Review of Two Lovers (2008) by Ceph J — 08 Feb 2010

Usually, people on screen say and do stupid things and you have to shake your head at their absurdity. Not in "Two Lovers," one of the best romantic dramas that I've viewed. You feel for the bipolar protagonist (Joaquin Phoenix in his best performance), his unrequited love (Gwyneth Paltrow), the nice girl who loves him (Vinessa Shaw), and his supportive parents (Isabella Rossellini & Moni Moshonov. Director James Gray must have written the screenplay based on experiences because I related to everyone of his emotions and situations.

So many Hollywood romances are written like "love conquers all." That's false to adults. Being in love is only the beginning; the remainder of life is full with ups and downs. What's comforting about this movie, is that Phoenix has experienced both and is still learning to adjust. The movie ends by stating, "we should take the love offered to us since the one we pursue might be out of reach." I say a loud "Amen.".