The plot in Abbotts unfolds slowly and, to the film's detriment, is not engrossing. The characters are basically set at the beginning and then simply play a variation on their particular theme throughout the film. Hidden inside the film's meandering structure is a deep and resonating psychological drama about love, loss and the destructiveness of class and society norms that never reaches its potential.
Jennifer Connelly's character is the one most involving, but unfortunately her role is limited to somewhere between cameo and supporting. She has become a confident, talented actress who knows how to use her formidable body and angelic beauty. The movie loses momentum when she disappears, primarily because her character is the only one given to revolt. But Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler's attraction is handled well by both actors. Billy Crudup's self-confident swagger conceals his character's brooding anger. Kathy Baker and Will Patton provide strong counterweights at either extreme. At the end all things are revealed - there is no real villain.
You may be bored by this film, unless class struggle, destructive romantic liaisons in the 50's, or Jennifer Connelly is your thing. The movie takes too long to get its message across, but it's a good message and at least it has one.
Jennifer Connelly's character is the one most involving, but unfortunately her role is limited to somewhere between cameo and supporting. She has become a confident, talented actress who knows how to use her formidable body and angelic beauty. The movie loses momentum when she disappears, primarily because her character is the only one given to revolt. But Joaquin Phoenix and Liv Tyler's attraction is handled well by both actors. Billy Crudup's self-confident swagger conceals his character's brooding anger. Kathy Baker and Will Patton provide strong counterweights at either extreme. At the end all things are revealed - there is no real villain.
You may be bored by this film, unless class struggle, destructive romantic liaisons in the 50's, or Jennifer Connelly is your thing. The movie takes too long to get its message across, but it's a good message and at least it has one.