Review of Take This Waltz (2011) by Ross O — 11 Jul 2012

Take This Waltz should probably have " . . ." followed by an " !" ...then paired with another ". . ." and then "?". I went to this movie because I think Michelle Williams is one of the most interesting and grounded performers around.

Her characters ring true because she invests totally in her character's position in life. And her character Margot is such a complex character, that in the end you might just go...well, she got what she deserved.

However that is the screenplay and perhaps that is what Sarah Polley tries to communicate that there are plenty of suppressed feelings and moments of emptiness to make one highly unsatisfied. Margot and her husband's relationship is very co-dependant and not surprising there is also an alcoholic sister (Sarah Silverman) who compares herself to Margot.

The problem with this script is that the self consciousness of the characters is wrapped up in the self-consciousness of the screenplay. When Margot meets Daniel...you see the attraction...but you do not quite know where all prattle comes from.

..you can only be uncomfortable for so long. The sexual suppression becomes a frustration of the audience...and you wonder why are you invested in these characters. Then at the end (SPOILER) there is a certain moment when Margot gives in.

..yet we all get more in the bargain. Then a couple of minutes of the movie becomes the Pottery Barn Karma Sutra with strangers coming into the sexual cornucopia montage. Seth Rogan plays the shallow but lovable husband.

..yet he does not take his role to a depth that Michelle Williams reaches. Do I really have to see a montage of Seth Rogan "trying" to be emotional? And Luke Kirby as the other man is interesting, yet you wonder why she really wants him.

Is it really all about sexual patterns that women get caught up in...it very much plays like a dark Nicholas Sparks novel. And Sarah Silverman...God love her...just has a underwritten and sadly a bland performance to boot.

Yet I do love Michelle Williams...so I will see you again next time, Michelle... and hopefully in a movie that I can repeatedly view.