Joaquin Phoenix in Two Lovers - Movie Review
James Gray Directs Film Dealing with Love and Obsession
Mar 31, 2009
Directed by James Gray, Two Lovers is a movie with some big Hollywood names and yet still comes across like an independent film. Receiving mixed reviews from audiences, this film explores the nature of wanting what is unavailable, and ignoring what is on offer. The film tends to dwell on the destructive aspects of when love is withheld or withdrawn.
Joaquin Phoenix Leads Two Lovers Cast
Joaquin Phoenix turns in a strong role as Leonard Kraditor, the man devastated by losing the love of his life. Phoenix accurately captures the loss of hope and emotional neediness that his character is experiencing, as he tries to find his place in the world.
Gwyneth Paltrow plays the role of Michelle, one of the new love interests in Leonard’s life. Michelle is his neighbour, and is emotionally and financially trapped in a relationship with a married man. Vinessa Shaw portrays Sandra, the stable sensible love interest who is willing to accept Leonard as he is. Leonard’s worried parents are played by Isabella Rossellini and Moni Moshonov.
Overall the cast is very solid and believable. Although the spotlight is definitely on Joaquin’s character, the parents and two love interests interact in a fluid manner.
Two Lovers Story Line
From the beginning of this film, it is made evident that Leonard is emotionally distraught. After the abrupt ending of his engagement to the love of his life, Leonard looses hope and becomes suicidal. Moving back in with his parents in the community of Brighton Beach Brooklyn, he sinks into apathy. With concerned and prying parents hovering over him, he retreats to the sanctuary of his room. His only outlet for expression is the new found interest in black and white photography.
His emotions are awakened though when he meets Michelle. The new neighbour that he can see from his window ignites his feelings, and he starts to obsess about wanting to be with her. Leonard’s neediness is as obvious as that of Michelle’s need for the married man she is having an affair with.
At the same time Leonard is pursuing the unavailable Michelle, he falls into a relationship with Sandra, the stable and available daughter of his parent’s new business partner. Leonard cannot see what is on offer with Sandra, as he is so obsessed with what he thinks he sees in Michelle.
In the end Leonard chooses to go to San Francisco with Michelle who has ended her affair, but when fate once again intervenes in his love life, he is forced to look at what is really before him.
Movie Review
Two Lovers is a difficult movie to review as it is well acted, believable and nicely filmed. Although the characters play their roles well, the film does not grab the viewer, and it often has a flat quality to it. This is not a film about villains and heroes, which mirrors real life. Although there is empathy for what these characters are going through, the viewer isn’t given enough depth to get too invested in their choices. Is it a watchable drama with some good performances? Yes it is. Is it a film that will make any top ten movie lists, or be talked about for years to come? No it won’t.
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