Review of Two Lovers (2008) by Jordi P — 01 Jun 2010

Grade: B+.

Everyone who is sick of all of these obvious, contrived, overwrought films that have come out in 2009 should see this film, Two Lovers. It puts most of 2009's love and romance films to shame.

The story is rather simple. It's about a somewhat bi-polar man named Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix), who is going back and forth between seeing two women, both of whom he has differing feelings toward. An introverted, artistic, psychologically struggling guy, Leonard is an interesting man to watch and observe; even if we can't pinpoint his exact thoughts, it makes sense because he probably can't pinpoint them either. He lashes out from time to time with half-hearted suicide attempts, and knows a thing or two about a broken heart and a bumpy past. But he's not some Hollywood caricature that's screaming obscenities and writing suicide notes, while tormenting women in a voyeuristic manner. He lives in an apartment with his parents, who run a Laundromat, and are selling it to a Jewish family. The daughter of the Jewish businessman has an immediate attraction to Leonard, and their relationship goes on from there. Leonard's emotions, his past, and his feelings towards love are the things we see him deal with as the film goes on. That's what the films about, beyond the two love stories; how Leonard deals with his feelings during this particular time, and the person he is toward the old and new people in his life.

Simultaneously Leonard happens to meet his neighbour Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow) whom he increasingly begins to like and then perhaps more than like, perhaps to the point where his bi-polar tendencies begin to creep through and we perceive a sense of obsession. Michelle sees him as more of a friend though, and she is also dating a married man. There are numerous instances of Michelle using Leonard as a text book lap dog, as a shoulder to cry on, as the rock solid friend; but, secretly, its apparent that Leonard wants so much more out of their relationship. Things about relationships that don't need to be said aren't said, but are masterfully inferred. I'd hate to spoil those nuances for you here, so I won't. The point is that the camera and the plots pacing, as well as the measured acting, say just as much or more than the dialogue does for much of the film.

Leonard relationships, like his bi-polarity, are handled in a very nuanced and realistic way, and the film is a success because the characters emotions and motives aren't pandered to the audience in order to make sure we get the picture. The film utilizes the actor's talents (which are quite great, with Vinessa Shaw, Isabella Rossellini, and Elias Koteas in supporting roles) and the nuances of the script, with some nifty editing, to capture certain feelings and emotions without having to rely on obvious contrivances and expositive narration. At times the editing does create some continuity flaws, where the passage of time does not seem to indicate the right emotive change in the relationships from where the previous scenes left off, especially regarding his relationship with Vinessa Shaw's character Sandra. But it wasn't a big problem really.

This is a love story, but it's not really light fare, and it does evoke some dark, damaged emotions, relationships, and psychological struggles. Still though, it has some moments of lightness, which arise just as naturally as the drama does. The films ease of telling and its utter lack of trying to buy my surprise and respect, and rather earning it with legitimate drama, makes me respect it even more. It is still well worth seeing and boasts the best Joaquin Phoenix role I've ever seen. He becomes this character totally, and is the single standout reason to see the film. A lot of people could've played this role, but Phoenix makes it his own and creates a man we can all care about and empathize with.

This is on my Favourite Films of 2009 list, not ranked, but as an honourable mention. The people all feel so real, and the actors do a great job at embodying the people they are playing, giving them a "lived in" feel. See this film if you like quality drama.