Review of Two Lovers (1928) by Katherine M — 03 Feb 2010

This was better than I expected. I expected a feel good ending and I'm sure some people interpret it to be that way, but I'm not so sure that's what happened. Phoenix put in a great performance in this romantic drama as Leonard.

He's moved back in with his parents after a suicide attempt and the breakup of an engagement. The film is an interesting character study but did we really get to know who Leonard really is? Does Leonard himself know? I'm not so sure he does.

If you like to think about the movies you watch I think you'll enjoy this one. I didn't think this role suited Paltrow very well and her character felt a bit too cliche at times. Vanessa Shaw was very good but I felt her character wasn't as nuanced as the rest of the film.

Perhaps that was intentional. I found the ending quite depressing, personally. Did he find out what happiness was or did he settle? It's hard to say because I don't think we found out who Leonard, ALL of Leonard, an "integrated" Leonard for lack of a better description, really is.

Shaw's character didn't seem to either which I found depressing as welll. It was very realstic which was most depressing of all. (oh, and Isabella Rossellini was fabulous as always ;) ).