Review of Love Liza (2002) by Archibald T — 07 Nov 2012

Wilson is dealing with the loss of his wife who randomly took her own life. His grief isn't exactly one of sadness, but of why? Why'd she do it? A note is left behind, but he doesn't want to read it. He just doesn't want to know. Not yet. He's still going through the grieving process, but it's HIS way of grief that he's dealing with. It's made him awkward in the work place and stilted when around friends. One woman tries to reach out to him, Maura, but it's too soon for him. Luckily, this isn't one of those predictable films where one person loses someone and someone else comes along and saves them. He confesses to her that he likes building model planes, but due to his recent habit of huffing gas it's only an explanation to her concerning the smell coming from his home. The gas huffing is symbolic in that his wife committed suicide by way of running the car in the garage.

Random encounters with his mother in law turn into shouting matches over the letter she left behind. His model plane obsession and his huffing gas has clouded his mind as he tries to avoid ever reading the letter. Ironically this gasoline he collects and stores in his home only turns into a reason for him to read the letter and to forget about what has happen over the past few days.

There are a few memorable scenes in this little acting showcase of Philip Seymour Hoffman. One in which involves Wilson going for a swim in a lake where a remote control boat race is taking place and also the ending where he decides to burn away the tragedy that had befallen him. It's a typical art house film about losing someone that doesn't hold up well due to Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance. It's a good performance, but it kind of makes the film be only that of a talent show for Philip.

Some good music by Jim O'Rourke and performances by Hoffman and Kathy Bates are the only highlights of this befuddled tale of loss.