XX/XY (2002)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Austin Chick

Writer:

Austin Chick (written by)

Release Date:

24 October 2003 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

There's no room for honesty in a healthy relationship...

Plot:

Three friends begin a dangerous three-way relationship that spirals out of control, leading to dire consequences that haunt them ten years later.

Plot Keywords:

Animator | Break Up | Producer | Threesome | Gay Interest

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Mark Ruffalo	...	Coles
Maya Stange	...	Sam
Kathleen Robertson	...	Thea
Kel O'Neill	...	Sid
Ben Tolpin	...	Guy at College Party
William Keeler	...	Boss
Paula Roth	...	Mom
Lee Cobb	...	Stepfather
Zach Shaffer	...	Nick
John A. MacKay	...	Mitchell
Tommy Nohilly	...	Undercover Cop
Jeff Ward	...	Stunt Cop #1
Keith Siglinger	...	Stunt Cop #2
Evan Neumann	...	Guy Who Asks for His $ Back (as Evan Neuman)
Petra Wright	...	Claire

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality, language, and brief drug use.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Germany:16 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Robbins Entertainment

Trivia:

A married couple that director Austin Chick knew were so affected by the emotional repercussions of their friend's film that they started divorce proceedings shortly after seeing it.

Quotes:

Coles: Would you think I was being too forward if I said, "Let's go back to your room."
Sam: What would you say if I said, "Let's go back to my room, but let's bring Thea."

Movie Connections:

References Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Soundtrack:

Le Soleil Est Revenu

Better Than Expected

Three college-age swingers "get together" for some fun, and in the course of a few months grow emotionally close to each other. The central character is Coles (Mark Ruffalo), a libertine who draws artwork and wants to be a filmmaker. The two women are attractive, and as arty and modern in outlook as Coles. But over time, the three drift apart. Five years later Coles and one of the ladies cross paths, which sparks a reunion between the three, together with their current mates. "XX/XY" is a cinematic study in growing up, making decisions, and accepting responsibility for those decisions.

The screenplay is weak, with a mediocre premise, an Act Two that dawdles and meanders, and dialogue that is not memorable. Still, the overall acting is strong enough to overcome the screenplay, and render a film that is mildly entertaining and engaging. It's certainly better than what I had expected.

The film's cinematography is not remarkable, but it's not bad either. I don't recall a film with so many close-up shots. It's as if the director wanted to emphasize that the film is a character study, by zooming in close to each of the main characters, over and over and over. I could have wished for more variety in camera techniques.

Also, given the romantic angle of the story and the arty personalities, I could have wished for a more bohemian cinematic style, along the lines of "Plein soleil"(1960), with dazzling colors and music, and more flair in production design. The apparent low budget of "XX/XY" renders a style that is somewhat pedestrian and bland.

But as is, "XX/XY" is not a bad film. It's worth at least a one time visit, especially for youthful viewers still searching for themselves and not yet committed to any particular path in life.