downer in both the physical ending of the movie and the conclusion that the film reaches about relationships. Perhaps I will better appreciate this one later in my life when I have lived more but I would like to believe that we should never have to settle in love.

Check this one out particularly if you are in a relationship as I believe that might enhance the film experience, just don't expect it to put a smile on your face at the end.