Review of Two Lovers (2008) by Sophie L — 05 Jul 2009

I really like this film. It's subtle and takes the audacious decision to make its most powerful moments ones that are unspoken. Joaquin Phoenix gives a performance of such nuance and power that it devastates me that he won't be in film for awhile.

The writing is particularly good, and pays close attention to the characters and how they conduct themselves. There are many moments of unique human observation, indicative of very intuitive writers. My only real issue is that I think the main character was a coward.

Did he deserve his misery? Not really, but he didn't do very much to avoid it either. He was certainly not a victim of circumstance. The director seemed to present an impartial view of the character, but he was so pathetic, desperate, and weak that I had trouble connecting with some of his more selfish endeavors.

Very good film, though.