Review of Two Lovers (1928) by Joel M — 04 Dec 2010

(In the style of Maureen McGregor's 70's hit "Torn Between Two Lovers").

There are times when a Meezaman has to say what's on his mind.

Even though he knows how much it's gonna pun hurt.

Before I say another pun,let me me tell you, I love this movie.

Let me see it close and say these words as gently as I can.

There's been a man named Joaquin Phoenix who went wacko and we have needed and we have loved in so many movies.

But that doesn't mean we love him any less.

And he knows he can't possess Letterman and he knows he never will There's just this empty place inside of him that only he can fill.

Have you seen "Two Lovers"?

It will leave you crying like a fool.

Joaquin's last movie is not breaking all the rules.

Have you seen "Two Lovers"?

I am punning like a fool.

Punning for all of you is breaking movie reviewing rules.

OK, I will stop!!!

Director James Gray's "Two Lovers" is slow-moving but effective movie about a melancholy man who longs for a beautiful neighbor who thinks of him as a brother. And at the same time, a family friend's daughter who he has just little affection for is longing for him. OK, so it's not exactly the new order of "bizarre love triangles" these days. But the narrative works mostly due to Gray's authentic screenplay and his well-balanced direction. It is lovely that "Two Lovers" includes wonderful performances from the acting trio of Joaquin Phoenix playing the saddy Leonard, Gwyneth Paltrow playing the gabby neighbor Michelle, and Vinessa Shaw playing the "she likey Leonard a lot" admirer Sandra. This was Joaquin Phoenix's last movie before his unexpected retirement from acting. I wonder if the Phoenix will rise from the ashes; I hope so because he is a damn good actor. Gwyneth was as sharp as she has been in the last few years. And Shaw, who was so exquisite in her small role in "Eyes Wide Shut", proved that she should have more Hollywood bigwigs opening their eyes to her talents. I also marveled at Isabella Rossellini's super supporting performance as Leonard's caring & supportive mother. "Two Lovers" does present a common Hollywood ending that was nice to imagine but hard to believe; but that did not take away from the movie's nice genuine touch. I am not going to leave you with an ultimatum for the "Two Lovers", but I will advise you to invite it over for a nice viewing.

**** Good.