Review of Playing by Heart (1998) by Tyler M — 17 Dec 2007

Talking about love is like dancing about architecture.

One of those times when all I can say is "WOW". One of the best damned films I've seen ever.

The Story: The story actually fits better in the character department, so I'll just take this time to say, this film looks great, it's elegant, it's heartwarming, it's sad, it's charming, it's even a little humorous. This film has so much in it that it's hard to say anything bad about it at all, in fact I don't think I have anything bad to say about it. Yeah, it's that good. The basic outline of the story though is this, 11 characters live and love as their lives unfold in front of the camera.

The Cast: Angelina Jolie, Ryan Phillippe, Dennis Quaid, Gena Rowlands, Sean Connery , Gillian Anderson, Jon Stewart, Madeleine Stowe, Ellen Burstyn, Jay Mohr...Ready? It's a long one...Angelina Jolie gives an incredibly powerful performance as Joan, the outgoing club hopper. She spends the film falling in love with Keenan (Ryan Phillippe). Trying to find what makes him tick, trying to figure out why he can't seem to let anyone in. My personal favorite role of hers. Ryan Phillippe, is Keenan. Quiet, poetic, and wrapped in an air of mystery, his story is tragic in so many ways, but to name those ways would give away vital information of the films plot. He plays the part flawlessly, I can't even begin to tell you how well he plaid the part, he's that good. Dennis Quaid is Hugh. He's a complex character, just getting to know him is a task all in itself. Simply put, he's got a lot of issues. Giving a hell of a performance here, it makes you ask yourself "Where the hell was this great acting in The Day After Tomorrow?". Gena Rowland, and Sean Connery share the screen as Paul and Hanna, an old married couple still very much in love, although, they're going through kind of a rough time. They play perfectly together, 'nuff said. Gillian Anderson, has never been more beautiful. She lights up the screen as the cold straight forward Merideth. She doesn't want to fall in love, but finds herself falling anyway for the ever persistent Trent (Jon Stewart). Jon Stewart is of course Trent, trying to win over the heart of the emotionally distant Merideth. It's almost hard to imagine him in anything other than a comedy, but he gives a great performance and was perfectly cast for this part. Very, very impressive work from him. Madeleine Stowe is Gracie, a cheating wife stuck in a loveless marriage. You don't see her outside the bedroom too much here, as her character is a little underused throughout the film. She gives a good performance, not the best of the film, but I sure that if she had some more time on screen that would be different. And last but definitely not least we have, Ellen Burstyn and Jay Mohr. The mother and son in the hospital. Jay Mohr doesn't have a big role here, and he's not the best developed character, but this is still one of his finest performances, as he lays on his death bed talking to his mother. Ellen Burstyn plays his mother, Mildred. You'll feel a solid connection with her the moment you meet her. Once again, she's not the most prominent character in the film but what you do see of her is sheer emotion. Every character in this film is important and you'll see why by the time the credits role. Each viewer is bound to have their favorite character for various reasons, and I honestly think that's what good cinema is all about.

One to Five Scale: 5.

Superb on all ends. A great elegant style with no flash, a character for everyone to relate to, perfect performances, outstanding writing, and a swift pace to keep you from being bored. DO NOT PASS THIS UP!

Tyler.