Review of Love Liza (2002) by Pat O — 10 May 2008
Philip Seymour Hoffman is stunning in this depressing story about a man who turns to huffing gasoline after his wife commits suicide. The wife left him a suicide note under his pillow that he can't bring himself to read which causes turmoil with his mother-in-law (played by Kathy Bates).
His descent into deep dark depression throughout the film is depressing to the viewer. He tries to take his mind off his life by getting into remote control planes which is originally an excuse for why his house always smells like gas, but he goes with it.
His co-workers try to bring his spirits up and a girl says she's attracted to him, but all their efforts can't deal with the magnitude of his grief so he basically keeps everyone out of his life.
As the film goes on he doesn't change, get better or make any progress with getting over Liza's death, and that's what makes it so depressing. The final scene is a breathtaking display of sorrow, this could be Philip Seymour Hoffman's best work to date.
Check it out.
This review of Love Liza (2002) was written by Pat O on 10 May 2008.
Love Liza has generally received positive reviews.
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