Perhaps, the most startling aspect of "Two Lovers" is Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Superb. I haven't really liked any of the James Gray's films, until now that is. There is something profoundly moving and profoundly truthful here and I'm sure it has to do with Phoenix's portrayal. Gwynneth Paltrow is wonderful as the girl walking an emotional tightrope. And Vinessa Shaw is a real find. I was also moved by Isabella Rossellini as Joaquin's mother! Beautiful and intense but unlike many of her contemporaries not "cosmetic" A real extraordinary face. In fact she looks more like her mother Ingrid Bergman now than she ever did. So, a smart, romantic "dramedy" with wonderful performances. When was the last time I was able to say that? Go see it and tell me if you think I'm exaggerating at all.
125 Reviews
A small, but very affective watch.
EijnarAmadeus3 March 2009
James Gray's latest film tells the tale of Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix), a man who had a problematic break-up with his fiancée two years ago, and has since been heading down a suicidal road. 4-months into living back home with his anxious parents (played by Moni Moshonov and Isabella Rossellini) and helping out at his father's dry-cleaning business, Leonard is introduced to Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), a sweet daughter of his father's business friend. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Leonard has moments of true spark with her, and you can see his eyes changing away from the torment inside. A woman is surely the right thing for Leonard, as he carves through the days with a worn-out heart and a mind in loneliness. Soon after meeting Sandra, he befriends Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), a beautiful but messed-up girl that's dating her married boss (played by Elias Koteas). With her, Leonard sees an escape, and a burning romance. Leonard's mind is now set on two women, and he finds himself torn between them.
James Gray hadn't really impressed me with his earlier films, for me they all lacked out on the intensity and became standard crime-thrillers. With his latest melodramatic romance, he really surprised me; he does a caring job directing the three performers, and he tells a strange and tender story. The music of the film is Jewish guitar-instrumentals that are carefully intertwined, but most of the film has got a blanket of quiet bleakness, and it's covering every little corner.
The performances of Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw are great, and although the two never share screen-space, director Gray naturally and carefully shifts between the two lives Leonard is living, and so the two of them add lovely pieces to the story. But it's in-between the double relationship the film and its protagonist is living, the film has to connect, and it couldn't have been done better than by Joaquin Phoenix. Leonard is a suicidal depressive that enters human-bounding and the give & receive of it, and this is a very difficult character to portray - but just look at Phoenix, he is phenomenal; the incredible naturalism of it shows Phoenix in the performance of his career.
The melancholy of the film doesn't make it for the dominant audience, but I've never even cared a bit for that, and it's a delight that romance on screen can be thrown upon like this. 'Two Lovers' is a small film with a heart that's full of rare atmosphere, the form of it is tearing and in center, a superb Joaquin Phoenix.
James Gray hadn't really impressed me with his earlier films, for me they all lacked out on the intensity and became standard crime-thrillers. With his latest melodramatic romance, he really surprised me; he does a caring job directing the three performers, and he tells a strange and tender story. The music of the film is Jewish guitar-instrumentals that are carefully intertwined, but most of the film has got a blanket of quiet bleakness, and it's covering every little corner.
The performances of Gwyneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw are great, and although the two never share screen-space, director Gray naturally and carefully shifts between the two lives Leonard is living, and so the two of them add lovely pieces to the story. But it's in-between the double relationship the film and its protagonist is living, the film has to connect, and it couldn't have been done better than by Joaquin Phoenix. Leonard is a suicidal depressive that enters human-bounding and the give & receive of it, and this is a very difficult character to portray - but just look at Phoenix, he is phenomenal; the incredible naturalism of it shows Phoenix in the performance of his career.
The melancholy of the film doesn't make it for the dominant audience, but I've never even cared a bit for that, and it's a delight that romance on screen can be thrown upon like this. 'Two Lovers' is a small film with a heart that's full of rare atmosphere, the form of it is tearing and in center, a superb Joaquin Phoenix.
Finally, a love story about normal people
rooprect29 September 2019
I use the word "normal" to mean "real world normal", meaning NOT perfect. These people have issues, they don't know necessarily what they're doing with their lives, they are on medication, the film begins with a suicide attempt. And yes, in the real world this is certainly more normal than chasing through an airport to a swelling symphonic soundtrack and declaring a perfectly rehearsed monologue to the person you love, followed by rapturous applause from everyone at the gate. "Two Lovers", while lacking in the sort of clichés and melodrama that makes theatergoers all starry-eyed, delivers one of the best love stories I've seen on the big screen.
Don't be fooled by the title; this is not a steamy tale of infidelity and illicit passion. It's about a person who is faced with a mostly theoretical choice between 2 lovers. We've all been there. Whether you're married, in a new relationship, playing the field or just dreaming "what if", in matters of the heart there's the sure thing, and then there's the crazy impulsive route.
Jonquin Phoenix plays "Leonard", a man whose life recently underwent an upheaval and who simultaneously meets 2 women: "Sandra" who is the sure thing (Vinessa Shaw) and "Michelle" who is the crazy route (Gwynneth Paltrow). As the relationships slowly develop (very slowly, at a real world pace), we start to see the conflict not in terms of passion & romance but in terms of life choices.
Refreshingly, Leonard is a character who knows what he wants from the beginning, so the audience isn't insulted with annoying "what should I do" scenes. Rather, Michelle is the one who represents the unknown, speculative bet in Leonard's world. As the story progresses, all of Leonard's actions are consistent with his feelings, and it's just a matter of seeing how things will play out. Again, this is such a great, unusual, non-Hollywood approach to love stories which, if you really analyze your own experiences, is probably much more in line with the way you handle yourself.
Despite this stability of the main character, the story remains unpredictable right up to the final minute. No sappy airport chase scenes here, but I guarantee you'll be riveted in the final act. If you want to see a story that you can apply to your own love life, regardless of your situation, check this out for some deep insight.
Don't be fooled by the title; this is not a steamy tale of infidelity and illicit passion. It's about a person who is faced with a mostly theoretical choice between 2 lovers. We've all been there. Whether you're married, in a new relationship, playing the field or just dreaming "what if", in matters of the heart there's the sure thing, and then there's the crazy impulsive route.
Jonquin Phoenix plays "Leonard", a man whose life recently underwent an upheaval and who simultaneously meets 2 women: "Sandra" who is the sure thing (Vinessa Shaw) and "Michelle" who is the crazy route (Gwynneth Paltrow). As the relationships slowly develop (very slowly, at a real world pace), we start to see the conflict not in terms of passion & romance but in terms of life choices.
Refreshingly, Leonard is a character who knows what he wants from the beginning, so the audience isn't insulted with annoying "what should I do" scenes. Rather, Michelle is the one who represents the unknown, speculative bet in Leonard's world. As the story progresses, all of Leonard's actions are consistent with his feelings, and it's just a matter of seeing how things will play out. Again, this is such a great, unusual, non-Hollywood approach to love stories which, if you really analyze your own experiences, is probably much more in line with the way you handle yourself.
Despite this stability of the main character, the story remains unpredictable right up to the final minute. No sappy airport chase scenes here, but I guarantee you'll be riveted in the final act. If you want to see a story that you can apply to your own love life, regardless of your situation, check this out for some deep insight.
Take 'em to the Opera
ferguson-628 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings again from the darkness. This is not your typical love story and most certainly not a typical chick flick. It is an odd story about some odd people ... not they are evil or exotic or anything so romantic ... just odd. Or maybe the fact that they are actually so normal is what makes them seem so odd? Most movies are about the eccentric types, not the everyday lonely-hearts just trying to find their way.
Director James Gray has a couple of nice credits to his name with "We Own the Night" and "Little Odessa". He obviously believes in Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, and rightly so. While Mr. Phoenix doesn't make for much of a talk show guest, he is unquestionably a top notch actor. Sadly, the two best actors in the 30-35 age group are now no longer acting. Heath Ledger is dead and Joaquin is turning hip-hop. Two losses for movie lovers.
Somehow this story had me caring about these three characters even though I found nothing really appealing about any of them. Phoenix's character is clinically diagnosed, Gwyneth Paltrow's character is a misguided mess and Vinessa Shaw is somehow attracted to the loopy and off-kilter Phoenix, proclaiming she will take care of him.
Toss in the always interesting Elias Koteas and Isabella Rossallini and we see how the pain, uncertainty and loneliness runs through so many. An understated Rossallini perfectly captures the desperate longings of a mother who just wants her son to be happy and normal. Koteas' character could have used another scene, but he is powerful in the restaurant.
Many will find fault with the ending, but I found it to be fitting and just. Paltrow chasing her dream, Shaw getting what she wants and Phoenix taking a shot at life.
Director James Gray has a couple of nice credits to his name with "We Own the Night" and "Little Odessa". He obviously believes in Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, and rightly so. While Mr. Phoenix doesn't make for much of a talk show guest, he is unquestionably a top notch actor. Sadly, the two best actors in the 30-35 age group are now no longer acting. Heath Ledger is dead and Joaquin is turning hip-hop. Two losses for movie lovers.
Somehow this story had me caring about these three characters even though I found nothing really appealing about any of them. Phoenix's character is clinically diagnosed, Gwyneth Paltrow's character is a misguided mess and Vinessa Shaw is somehow attracted to the loopy and off-kilter Phoenix, proclaiming she will take care of him.
Toss in the always interesting Elias Koteas and Isabella Rossallini and we see how the pain, uncertainty and loneliness runs through so many. An understated Rossallini perfectly captures the desperate longings of a mother who just wants her son to be happy and normal. Koteas' character could have used another scene, but he is powerful in the restaurant.
Many will find fault with the ending, but I found it to be fitting and just. Paltrow chasing her dream, Shaw getting what she wants and Phoenix taking a shot at life.
Downbeat intensity.
hitchcockthelegend17 September 2009
For the first time in his short directing career, James Gray moves away from crime and asks a simple but highly pertinent question; should you chase the one you love or be with the one who loves you? There is no histrionics or emotional trickery on offer here, this is a smooth, intimate character study that burns with a downbeat intensity.
The movie follows troubled Leonard Kraditor {Joaquin Phoenix terrific and heartfelt}, who after a failed suicide attempt {his fiancée left him you see} finds his parents {Isabella Rosselini and Moni Moshonov} setting him up with Sandra Cohen {Vanessa Shaw} the cute daughter of potential business partners. Things look promising until Leonard encounters Michelle Rausch {Gwyneth Paltrow in a highly effective turn}, who is baggage central yet exciting and sexy. Gray then pulls the threads of this threesome together and lets things play themselves out without manipulating the audience.
Raising issues of infatuations, last chances and maybe even desperation's, Gray's picture is a very different love story-come-drama. Atmospherically it's tone perfect, a moody sense of sadness hangs heavy courtesy of Joaquín Baca-Asay's cinematography, particularly with the Brighton Beach segments. And Gray even manages to add a dash of suspense as we enter the crucial last quarter of the piece. You may not like the characters here, but that may well be the point? Perhaps ask yourself if Leonard is meant to be sympathetic anywaY? Regardless, and the film is sure to throw up a level of division, Two Lovers at least deserves to be given the chance to show you what it has to offer. So try it, maybe once, maybe twice, but do give it a go, because it's unlikely to leave your thoughts some time afterwards. 7/10
The movie follows troubled Leonard Kraditor {Joaquin Phoenix terrific and heartfelt}, who after a failed suicide attempt {his fiancée left him you see} finds his parents {Isabella Rosselini and Moni Moshonov} setting him up with Sandra Cohen {Vanessa Shaw} the cute daughter of potential business partners. Things look promising until Leonard encounters Michelle Rausch {Gwyneth Paltrow in a highly effective turn}, who is baggage central yet exciting and sexy. Gray then pulls the threads of this threesome together and lets things play themselves out without manipulating the audience.
Raising issues of infatuations, last chances and maybe even desperation's, Gray's picture is a very different love story-come-drama. Atmospherically it's tone perfect, a moody sense of sadness hangs heavy courtesy of Joaquín Baca-Asay's cinematography, particularly with the Brighton Beach segments. And Gray even manages to add a dash of suspense as we enter the crucial last quarter of the piece. You may not like the characters here, but that may well be the point? Perhaps ask yourself if Leonard is meant to be sympathetic anywaY? Regardless, and the film is sure to throw up a level of division, Two Lovers at least deserves to be given the chance to show you what it has to offer. So try it, maybe once, maybe twice, but do give it a go, because it's unlikely to leave your thoughts some time afterwards. 7/10
Misanthropic Love Story.
Howlin Wolf4 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
These are fictional couplings designed to illustrate the reality, not the fairytale.
They show the absurdity of believing that any one person can be used as a way to solve your problems. "Have a leftover engagement ring? Give it to another girl who you aren't on a sure footing with!" No sane person would offer that advice, yet it's a quick and easy solution that Leonard sees, in a desperate attempt to try and 'fix' himself...
In reality, a person can't see the worth of someone else until they're fully cognisant of their own issues, and Leonard was still very far away from being a whole, self-sufficient person in his own right, when we left him at the end of the movie.
By unwittingly using people as substitutes to try to patch up old problems, you'll only wind up storing new ones for yourself, at a later date. We - and the people around us - don't always see the value of romantic partners who are right for us at the time. We don't always love who's 'best'. Following your heart is dangerous, because it's impulsive, and you don't always have time to weigh up the proper merits of something before you dive in and realise that you're way over your head... Nevertheless, because Leonard's emotional and looking for someone to cling to, that's his approach, and that's also how many other people live their lives.
Leonard had two lovers to choose from, but at no point would either option have addressed the root troubles. Other people only magnify our weaknesses and turn them into practical problems, which soon begin to take on a separate life of their own... It's like being stranded on a life-raft in the middle of the ocean, with no possibility of escape from the situation - You're still drowning, you're just doing it by degree! Now isn't that a nice cosy thought to cuddle up with, at night?! The buck stops and starts with you, and no-one else should be charged with the role of being your saviour.
It's nice to see some honesty displayed, which acts as a sort of palliative for the other glossy romance messages we're served year after year.
They show the absurdity of believing that any one person can be used as a way to solve your problems. "Have a leftover engagement ring? Give it to another girl who you aren't on a sure footing with!" No sane person would offer that advice, yet it's a quick and easy solution that Leonard sees, in a desperate attempt to try and 'fix' himself...
In reality, a person can't see the worth of someone else until they're fully cognisant of their own issues, and Leonard was still very far away from being a whole, self-sufficient person in his own right, when we left him at the end of the movie.
By unwittingly using people as substitutes to try to patch up old problems, you'll only wind up storing new ones for yourself, at a later date. We - and the people around us - don't always see the value of romantic partners who are right for us at the time. We don't always love who's 'best'. Following your heart is dangerous, because it's impulsive, and you don't always have time to weigh up the proper merits of something before you dive in and realise that you're way over your head... Nevertheless, because Leonard's emotional and looking for someone to cling to, that's his approach, and that's also how many other people live their lives.
Leonard had two lovers to choose from, but at no point would either option have addressed the root troubles. Other people only magnify our weaknesses and turn them into practical problems, which soon begin to take on a separate life of their own... It's like being stranded on a life-raft in the middle of the ocean, with no possibility of escape from the situation - You're still drowning, you're just doing it by degree! Now isn't that a nice cosy thought to cuddle up with, at night?! The buck stops and starts with you, and no-one else should be charged with the role of being your saviour.
It's nice to see some honesty displayed, which acts as a sort of palliative for the other glossy romance messages we're served year after year.
Solid, intense character study from James Gray
Chris Knipp11 February 2009
Gray's fourth film, his first without a crime element, is amazing, and surprises even with its title. It's a triumph for Joaquin Phoenix, who provides a remarkably giving and open performance even though the character he plays, Leonard Kraditor, is opaque. He's a damaged, emotionally unstable man with attempted suicides in his past: the film, cheerlessly--yet ironically--begins with yet another one. He does know his own sad history, dominated by a broken engagement. On medication for bi-polar disorder, he's been reduced to living with his parents in the Russian and Jewish community of Brighton Beach, Gray's home territory, site of 'Little Odessa,' his distinctive little first film and equally of his subsequent, more grandiloquent ones. (The last, 'We Own the Night', also starred Phoenix.) Leonard doesn't know who he is or what he wants. He may not dare to want anything. He's working, fumblingly, in the dry cleaning establishment on the ground floor that's owned by his Pop, Reuben (Moni Moshikov). He's lost clothes making deliveries; and he's lost himself.
A friend of Leonard's father, Michael Cohen (Bob Ari) has a small chain of dry cleaners Pop's going to merge with. Cohen has a daughter, Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), whom the parents have set up with Leonard. He's only a little interested. But he does take her into his little boy's bedroom to show her his black and white photographs of destroyed shopfronts. He's so needy, he welcomes any attention. Sandra is very interested in him. She finds him not odd, but special. And she has a sweetness about her than lingers in the mind.
But then another woman unexpectedly appears: a new neighbor, the blond and dangerous Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). Even at their first meeting in the hallway she's in trouble, being verbally abused by her visiting father, and in need of comfort and protection. And from then on whenever Michelle calls on Leonard, however bad the time or awkward the occasion, he can never say no. She's pretty, even glamorous, but also unhealthy. She's been on drugs. Leonard can see her window upstairs from his room, and she becomes a glittering object of desire, so near and yet so far. Because he wants her, but she thinks of him from the first as like a brother.
So there are the "two lovers"--Leonard's two women, Sandra, who knows his problems and wants to take care of him, and Michelle, who knows them and takes advantage to make him a comforting pillow in her troubles with Ronald (Elias Koteas), her married lawyer boyfriend. Michelle has Leonard come to a fancy restaurant to meet Ronald and size him up, tell her if he thinks Ronald will ever leave his wife. Instead, while Michelle's in the ladies' room, Ron asks Leonard to watch out for her and see that she's not using again. Then Michelle and Ron go off to his firm's box at the Met and leave Leonard in the company limo. It's a sobering moment that defines Leonard's lostness and the film's originality.
Leonard seems a misfit and a loser, but when Michelle takes him clubbing, he does some rapping in the car and break-dances wildly; he's got some game, somewhere. He also has those strong Jewish Russian family ties that run through Gray's films but don't save his protagonists from disaster. His mother Ruth (Isabella Rossellini, with a severe haircut) watches kindly over him and both his Pop and Cohen are ready to look out for him too. Shooting photos at Cohen's son's bar mitzvah, Leonard is part of a community, however awkwardly. He meets Michelle up on the roof. She doesn't fit in. But he wants her desperately. Meanwhile Sandra declares her love to him at a beach-side restaurant with complicated blue napkins.
'Two Lovers' is aswarm with an elaborate sound design that can be obtrusive. Background music overwhelms conversation at a family gathering, and an echoing passage from 'Cavalleria rusticana' is a bit overdone. It's more firmly glued together by images of long subway rides and dark expensive cars. Though the latter may seem leftovers from Gray's 'The Yards' and 'We Own the Night,' Gray has done a good job of downsizing from those while holding onto their resonance.
Joaquin Phoenix's performance is awkward in a way that would be very painful if it didn't feel so authentic and real. His Leonard is pathetic and lost, but has an inner core of goodness and generosity that makes it seem there may be hope for him. He's a real sucker, but he's a real decent fellow. Leonard has nothing, and so he is ready to throw away his life and throw it away again. Gray goes back to the smallness of his first film, but with a far greater intensity. Leonard's crises feel momentous. Their resolution is a quiet, mute shock. As in other Gray films, the hero blends into a party, and a family network. This time the sense of family and ritual is more offhand and organic than in the preceding two films.
'Two Lovers' has powerful moments. It's like a good short story and it has a surprise O. Henry ending. The performances are uniformly fine. The texture is thick enough with a sense of people and places to override some implausibility in the events. Phoenix's performance will have detractors who find Phoenix too awkward and say it's just as well he plans to quit acting after this for music. But on the contrary this movie made me see how disarming and unique the actor, once overshadowed by his dazzling brother River, has come to be at 35. It would be sad if he left the screen.
A friend of Leonard's father, Michael Cohen (Bob Ari) has a small chain of dry cleaners Pop's going to merge with. Cohen has a daughter, Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), whom the parents have set up with Leonard. He's only a little interested. But he does take her into his little boy's bedroom to show her his black and white photographs of destroyed shopfronts. He's so needy, he welcomes any attention. Sandra is very interested in him. She finds him not odd, but special. And she has a sweetness about her than lingers in the mind.
But then another woman unexpectedly appears: a new neighbor, the blond and dangerous Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). Even at their first meeting in the hallway she's in trouble, being verbally abused by her visiting father, and in need of comfort and protection. And from then on whenever Michelle calls on Leonard, however bad the time or awkward the occasion, he can never say no. She's pretty, even glamorous, but also unhealthy. She's been on drugs. Leonard can see her window upstairs from his room, and she becomes a glittering object of desire, so near and yet so far. Because he wants her, but she thinks of him from the first as like a brother.
So there are the "two lovers"--Leonard's two women, Sandra, who knows his problems and wants to take care of him, and Michelle, who knows them and takes advantage to make him a comforting pillow in her troubles with Ronald (Elias Koteas), her married lawyer boyfriend. Michelle has Leonard come to a fancy restaurant to meet Ronald and size him up, tell her if he thinks Ronald will ever leave his wife. Instead, while Michelle's in the ladies' room, Ron asks Leonard to watch out for her and see that she's not using again. Then Michelle and Ron go off to his firm's box at the Met and leave Leonard in the company limo. It's a sobering moment that defines Leonard's lostness and the film's originality.
Leonard seems a misfit and a loser, but when Michelle takes him clubbing, he does some rapping in the car and break-dances wildly; he's got some game, somewhere. He also has those strong Jewish Russian family ties that run through Gray's films but don't save his protagonists from disaster. His mother Ruth (Isabella Rossellini, with a severe haircut) watches kindly over him and both his Pop and Cohen are ready to look out for him too. Shooting photos at Cohen's son's bar mitzvah, Leonard is part of a community, however awkwardly. He meets Michelle up on the roof. She doesn't fit in. But he wants her desperately. Meanwhile Sandra declares her love to him at a beach-side restaurant with complicated blue napkins.
'Two Lovers' is aswarm with an elaborate sound design that can be obtrusive. Background music overwhelms conversation at a family gathering, and an echoing passage from 'Cavalleria rusticana' is a bit overdone. It's more firmly glued together by images of long subway rides and dark expensive cars. Though the latter may seem leftovers from Gray's 'The Yards' and 'We Own the Night,' Gray has done a good job of downsizing from those while holding onto their resonance.
Joaquin Phoenix's performance is awkward in a way that would be very painful if it didn't feel so authentic and real. His Leonard is pathetic and lost, but has an inner core of goodness and generosity that makes it seem there may be hope for him. He's a real sucker, but he's a real decent fellow. Leonard has nothing, and so he is ready to throw away his life and throw it away again. Gray goes back to the smallness of his first film, but with a far greater intensity. Leonard's crises feel momentous. Their resolution is a quiet, mute shock. As in other Gray films, the hero blends into a party, and a family network. This time the sense of family and ritual is more offhand and organic than in the preceding two films.
'Two Lovers' has powerful moments. It's like a good short story and it has a surprise O. Henry ending. The performances are uniformly fine. The texture is thick enough with a sense of people and places to override some implausibility in the events. Phoenix's performance will have detractors who find Phoenix too awkward and say it's just as well he plans to quit acting after this for music. But on the contrary this movie made me see how disarming and unique the actor, once overshadowed by his dazzling brother River, has come to be at 35. It would be sad if he left the screen.
Unrequited Loves
claudio_carvalho14 July 2018
After attempting to commit suicide jumping in the water, Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) gives up and returns to his parent´s apartment in Brooklyn. Leonard had a great disappointment with his fiancée and after a psychological treatment, he is not stable. During the night, he meets Sandra Cohen (Vinessa Shaw) in a dinner party promoted by his family to the family of Michael Cohen (Bob Ari), who wants a partnership with his father in his dry cleaning business. Later Leonard meets his new neighbor Michelle Rausch (Gwyneth Paltrow) and he immediately feels attracted to her. Leonard and Sandra have a love affair with each other, and Sandra feels in love with him. But Leonard is in love with Michelle that is in love with her married lover Ronald Blatt (Elias Koteas) that does not leave his wife and children to stay with her. How will this quartet of unrequited loves end?
"Two Lovers" is a pleasant romance slightly inspired in the novel "White Night" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow have great chemistry and magnificent performances and are the reason why "Two Lovers" works so well. The supporting cast with Isabella Rossellini and Vinessa Shaw among others great actors and actresses in another plus in this film. It is impressive how time goes by and now Isabella Rossellini performs the mother of Joaquin Phoenix´s character. The plot does not have any plot point or surprising development and indeed it is quite predictable, but "Two Lovers" is worthwhile watching. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Amantes" ("Lovers")
"Two Lovers" is a pleasant romance slightly inspired in the novel "White Night" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Joaquin Phoenix and Gwyneth Paltrow have great chemistry and magnificent performances and are the reason why "Two Lovers" works so well. The supporting cast with Isabella Rossellini and Vinessa Shaw among others great actors and actresses in another plus in this film. It is impressive how time goes by and now Isabella Rossellini performs the mother of Joaquin Phoenix´s character. The plot does not have any plot point or surprising development and indeed it is quite predictable, but "Two Lovers" is worthwhile watching. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Amantes" ("Lovers")
Why can't I have them both? It's just not fair!
tccandler14 February 2009
Gwyneth Paltrow is like Italian ice cream on a summer day. Vinessa Shaw is like hot chocolate on a winter morning. Why can't I have them both? It's just not fair!
Here's an intensely absorbing indie-film, being released simultaneously in a few select cities and on digital pay-per-view. That seems to be a popular new way for smaller films to reach larger audiences. And believe me, "Two Lovers" deserves as large an audience as it can get. This will definitely end up being one of the best films of 2009.
The title and the trailer make it evident that this is a romantic drama in which one man is torn between two very different women. That man is Leonard Kraditor (Phoenix), a generally introverted man who has moved back in with his parents after a failed relationship. He is interested in black and white photography, but works in his father's dry-cleaning business. He is governed by depression, fending off thoughts of suicide with prescription medicine.
His parent's friends are also in the cleaning industry and they are considering a possible merge, which Leonard could one day take over. Their beautiful daughter is Sandra (Shaw), who is soon "fixed up" with Leonard. They nervously take the first steps into a new relationship, soon developing a comfortable rhythm that feels cathartic and safe for both.
Soon thereafter, Leonard stumbles into Michelle (Paltrow), an energetic blonde who moves into an apartment on the floor above. She is hyperactive and fun, representing a slightly more dangerous undertaking for Leonard. She becomes an even more enticing challenge when he finds out that she is kept by a wealthy married lawyer who repeatedly promises that he will leave his family for her.
One girl is safe and comfortable. The other is unattainable and risky. The film follows the labyrinthine emotional maze that Leonard has to navigate in order to find out what will make him the happiest. It is a fascinating journey that pulls the viewer back and forth as we try to make his decision for him.
Phoenix is naturally one of the most emotionally weighty performers in recent memory. He almost always carries around an anvil of angst in his roles -- and it is on full display here. Leonard balances on the edge of torment and ecstasy, never managing to fully commit to either. It is a marvelous effort -- I only hope it is not his last film, as he has recently hinted in interviews.
Paltrow is this critic's idea of silver-screen heaven. She lights up the screen in ways that render the film projector completely unnecessary. This is one of her most emotionally charged roles since "Hard Eight". Her character is scarred and needy, hidden beneath a veneer of nonchalant smiles. The part was written with Paltrow in mind - she absolutely does it justice.
I have been crazy about Vinessa Shaw since I first saw her as Domino in Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, "Eyes Wide Shut". She has a serene quality that fits this role perfectly. I am not sure there is an actress who can emote as subtly as Shaw can. As Sandra, she represents the hope for a peaceful, kind and safe existence with Leonard. It is just a matter of convincing him that those things are what he wants. Shaw is remarkable in every scene and deserves award consideration.
Heck, all three of them should be considered when Oscar rolls around in 2010. This is an ensemble, which includes a superb turn by Isabella Rossellini as Leonard's mother, that ranks as one of the best of the decade. "Two Lovers" is an actor's film -- allowing them to live and breathe on screen. The characters are fully realized, three-dimensional people who we can care about long after the fade-to-black.
James Gray is a patient director. His work includes "The Yards" and "We Own the Night". He is unafraid to let the characters develop without feeling the urge to stamp his name all over the production with needless flare. He is confident enough to let his writing do the work. Gray is fast becoming one of the more intriguing talents in the business.
"Two Lovers" is an honest and authentic film that requires a thoughtful, attentive and mature audience. The emotions are complex. The consequences are tangible. I really cared about what happened to these characters. How often can you say that about a movie? Absolutely do whatever you can to find this independent gem.
TC Candler's Movie Reviews
Here's an intensely absorbing indie-film, being released simultaneously in a few select cities and on digital pay-per-view. That seems to be a popular new way for smaller films to reach larger audiences. And believe me, "Two Lovers" deserves as large an audience as it can get. This will definitely end up being one of the best films of 2009.
The title and the trailer make it evident that this is a romantic drama in which one man is torn between two very different women. That man is Leonard Kraditor (Phoenix), a generally introverted man who has moved back in with his parents after a failed relationship. He is interested in black and white photography, but works in his father's dry-cleaning business. He is governed by depression, fending off thoughts of suicide with prescription medicine.
His parent's friends are also in the cleaning industry and they are considering a possible merge, which Leonard could one day take over. Their beautiful daughter is Sandra (Shaw), who is soon "fixed up" with Leonard. They nervously take the first steps into a new relationship, soon developing a comfortable rhythm that feels cathartic and safe for both.
Soon thereafter, Leonard stumbles into Michelle (Paltrow), an energetic blonde who moves into an apartment on the floor above. She is hyperactive and fun, representing a slightly more dangerous undertaking for Leonard. She becomes an even more enticing challenge when he finds out that she is kept by a wealthy married lawyer who repeatedly promises that he will leave his family for her.
One girl is safe and comfortable. The other is unattainable and risky. The film follows the labyrinthine emotional maze that Leonard has to navigate in order to find out what will make him the happiest. It is a fascinating journey that pulls the viewer back and forth as we try to make his decision for him.
Phoenix is naturally one of the most emotionally weighty performers in recent memory. He almost always carries around an anvil of angst in his roles -- and it is on full display here. Leonard balances on the edge of torment and ecstasy, never managing to fully commit to either. It is a marvelous effort -- I only hope it is not his last film, as he has recently hinted in interviews.
Paltrow is this critic's idea of silver-screen heaven. She lights up the screen in ways that render the film projector completely unnecessary. This is one of her most emotionally charged roles since "Hard Eight". Her character is scarred and needy, hidden beneath a veneer of nonchalant smiles. The part was written with Paltrow in mind - she absolutely does it justice.
I have been crazy about Vinessa Shaw since I first saw her as Domino in Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, "Eyes Wide Shut". She has a serene quality that fits this role perfectly. I am not sure there is an actress who can emote as subtly as Shaw can. As Sandra, she represents the hope for a peaceful, kind and safe existence with Leonard. It is just a matter of convincing him that those things are what he wants. Shaw is remarkable in every scene and deserves award consideration.
Heck, all three of them should be considered when Oscar rolls around in 2010. This is an ensemble, which includes a superb turn by Isabella Rossellini as Leonard's mother, that ranks as one of the best of the decade. "Two Lovers" is an actor's film -- allowing them to live and breathe on screen. The characters are fully realized, three-dimensional people who we can care about long after the fade-to-black.
James Gray is a patient director. His work includes "The Yards" and "We Own the Night". He is unafraid to let the characters develop without feeling the urge to stamp his name all over the production with needless flare. He is confident enough to let his writing do the work. Gray is fast becoming one of the more intriguing talents in the business.
"Two Lovers" is an honest and authentic film that requires a thoughtful, attentive and mature audience. The emotions are complex. The consequences are tangible. I really cared about what happened to these characters. How often can you say that about a movie? Absolutely do whatever you can to find this independent gem.
TC Candler's Movie Reviews
Brighton Beach memories
jotix10029 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Leonard Kraditor, the troubled man at the center of this film, has been through a lot. He is a time bomb waiting to go off. Any little thing will ignite the fuse that will make him explode. Leonard lives at home with his parents, the owners of a dry cleaning business. The Kraditors live comfortably in Brighton Beach. Their son is suffering from depression after a broken engagement. On top of that, he is suicidal.
Leonard discovers a beautiful woman looking from his window. He is a photographer and he appreciates the radiant neighbor, Michelle. Unfortunately, Michelle is having her own problems. She has been having an affair with a married lawyer who has set her up in the apartment. Leonard follows her to the subway, making believe he is just going her way.
Meanwhile the Kraditors get an offer from Michael Cohen to merge with the two business and become stronger. The Cohens whose daughter, Sandra, seems to be a perfect match for Leonard, without anything ever being mentioned. Sandra, not as beautiful as Michelle, appears to be a grounded young woman who knows what she really wants. Her interest in Leonard is genuine, it just happens as the two meet. He, on the other hand, cannot see beyond the infatuation he feels for Michelle.
Things come to a head when Michelle decides to leave her lover. Leonard, who has confessed his love for her, decides to go with her to San Francisco, where she has friends. She wants to get away as far as she can from a bad relationship. As they are about to depart, Leonard receives a blow when Michelle decides to stay with the man she really loves.
James Gray's "Two Lovers" was shot in Brooklyn. In a way, it kept reminding us of one of his previous films, "Little Odessa", also set in that part of New York. Although the atmosphere on this new project is not as oppressive as the previous one, there are elements Mr. Gray uses that bear a sort of continuity to two different stories as these two films are.
Writing the screenplay with Ric Menello, the director creates people that are real. We have known people like the ones whose lives are shown in the picture. Their main character Leonard is a man whose depression is clearly understood. The man is tormented, therefore, he grabs into the illusion of being loved by Michelle, instead of realizing, that in a way, she has manipulated him since she has no intention of going ahead with their plan to elope and start a new life.
In Joaquin Phoenix, the director has found the right actor to give life to his Leonard. Mr. Phoenix keeps showing us why he is one of the most interesting young actors working in films today. In fact, the announcement of his leaving his career was hard to comprehend. Why could this talented man throw everything he had worked for, is beyond all comprehension. Luckily, it appears that he will continue working.
Gwineth Paltrow sticks out like a sore thumb in the relationship between her and Leonard. She is too ethereal a woman in order to make sense, let alone falling for a man that, probably in her world, is a loser. Ms. Paltrow gives a good performance. The surprise here is Vinessa Shaw, who plays Sandra, the good girl. Ms. Shaw gives a nuanced rendition of this woman who stands to be hurt, but in the end, she is rewarded because Leonard comes to his senses, finally. The supporting cast is fine. Isabella Rossellini, Moni Moshonov, and Bob Ari, enhance the film with their presence.
Joaquin Baca Asay, who had worked with Mr. Gray in "We Own the Night" photograph the film in moody dark tones that blends well with the production. James Gray keeps surprising all the time.
Leonard discovers a beautiful woman looking from his window. He is a photographer and he appreciates the radiant neighbor, Michelle. Unfortunately, Michelle is having her own problems. She has been having an affair with a married lawyer who has set her up in the apartment. Leonard follows her to the subway, making believe he is just going her way.
Meanwhile the Kraditors get an offer from Michael Cohen to merge with the two business and become stronger. The Cohens whose daughter, Sandra, seems to be a perfect match for Leonard, without anything ever being mentioned. Sandra, not as beautiful as Michelle, appears to be a grounded young woman who knows what she really wants. Her interest in Leonard is genuine, it just happens as the two meet. He, on the other hand, cannot see beyond the infatuation he feels for Michelle.
Things come to a head when Michelle decides to leave her lover. Leonard, who has confessed his love for her, decides to go with her to San Francisco, where she has friends. She wants to get away as far as she can from a bad relationship. As they are about to depart, Leonard receives a blow when Michelle decides to stay with the man she really loves.
James Gray's "Two Lovers" was shot in Brooklyn. In a way, it kept reminding us of one of his previous films, "Little Odessa", also set in that part of New York. Although the atmosphere on this new project is not as oppressive as the previous one, there are elements Mr. Gray uses that bear a sort of continuity to two different stories as these two films are.
Writing the screenplay with Ric Menello, the director creates people that are real. We have known people like the ones whose lives are shown in the picture. Their main character Leonard is a man whose depression is clearly understood. The man is tormented, therefore, he grabs into the illusion of being loved by Michelle, instead of realizing, that in a way, she has manipulated him since she has no intention of going ahead with their plan to elope and start a new life.
In Joaquin Phoenix, the director has found the right actor to give life to his Leonard. Mr. Phoenix keeps showing us why he is one of the most interesting young actors working in films today. In fact, the announcement of his leaving his career was hard to comprehend. Why could this talented man throw everything he had worked for, is beyond all comprehension. Luckily, it appears that he will continue working.
Gwineth Paltrow sticks out like a sore thumb in the relationship between her and Leonard. She is too ethereal a woman in order to make sense, let alone falling for a man that, probably in her world, is a loser. Ms. Paltrow gives a good performance. The surprise here is Vinessa Shaw, who plays Sandra, the good girl. Ms. Shaw gives a nuanced rendition of this woman who stands to be hurt, but in the end, she is rewarded because Leonard comes to his senses, finally. The supporting cast is fine. Isabella Rossellini, Moni Moshonov, and Bob Ari, enhance the film with their presence.
Joaquin Baca Asay, who had worked with Mr. Gray in "We Own the Night" photograph the film in moody dark tones that blends well with the production. James Gray keeps surprising all the time.
The Shiksa Factor
Michael Fargo27 February 2009
As this film began, I thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" Joaquin Phoenix playing a character, Leonard, who attempts suicide before the lights in the theater are down? This is going to be a long ride and my shoulders slumped into the seat. But, instead, this funny, romantic intensely felt film slowly takes control of the audience and we shake our heads both in recognition of the folly of the characters as well as the exactitude with which the actors hit each and every mark. I wanted to applaud at the end for (1) the sustained tone, and (2)that it wasn't the film I feared at the opening.
Isabella Rosellini, as Leonard's mother, quickly lightens up the mood. (I should say, The Great Isabella Rosellini.) She has little to say but communicates volumes as a doting mother of a very troubled son. But she's also very funny in her hovering (literally peering under her son's door to see if he's okay).
What triggers the action is the introduction of a girl Sandra (played by Vinessa Shaw) chosen by Leonard's parents to divert him from the heartbreak that has made him suicidal. She's a perfect choice, and we all nod, "This won't work," because she's exactly what Leonard needs. He's so caught up in his suffering that he can't see anything beyond that until supreme suffering simultaneously walks into his life: Her name is Michelle, and she's played by the exquisite Gwyneth Paltrow.
If you're a fan of Paltrow's, you know just how Leonard feels. He's ready to jump through any hoop just to be near Michelle, and wouldn't any of us? Paltrow gives such a winning performance of what none of us need and all of us want, that even by the end we want everything to revolve around her (as Michelle wants too).
This is not only a film about infatuation with various stages and maturity of love, it's also about a place, and that place is New York City. With wonderful and flakey choices on the soundtrack, New York is cupid's hell. From the excitement of a group of people off on a lark to a dance club to one of the most unusual first dates in a high brow Manhattan restaurant (lushly scored with Henry Mancini's "Lujon") each and every locale is a Valentine to how much trouble you can get into in the big city. Watch out for those Michelles! Beautifully filmed, masterfully directed, being released so soon after the Oscar awards, the only sad thing is that it wasn't released just a few months earlier.
Isabella Rosellini, as Leonard's mother, quickly lightens up the mood. (I should say, The Great Isabella Rosellini.) She has little to say but communicates volumes as a doting mother of a very troubled son. But she's also very funny in her hovering (literally peering under her son's door to see if he's okay).
What triggers the action is the introduction of a girl Sandra (played by Vinessa Shaw) chosen by Leonard's parents to divert him from the heartbreak that has made him suicidal. She's a perfect choice, and we all nod, "This won't work," because she's exactly what Leonard needs. He's so caught up in his suffering that he can't see anything beyond that until supreme suffering simultaneously walks into his life: Her name is Michelle, and she's played by the exquisite Gwyneth Paltrow.
If you're a fan of Paltrow's, you know just how Leonard feels. He's ready to jump through any hoop just to be near Michelle, and wouldn't any of us? Paltrow gives such a winning performance of what none of us need and all of us want, that even by the end we want everything to revolve around her (as Michelle wants too).
This is not only a film about infatuation with various stages and maturity of love, it's also about a place, and that place is New York City. With wonderful and flakey choices on the soundtrack, New York is cupid's hell. From the excitement of a group of people off on a lark to a dance club to one of the most unusual first dates in a high brow Manhattan restaurant (lushly scored with Henry Mancini's "Lujon") each and every locale is a Valentine to how much trouble you can get into in the big city. Watch out for those Michelles! Beautifully filmed, masterfully directed, being released so soon after the Oscar awards, the only sad thing is that it wasn't released just a few months earlier.
Feelin' Dostoyevsky
tieman646 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
James Gray directs "Two Lovers". The film is based on "White Nights", a short story by literature's glowering giant, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Dostoyevsky's story was previously turned into "Four Nights of a Dreamer" by Robert Bresson and "White Nights" (1957) by Luchino Visconti. Though dated in some respects, both are fine films.
Gray's plot? Joaquin Phoenix plays Leonard, a young man living with his parents and working in their dry cleaners shop on Coney Island. In typical Dostoyevsky fashion, Leonard is perpetually unhappy, suicidal and has suffered some traumatic incidents in his recent past. He's also a photographer.
Into Leonard's life steps two women, one played by Vinessa Shaw the other by Gwyneth Paltrow. Shaw fawns over Leonard, but he's attracted to Paltrow because she, like him, represents damaged goods. The film then becomes a lesson in propinquity, like-attracting-like to both subject's detriment. Leonard and Paltrow are like a couple of enablers, two negatively affected people feeding off each other as they're dragged inexorably toward the black. Leonard then breaks free of Paltrow and opts for Shaw, the sweet-faced girl who essentially saves his life.
Gray's title seems to have a double meaning, referring both to Leonard's twin romantic options, and his relationship with his mother, who worries and watches over her child, and seems to have entombed him in a womb of perpetual youth. Living in his parent's home, in a tiny bedroom, surrounded by totems of childhood, Leonard is in a state of arrested development, caught between adulthood and a scarred, traumatised childhood. Shaw offers Leonard the opportunity to grow up, to overcome his pain, whilst Mommy and Paltrow keep Leonard in a sullen solace which only cripples him further.
James Gray wears his influences on his sleeves. His film channels Paddy Chayefsky's "Marty" and is heavily indebted to Luchino Visconti (Gray seems to love Visconti; his crime films reference Visconti's "Rocco and his Brothers", and a dance sequence in "Two Lovers" recalls Visconti's "White Nights"). Though it boasts fine performances and palpable atmosphere, "Two Lovers" eventually degenerates into clichés. Elsewhere actor Joaquin Phoenix is far too old for his role. Isabella Rossellini co-stars.
7.9/10 – Worth one viewing. See "Searching For a Midnight Kiss", "In The City of Sylvia", "Beyond The Clouds" and the romances of Rohmer and Linklater.
Gray's plot? Joaquin Phoenix plays Leonard, a young man living with his parents and working in their dry cleaners shop on Coney Island. In typical Dostoyevsky fashion, Leonard is perpetually unhappy, suicidal and has suffered some traumatic incidents in his recent past. He's also a photographer.
Into Leonard's life steps two women, one played by Vinessa Shaw the other by Gwyneth Paltrow. Shaw fawns over Leonard, but he's attracted to Paltrow because she, like him, represents damaged goods. The film then becomes a lesson in propinquity, like-attracting-like to both subject's detriment. Leonard and Paltrow are like a couple of enablers, two negatively affected people feeding off each other as they're dragged inexorably toward the black. Leonard then breaks free of Paltrow and opts for Shaw, the sweet-faced girl who essentially saves his life.
Gray's title seems to have a double meaning, referring both to Leonard's twin romantic options, and his relationship with his mother, who worries and watches over her child, and seems to have entombed him in a womb of perpetual youth. Living in his parent's home, in a tiny bedroom, surrounded by totems of childhood, Leonard is in a state of arrested development, caught between adulthood and a scarred, traumatised childhood. Shaw offers Leonard the opportunity to grow up, to overcome his pain, whilst Mommy and Paltrow keep Leonard in a sullen solace which only cripples him further.
James Gray wears his influences on his sleeves. His film channels Paddy Chayefsky's "Marty" and is heavily indebted to Luchino Visconti (Gray seems to love Visconti; his crime films reference Visconti's "Rocco and his Brothers", and a dance sequence in "Two Lovers" recalls Visconti's "White Nights"). Though it boasts fine performances and palpable atmosphere, "Two Lovers" eventually degenerates into clichés. Elsewhere actor Joaquin Phoenix is far too old for his role. Isabella Rossellini co-stars.
7.9/10 – Worth one viewing. See "Searching For a Midnight Kiss", "In The City of Sylvia", "Beyond The Clouds" and the romances of Rohmer and Linklater.
"Off", but in an intriguing way
zetes7 February 2010
A simple love story about a 30-something schlub (Joaquin Phoenix) who gets involved with two women. One is a perfectly decent woman with her crap together (Vinessa Shaw). The other (Gwyneth Paltrow), the one he's really hot for, is a screw-up, drug-addled and dating a married man and hoping desperately that he'll divorce his wife and leave his kids for her. Of course, it's not the smartest thing in the world for Phoenix to fall for Paltrow, but, hey, love is pretty unpredictable. She is so much like him, it makes perfect sense. I have a couple of big complaints about this film. First, it all plays out very predictably. Add these three people together and you get the sum long before the end of the film. Secondly, and perhaps what bothered me most, Phoenix and Paltrow seemed too old for these characters. Sure, there are 30-something losers all over the place, but these two seem to me to act like 20-somethings. They're lost in this weird limbo of childishness that seemed wrong for people their age. Even Shaw doesn't quite seem like a real human being. Like Phoenix, she seems dependent on her parents like a college student. People just never seem like real people in this movie. That said, the film does have sort of an "off" tone that is intriguing. It's a very claustrophobic and tragic tale, and it captured me in that way. I didn't love the film, but I definitely found it interesting.
Aren't male delusions cute?
grnhair200122 May 2013
You'll see plenty of delusional thinking in this one.
A 30-ish guy comes home to his family after a stint in the loony bin. He is suicidal, popping psychiatric meds, works in his dad's laundry (but fails at even that simple job) and is indulged in an "art" he's not very good at and that we never see him work at. He is inarticulate and self- pitying and still has a photo of his fiancé, now two years gone, by his bed.
Into this pitiful life come two beautiful employed women who want him very much. Why? No story reason suggests itself. No one with any life experience would believe such women would. When he has sex with them, they have orgasms within 15 seconds or so, leading me to suspect the writer/director may have never had sex with an actual woman. (Or maybe the women are faking it to get rid of him more quickly, which would make some sense.)
His parents never are anything less than 100% supportive, no matter how awful his behavior, which I you could argue explains how much of a loser he is, but I don't believe the script is that self-aware.
I liked the set design, the score wasn't as manipulative as you might fear it would be considering the soap opera nature of the story, and the acting was fine. But the screenwriter's ideas about women are risible fantasies of an adolescent mind. I fully expect him to be writing movies in 50 years wherein hot 18 year old women are incredibly attracted to ugly 70 year old men, because we've seen that's what the puer aeternus does.
A 30-ish guy comes home to his family after a stint in the loony bin. He is suicidal, popping psychiatric meds, works in his dad's laundry (but fails at even that simple job) and is indulged in an "art" he's not very good at and that we never see him work at. He is inarticulate and self- pitying and still has a photo of his fiancé, now two years gone, by his bed.
Into this pitiful life come two beautiful employed women who want him very much. Why? No story reason suggests itself. No one with any life experience would believe such women would. When he has sex with them, they have orgasms within 15 seconds or so, leading me to suspect the writer/director may have never had sex with an actual woman. (Or maybe the women are faking it to get rid of him more quickly, which would make some sense.)
His parents never are anything less than 100% supportive, no matter how awful his behavior, which I you could argue explains how much of a loser he is, but I don't believe the script is that self-aware.
I liked the set design, the score wasn't as manipulative as you might fear it would be considering the soap opera nature of the story, and the acting was fine. But the screenwriter's ideas about women are risible fantasies of an adolescent mind. I fully expect him to be writing movies in 50 years wherein hot 18 year old women are incredibly attracted to ugly 70 year old men, because we've seen that's what the puer aeternus does.
Great characters but ultimately not memorable
Gordon-114 March 2009
This film is about a man with mood problems navigating physically and emotionally between his two lovers.
"Two Lovers" is performance driven film which sees Gwyneth Paltrow delivering a great performance as a woman in emotional turmoil. Joaquin Phoenix is believable as a young man who is confused about life. Vinessa Shaw looks so much like Hilary Swank! The pacing is a little slow, but it is made up for by the amazing production. I am particularly impressed by the homely and authentic flat, it feels like a real home which helps viewers to connect with the film. Lighting and cinematography are also well done, enhancing "Two Lovers" artistic value. However, I think "Two Lovers" ultimately does not end up being a memorable film.
"Two Lovers" is performance driven film which sees Gwyneth Paltrow delivering a great performance as a woman in emotional turmoil. Joaquin Phoenix is believable as a young man who is confused about life. Vinessa Shaw looks so much like Hilary Swank! The pacing is a little slow, but it is made up for by the amazing production. I am particularly impressed by the homely and authentic flat, it feels like a real home which helps viewers to connect with the film. Lighting and cinematography are also well done, enhancing "Two Lovers" artistic value. However, I think "Two Lovers" ultimately does not end up being a memorable film.
A dynamite mixture for a powerful tale.
politicon20037 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Note I have tried to avoid spoilers here but the warning is in place just in case.
This was a film I watched and enjoyed during one of my rare visits to a movie theatre. Yes, I am a cultural moron and Philistine usually preferring to watch DVD movies in the comfort of my home. Unless a movie is especially panoramic or epic in nature nothing is lost by watching it on the small screen. I could have equally enjoyed Two Lovers in DVD. This little melodrama does not need a large screen. It is a simple film based on a simple but well-crafted tale, a melodramatic short story. It is also helped along by a wonderful cast. The background music is haunting and sad.
The film begins with a half–hearted suicide attempt by the anti-hero Leonard Kraditor (amiably played by Joaquin Phoenix who is one of my favourite screen actors). Leonard is the adult thirty something son of émigré Israeli parents (who make a modest living from a rundown dry-cleaning business). The parents are played by the Israeli actor Moni Moshonov and his wife (Ruth) by Isabella Rossellini who seems a bit too calm for a typical anxious Jewish mother. But that is the part allotted to her by the script and is no reflection on her acting. (Maybe the scriptwriters did not want to go over the top in stereotyping ). Leonard is the typical Mediterranean only son suffocated by kindness and intense family bonds. (At one point his parents demand to know where he has been).
There's our would-be suicidal anti-hero, single and dwelling at home with Momma and Poppa in a dingy, rather Bohemian apartment Brighton Beach, a seedy immigrant district, a backyard to America's great metropolis. Here is New York City without the glitter, glamour and excitement. It is late October or early November with grey chilly looking skies, wet and dismal. The main decor in the old fashioned apartment is a wall full of framed sepia photos of family ancestors ; Russians or East European Jews by their appearance.
One naturally asks why the half–hearted attempt at suicide with which the film opens? It is partially the hopelessness of Leonard's life, as it seems to him. He has achieved nothing and does odd jobs at the store. His fiancée has just left him because they both share a common regressive gene which would mean that any infant born to them would not survive (perhaps this brutal fact is used as an excuse by the girl to leave him). We get only a brief glance of her for about a second in the movie. She is a factor of Leonard's immediate past rather than a character. Leonard himself is clever, humorous and handsome in an unusual albeit rather shabby way, whose hobby is photography.
The essence of the tale begins after his parents invite the Cohens, for dinner with their children including a very attractive and alluring thirty something brunette daughter Sandra (Vanessa Shaw). Michael Cohen owns a much larger dry-cleaning business than Mr. Kraditor's and has his eyes on Reuben's own store. Naturally a marriage between the two families would be ideal; Reuben could have the retirement he longs for while Leonard would run the expanded business resulting from the merger.At the same time they can relax after Sandra's wedding;from the Cohen's viewpoint she has been single too long.
There is evidently a mutual attraction between the two young people , but unknown to the Cohens or his parents there has been a new development in Leonard's life that will complicate matters.
By chance Leonard bumps into Michelle Rausch (Gywneth Paldrow) in the corridor just outside his parents' home. She's a pretty blonde girl who dwells in the same shabby but genteel apartment complex as Leonard but it is the first time he has seen her close up. Michelle is single and rather older than Leonard. Her lover, a married man with kids, pays her rent. It turns out she's, spoiled, emotionally mixed up and addicted to club life, alcohol and ecstasy pills but not dumb. She is a far cry from the more attractive, caring and dependable Sandra Cohen. Indeed, Michelle can be quite callous with Leonard at times.an is using him. However, in Leonard's eyes Michelle is his own choice not somebody thrust upon him by his parents for family business reasons. It is the typical infatuation of a dusky Mediterranean male with a Baltic or Scandinavian blonde (see Al Pacino in Carlito's Way). Is Leonard making a mistake? Thereby hangs the tale and I leave it to the prospective moviegoer to follow how the tale unfolds an whether or not they like the conclusion (I did although an entirely different and alternative ending was in the cards ). Two lovers, one a crazy girl friend with awesome complications, and the other a prospective steady fiancée approved by his parents, between them and our anti-hero it's a dynamite mixture for a powerful tale.
This was a film I watched and enjoyed during one of my rare visits to a movie theatre. Yes, I am a cultural moron and Philistine usually preferring to watch DVD movies in the comfort of my home. Unless a movie is especially panoramic or epic in nature nothing is lost by watching it on the small screen. I could have equally enjoyed Two Lovers in DVD. This little melodrama does not need a large screen. It is a simple film based on a simple but well-crafted tale, a melodramatic short story. It is also helped along by a wonderful cast. The background music is haunting and sad.
The film begins with a half–hearted suicide attempt by the anti-hero Leonard Kraditor (amiably played by Joaquin Phoenix who is one of my favourite screen actors). Leonard is the adult thirty something son of émigré Israeli parents (who make a modest living from a rundown dry-cleaning business). The parents are played by the Israeli actor Moni Moshonov and his wife (Ruth) by Isabella Rossellini who seems a bit too calm for a typical anxious Jewish mother. But that is the part allotted to her by the script and is no reflection on her acting. (Maybe the scriptwriters did not want to go over the top in stereotyping ). Leonard is the typical Mediterranean only son suffocated by kindness and intense family bonds. (At one point his parents demand to know where he has been).
There's our would-be suicidal anti-hero, single and dwelling at home with Momma and Poppa in a dingy, rather Bohemian apartment Brighton Beach, a seedy immigrant district, a backyard to America's great metropolis. Here is New York City without the glitter, glamour and excitement. It is late October or early November with grey chilly looking skies, wet and dismal. The main decor in the old fashioned apartment is a wall full of framed sepia photos of family ancestors ; Russians or East European Jews by their appearance.
One naturally asks why the half–hearted attempt at suicide with which the film opens? It is partially the hopelessness of Leonard's life, as it seems to him. He has achieved nothing and does odd jobs at the store. His fiancée has just left him because they both share a common regressive gene which would mean that any infant born to them would not survive (perhaps this brutal fact is used as an excuse by the girl to leave him). We get only a brief glance of her for about a second in the movie. She is a factor of Leonard's immediate past rather than a character. Leonard himself is clever, humorous and handsome in an unusual albeit rather shabby way, whose hobby is photography.
The essence of the tale begins after his parents invite the Cohens, for dinner with their children including a very attractive and alluring thirty something brunette daughter Sandra (Vanessa Shaw). Michael Cohen owns a much larger dry-cleaning business than Mr. Kraditor's and has his eyes on Reuben's own store. Naturally a marriage between the two families would be ideal; Reuben could have the retirement he longs for while Leonard would run the expanded business resulting from the merger.At the same time they can relax after Sandra's wedding;from the Cohen's viewpoint she has been single too long.
There is evidently a mutual attraction between the two young people , but unknown to the Cohens or his parents there has been a new development in Leonard's life that will complicate matters.
By chance Leonard bumps into Michelle Rausch (Gywneth Paldrow) in the corridor just outside his parents' home. She's a pretty blonde girl who dwells in the same shabby but genteel apartment complex as Leonard but it is the first time he has seen her close up. Michelle is single and rather older than Leonard. Her lover, a married man with kids, pays her rent. It turns out she's, spoiled, emotionally mixed up and addicted to club life, alcohol and ecstasy pills but not dumb. She is a far cry from the more attractive, caring and dependable Sandra Cohen. Indeed, Michelle can be quite callous with Leonard at times.an is using him. However, in Leonard's eyes Michelle is his own choice not somebody thrust upon him by his parents for family business reasons. It is the typical infatuation of a dusky Mediterranean male with a Baltic or Scandinavian blonde (see Al Pacino in Carlito's Way). Is Leonard making a mistake? Thereby hangs the tale and I leave it to the prospective moviegoer to follow how the tale unfolds an whether or not they like the conclusion (I did although an entirely different and alternative ending was in the cards ). Two lovers, one a crazy girl friend with awesome complications, and the other a prospective steady fiancée approved by his parents, between them and our anti-hero it's a dynamite mixture for a powerful tale.
Predictable, but well acted
merylmatt13 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not good at guessing endings, but I got this one. That's not all bad, sometimes it can be fun.
A tale of the old - the Jewish immigrants from New York - and the modern - played by Gweneth Paltrow. This is a modern story of love at first sight and passion vs. compromise and settling.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: Joaquin Phoenix does a good job playing the son who has lost at love and life until he meets a neighbor played by Paltrow. She is having an affair with a married man. Will he leave his wife for Gweneth? She and Joaquin decide to fly away to San Fran and start all over again, when fate intervenes and changes everything.
The movie is real, entertaining, the characters make you care about them. The acting is very good, I recommend this character based movie.
A tale of the old - the Jewish immigrants from New York - and the modern - played by Gweneth Paltrow. This is a modern story of love at first sight and passion vs. compromise and settling.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: Joaquin Phoenix does a good job playing the son who has lost at love and life until he meets a neighbor played by Paltrow. She is having an affair with a married man. Will he leave his wife for Gweneth? She and Joaquin decide to fly away to San Fran and start all over again, when fate intervenes and changes everything.
The movie is real, entertaining, the characters make you care about them. The acting is very good, I recommend this character based movie.
What film-making should be--another seamless collaboration of Gray and Phoenix
bemorecynical200113 February 2009
As I watched, and enjoyed Two Lovers, it became clear why this was a limited release film, why early reviews predicted Hollywood wouldn't much know what to do with it. This is a mature, thoughtful, well-made, well-paced, and very well-acted film. And while I don't think that there aren't mature, thoughtful audiences out there, studios can sometimes not give them much credit. But as I watched Two Lovers it revealed itself as few modern movies do, the director, James Gray, is the guide but has an invisible touch. The story is simple but powerful in its reflection on love and choices, as guided by fate and impossibility.
Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young man in his early 30's who has moved in with his parents following a devastating broken engagement and a suicide attempt. His parents are concerned over his fragility and mental stability (there are whisperings of depression and possibly bi-polar disorder) and encourage his involvement with family friend Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) a young woman more than willing to "take care of him." But when Leonard meets Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), his neighbor across the courtyard, he soon becomes smitten with the fun, enticing blonde. As both relationships progress and provide further complications (Michelle's other involvements, the business opportunities a life with Sandra will provide) a simply put but tremendously complex question is posed: do you choose the one you love or the one who loves you?
Like Gray's past films, notably The Yards and We Own the night for this viewer who has yet to see Little Odessa, this doesn't fashion a predictable run. Some filmmakers may have leaned towards a more typical romance, with clear-cut characters, a couple to root for and a happy ending. Like his past films, Gray's characters feel real, flawed, whose actions yield personal consequences. Its ending will leave some viewers inferring a hopeful conclusion, others a tragic one. The story was moving, at times funny, at times profound, and deeply affecting.
Of course, it's impossible to praise the film without focusing on Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Given Gray's propensity to write for him, their mutual praise, and the phenomenal portrayals that result, one can only deduce that this was a pairing fated to happen. Gray knows how to write human, imperfect, complicated, conflicting lead roles and equally or perhaps more importantly, Phoenix knows how to bring them to life. His Leonard is sometimes a sad, tragic figure but at turns can fill the screen with so much light and so much charisma you almost wonder, for a moment, why there aren't more than two women chasing after this troubled young man who lives with his parents. In a scene in a car with Michelle and her friends leading into a surprisingly sexy dance scene in a club, Phoenix's boyish, natural charm wins the women over in impressively little time. Leonard also is a bit socially awkward, playful, but clumsy and seemingly out of place with the world, Joaquin plays this wonderfully and very believably, but it did inspire a reaction from my viewing mate that I found rather entertaining. She remarked that Joaquin is so handsome and has such a stunning, intense look, that to see him play a bit of a socially inept, goofy character didn't suit his looks. She may have a point, in that his looks seem more suited to his We Own the Night character--confident, cool. But nothing could detract from his performance here. He is certainly the heart of the film, and adds a quietness and depth to Leonard that made me eager for future viewings. And to add something that stands out to me here, there is something so genuine about Phoenix's emotional, crying scenes that it catches me off guard and seems to within instant make so many other actors' "crying" scenes seem like artifice. Perhaps it's a further glean into his gift as an actor, but something so tender is revealed in these moments, it brings great humanity to those scenes.
The rest of the cast does very well. This is Gwyneth's best work in years, perhaps her best role as well, she doesn't disappoint. Shaw's beauty is toned down, which helps in making her less of a stunner and more a nice-looking local girl who's instantly attracted to Leonard's shy charm. Both Moni Moshonov and Isabella Rossellini, as Leonard's parents, are great opposite Phoenix, the three share a believable comfort with each other.
Two Lovers is a great character-driven drama centering on a troubled young man's impossible choice to either try for a life he never knew he could have, or the one he feels he's intended to have. This is elegant film-making with moving drama, a great cast, and another masterful performance from Phoenix, again completely in-sync with Gray's storytelling. Theirs is a seamless collaboration.
Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young man in his early 30's who has moved in with his parents following a devastating broken engagement and a suicide attempt. His parents are concerned over his fragility and mental stability (there are whisperings of depression and possibly bi-polar disorder) and encourage his involvement with family friend Sandra (Vinessa Shaw) a young woman more than willing to "take care of him." But when Leonard meets Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), his neighbor across the courtyard, he soon becomes smitten with the fun, enticing blonde. As both relationships progress and provide further complications (Michelle's other involvements, the business opportunities a life with Sandra will provide) a simply put but tremendously complex question is posed: do you choose the one you love or the one who loves you?
Like Gray's past films, notably The Yards and We Own the night for this viewer who has yet to see Little Odessa, this doesn't fashion a predictable run. Some filmmakers may have leaned towards a more typical romance, with clear-cut characters, a couple to root for and a happy ending. Like his past films, Gray's characters feel real, flawed, whose actions yield personal consequences. Its ending will leave some viewers inferring a hopeful conclusion, others a tragic one. The story was moving, at times funny, at times profound, and deeply affecting.
Of course, it's impossible to praise the film without focusing on Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Given Gray's propensity to write for him, their mutual praise, and the phenomenal portrayals that result, one can only deduce that this was a pairing fated to happen. Gray knows how to write human, imperfect, complicated, conflicting lead roles and equally or perhaps more importantly, Phoenix knows how to bring them to life. His Leonard is sometimes a sad, tragic figure but at turns can fill the screen with so much light and so much charisma you almost wonder, for a moment, why there aren't more than two women chasing after this troubled young man who lives with his parents. In a scene in a car with Michelle and her friends leading into a surprisingly sexy dance scene in a club, Phoenix's boyish, natural charm wins the women over in impressively little time. Leonard also is a bit socially awkward, playful, but clumsy and seemingly out of place with the world, Joaquin plays this wonderfully and very believably, but it did inspire a reaction from my viewing mate that I found rather entertaining. She remarked that Joaquin is so handsome and has such a stunning, intense look, that to see him play a bit of a socially inept, goofy character didn't suit his looks. She may have a point, in that his looks seem more suited to his We Own the Night character--confident, cool. But nothing could detract from his performance here. He is certainly the heart of the film, and adds a quietness and depth to Leonard that made me eager for future viewings. And to add something that stands out to me here, there is something so genuine about Phoenix's emotional, crying scenes that it catches me off guard and seems to within instant make so many other actors' "crying" scenes seem like artifice. Perhaps it's a further glean into his gift as an actor, but something so tender is revealed in these moments, it brings great humanity to those scenes.
The rest of the cast does very well. This is Gwyneth's best work in years, perhaps her best role as well, she doesn't disappoint. Shaw's beauty is toned down, which helps in making her less of a stunner and more a nice-looking local girl who's instantly attracted to Leonard's shy charm. Both Moni Moshonov and Isabella Rossellini, as Leonard's parents, are great opposite Phoenix, the three share a believable comfort with each other.
Two Lovers is a great character-driven drama centering on a troubled young man's impossible choice to either try for a life he never knew he could have, or the one he feels he's intended to have. This is elegant film-making with moving drama, a great cast, and another masterful performance from Phoenix, again completely in-sync with Gray's storytelling. Theirs is a seamless collaboration.
Movie asks: What if a guy acted like a chick?
californiarecordshop20 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is an OK movie. Ever since Gladiator I loved Jaquion Phoenix's acting, he truly is a pleasure to watch. A real actor and the opposite of those like Keanu Reeves. That said, I wish he had a stronger character in this movie. I don't see Phoenix's character as realistic though. This seems like a role-reversal film that asks 'What if the guy acts like the chick in the relationship?' He does what women do; he wants what he can't have and spurns the hot girl (Sandra) that actually wants him for the troubled but 'out-of-reach' (Michelle) girl he can't have. I've been with a lot of women, when I was younger (and better looking). His behavior would turn 99% of women off, they all want some sort of challenge, so of course she is going to go for the married guy, that is how women behave. Maybe a desperate (ugly/fat) girl would be OK with his behavior , but not a hottie like Paltrow's character. The quickest way to turn a girl off like Michelle would be to get clingy and cringey like he does. It was hard to enjoy after that, because it seemed more like a fantasy, 'what if?' than a look at a real relationship. I've never acted like that, no boy or man I know or have seen acts like this. He literally takes a woman's emotional role. He's pretty pathetic and in reality, Paltrow's character would continue to manipulate him; keeping him interested enough to be the 'Penis under glass to break in an emergency' and in the 'friend zone.' I wish it was more realistic, because with his behavior she wouldn't have to put out, she would keep him at arm's reach, since he was already at her beck and call. It seemed very predictable that she would not show up to go with him to SF and stay with the married guy. At least that part was realistic. I didn't like the ending either, I felt he was being untrue to Sandra by settling for her when she being such a hottie, deserves someone that actually wants her. I love the 'Blue Velvet' shout out, 'Hey, neighbor' - that in itself made this worth watching.
Not just another romantic movie with Gwyneth Paltrow
luizanassif10 January 2009
This was the first time I saw a film from James Gray and it was a great surprise. I don't usually go to the movies because of the critics but the fact that all the critics were great and that both orthodoxes and heterodox had liked got me a little intrigued. I still don't get all the good critics. It's not at all a romantic movie. It's rather a film of someone messed up struggling hard to survive and trying to do it through messed up relationships. It's really well filmed, and both James Gray and Joaquin Phoenix passed a lot of tension. If you want to go to the movies and relax that's really not the indicated piece. This is more for those who are looking for a real human movie with well worked personages.
it's complicated
SnoopyStyle30 October 2016
Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) tries to kill himself and is rescued from drowning. He is depressed after breaking up with his fiancée for genetic reason. His parents (Isabella Rossellini, Moni Moshonov) set him up with their business partner's shy daughter Sandra Cohen (Vinessa Shaw). He's moved back in with his parents and working at their Brooklyn dry cleaners. He falls for neighbor Michelle Rausch (Gwyneth Paltrow) and starts pursuing her. She is wild, unattainable, and having an affair with her married co-worker Ronald Blatt (Elias Koteas).
It could be better if Leonard is more appealing. Michelle toys with him like a sad little boy. It's definitely a more adult love triangle where it's not only about lust and obsession. It's also calculations, deceptions, and settling. It's complicated. I would have preferred a simpler nerdy Leonard out of his league with the impossibly beautiful Michelle. Instead, he's a sad and slightly unstable guy. This is interesting but not necessarily crowd pleasing.
It could be better if Leonard is more appealing. Michelle toys with him like a sad little boy. It's definitely a more adult love triangle where it's not only about lust and obsession. It's also calculations, deceptions, and settling. It's complicated. I would have preferred a simpler nerdy Leonard out of his league with the impossibly beautiful Michelle. Instead, he's a sad and slightly unstable guy. This is interesting but not necessarily crowd pleasing.
Fumbling in the Dark
zenfroglet6 April 2009
I wasn't expecting to go to this film, I didn't know anything about it, a friend and I went to the cinema, looked at our options and chose this.
Having no expectations, not having heard or seen any hype about it, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I think all aspects of a *good* film are present. It is beautifully shot and quite brilliantly acted which together created the right, moody, slightly claustrophobic atmosphere for this rather bleak, sometimes humorous, story to progress.
We're given a brief, intimate insight into three damaged individuals lives and I think ultimately shows us some conflicting concepts that arise from the pursuit of love and happiness, and familial duty.
I'm pretty certain this is the best film I've seen so far this year. While there's no way of comparing this to my last years favourite of No country for Old Men, I think this might also be Oscar material.
Having no expectations, not having heard or seen any hype about it, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I think all aspects of a *good* film are present. It is beautifully shot and quite brilliantly acted which together created the right, moody, slightly claustrophobic atmosphere for this rather bleak, sometimes humorous, story to progress.
We're given a brief, intimate insight into three damaged individuals lives and I think ultimately shows us some conflicting concepts that arise from the pursuit of love and happiness, and familial duty.
I'm pretty certain this is the best film I've seen so far this year. While there's no way of comparing this to my last years favourite of No country for Old Men, I think this might also be Oscar material.
Phoenix is a brilliant actor
Ramascreen8 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Prepare yourself to feel emotionally drained because TWO LOVERS is a drama that aims to make your heart feel very, very heavy after watching it but
I do admire the acting and the concept which will make you think and re-think what you might already know about relationships and what it is that attracts two people together.
Joaquin Phoenix hands down is one of the greatest young actors of our generation and it is a shame that for some reason, he needs to make people think he's quit acting and gone rapping because in TWO LOVERS, he gives an Oscar worthy performance for a not so Oscar worthy film. As a man who's still hurt by his past love and thinks that the only way to heal is to connect with someone who's as f*ed up as he is Joaquin is riveting and pitch-perfect. Only a few actors can say so much without saying anything at all and Joaquin Phoenix has that ability. You feel sorry and angry at him at the same time for some of the decisions he makes and the thoughts that run through his head. What a brilliant actor.
James Gray's direction who's helmed Joaquin before in We Own The Night is a bit mediocre, there's not much groundbreaking vision that he's brought to the table, even the whole spontaneous sex out of rage scene is nothing new and a bit cliché. But I do like the concept of the story. Vanessa Shaw's in love with Joaquin Phoenix but Phoenix is in love with Gwyneth Paltrow but Paltrow is in love with a married man. Aside from Shaw, none of them appreciate that other person that actually loves them. And it's funny how it emphasizes what we people tend to say to the ones we have feelings for.. "I'll take care of you", but the fact is we often can't even take care of ourselves, much less other people. That's the mistake that we tend to make, we're so strung out and blinded by lust and obsession that we choose to ignore the consequences that might come out of associating ourselves with people that might bring us down instead of lifting us up. Instead.. we should find a person who's independent and strong willed because you can only go so far with taking care of someone before you finally hit a breaking point and give up, the story of TWO LOVERS tackles something that other drama rarely touches and I admire that, it's just too bad that every other aspect about it is just, once again, nothing short of average.
--Rama's SCREEN--
Joaquin Phoenix hands down is one of the greatest young actors of our generation and it is a shame that for some reason, he needs to make people think he's quit acting and gone rapping because in TWO LOVERS, he gives an Oscar worthy performance for a not so Oscar worthy film. As a man who's still hurt by his past love and thinks that the only way to heal is to connect with someone who's as f*ed up as he is Joaquin is riveting and pitch-perfect. Only a few actors can say so much without saying anything at all and Joaquin Phoenix has that ability. You feel sorry and angry at him at the same time for some of the decisions he makes and the thoughts that run through his head. What a brilliant actor.
James Gray's direction who's helmed Joaquin before in We Own The Night is a bit mediocre, there's not much groundbreaking vision that he's brought to the table, even the whole spontaneous sex out of rage scene is nothing new and a bit cliché. But I do like the concept of the story. Vanessa Shaw's in love with Joaquin Phoenix but Phoenix is in love with Gwyneth Paltrow but Paltrow is in love with a married man. Aside from Shaw, none of them appreciate that other person that actually loves them. And it's funny how it emphasizes what we people tend to say to the ones we have feelings for.. "I'll take care of you", but the fact is we often can't even take care of ourselves, much less other people. That's the mistake that we tend to make, we're so strung out and blinded by lust and obsession that we choose to ignore the consequences that might come out of associating ourselves with people that might bring us down instead of lifting us up. Instead.. we should find a person who's independent and strong willed because you can only go so far with taking care of someone before you finally hit a breaking point and give up, the story of TWO LOVERS tackles something that other drama rarely touches and I admire that, it's just too bad that every other aspect about it is just, once again, nothing short of average.
--Rama's SCREEN--
Didn't believe it for a minute
bandw15 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
(Spoilers) The movie starts with an aborted suicide attempt by Leonard Kraditor. Leonard is in his early 30s, lives with his Jewish parents, and works for his dad's dry cleaning store. Before we know it Leonard is romantically involved with his neighbor Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Sandra, the attractive daughter of a business associate of his dad.
There are many things wrong with the script; I will cover only a few of them. The thing that sinks the story from the beginning is that neither of the women that Leonard is involved with would ever give him the time of day in real life. Living with his parents, being inarticulate, and not being able to succeed in his simple job of delivering cleaning to his dad's customers would set off enough alarms for any woman to give this man wide berth. And Sandra would have known of his suicidal impulses--such things are never secret among close families. Why would Sandra, an attractive healthy woman, pursue such a loser? Leonard's room is a mess, a physical manifestation of his mind; his mother would never allow for this kind of mess in her house.
At the end Leonard and Michelle, in a spur of the moment decision, are to take off to California together. You know that this is never going to happen and are just waiting for the excuse which comes in the form of Michelle's announcing that her high-dollar married lover has decided to divorce and be with her. Leonard is crushed and in despair, but instead of another suicide attempt he returns to a party and offers Sandra the diamond ring that he was going to give to Michelle. Any normal person is not going to switch emotional gears so easily, so I doubt that an emotional train wreck like Leonard would be able to do so.
Isabella Rossellini is good as Leonard's mother; Joaquin Phoenix is convincing as a mumbling nerd, but not so much as a romantic partner; sadly, Gwyneth Paltrow is wasted.
This is an unbelievable concoction dreamed up by screenwriters who seemingly have little understanding how real people interact.
There are many things wrong with the script; I will cover only a few of them. The thing that sinks the story from the beginning is that neither of the women that Leonard is involved with would ever give him the time of day in real life. Living with his parents, being inarticulate, and not being able to succeed in his simple job of delivering cleaning to his dad's customers would set off enough alarms for any woman to give this man wide berth. And Sandra would have known of his suicidal impulses--such things are never secret among close families. Why would Sandra, an attractive healthy woman, pursue such a loser? Leonard's room is a mess, a physical manifestation of his mind; his mother would never allow for this kind of mess in her house.
At the end Leonard and Michelle, in a spur of the moment decision, are to take off to California together. You know that this is never going to happen and are just waiting for the excuse which comes in the form of Michelle's announcing that her high-dollar married lover has decided to divorce and be with her. Leonard is crushed and in despair, but instead of another suicide attempt he returns to a party and offers Sandra the diamond ring that he was going to give to Michelle. Any normal person is not going to switch emotional gears so easily, so I doubt that an emotional train wreck like Leonard would be able to do so.
Isabella Rossellini is good as Leonard's mother; Joaquin Phoenix is convincing as a mumbling nerd, but not so much as a romantic partner; sadly, Gwyneth Paltrow is wasted.
This is an unbelievable concoction dreamed up by screenwriters who seemingly have little understanding how real people interact.
Very realistic performance by Phoenix, and shows why he should give up his "rap" career and stick to acting.
TxMike27 September 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Joaquin Phoenix makes or breaks this movie, its impact so depends on his performance. He is Leonard Kraditor, son of Jewish immigrants who run a dry cleaning business, and he lives with them. And naturally they hope their son becomes the heir to the business. But, as often happens with the younger, enlightened generation, Leonard isn't looking forward to that prospect.
But Leonard is a troubled man beyond his dry cleaning prospects. As the movie opens we see him jumping into the bay, with all his clothes on, to drown himself. But he backs out, surfaces, and passersby pull him out. Seems he had been engaged but circumstances caused the prospective bride to pull out, and it devastated him. He gets home and his mother asks, "leonard, why are you wet?" But he just goes about his business.
And those facts with the opening scene set the stage for everything else that follows in the movie. Leonard has some issues. He doesn't seem to know what honesty is. He makes up stories as benefits him at the moment, mostly to avoid a confrontation. At one point he is off to a business lunch meeting that his parents value as important, he gets distracted, follows a pretty girl, tells her he is headed to Manhattan also, rides the train then walks with her, and when he gets home makes up a story to cover himself. He seems to have no integrity nor respect for what others need.
Gwyneth Paltrow is Michelle, the pretty blond living in the unit next to his unit, and the one he follows to Manhattan. He is absolutely smitten with her, nothing else in the world matters to him. Even though she tells him "you don't want me, I am screwed up." Presently she is seeing a married man who is a wealthy attorney in the law office where she works.
The second "lover" the title refers to is Vinessa Shaw as Sandra Cohen. Her Jewish family is developing a partnership with Leonard's and both sets of parents function as match-makers, wanting Leonard and Sandra to marry. It would be good for them and good for the business relationship between the families, certainly the old world way of thinking.
To us, the audience, we see that Leonard should drop his attraction to Michelle and go with Sandra, she is pretty and sweet, and she obviously likes Leonard. But this movie is not about logic and wise choices, it is a study of a flawed character that seems unable to use logic and to make wise choices.
The whole cast is good, but Phoenix is superb in a difficult role to get right.
SPOILERS: Leonard finds himself in the position of having Sandra as a lover, and still holding out hope that he can win Michelle's affection. When it appears that she has convinced him she only thinks of him as a great friend, almost a brother, her married lover fails once again to leave his wife and family. So in grief she gives in to Leonard on the roof of their building. Both of them starry-eyed dreamers, Leonard convinces her they will both fly off to San Francisco and start a new life together. They will do it right away. Leonard gets tickets, buys an engagement ring, all the while telling is parents what they want to hear. He sneaks out of a party to leave and meet Michelle. But when she shows up, she tells him she is not going. Her married lover says he left his wife and they will be a couple. Devastated, Leonard walks the Brighton Beach boardwalk, throws the ring away in its box, contemplates his options. Finally he picks up the ring, goes back to the party, and proposes to Sandra, who is clueless about Leonard's inner conflicts. Leonard's mother smiles.
But Leonard is a troubled man beyond his dry cleaning prospects. As the movie opens we see him jumping into the bay, with all his clothes on, to drown himself. But he backs out, surfaces, and passersby pull him out. Seems he had been engaged but circumstances caused the prospective bride to pull out, and it devastated him. He gets home and his mother asks, "leonard, why are you wet?" But he just goes about his business.
And those facts with the opening scene set the stage for everything else that follows in the movie. Leonard has some issues. He doesn't seem to know what honesty is. He makes up stories as benefits him at the moment, mostly to avoid a confrontation. At one point he is off to a business lunch meeting that his parents value as important, he gets distracted, follows a pretty girl, tells her he is headed to Manhattan also, rides the train then walks with her, and when he gets home makes up a story to cover himself. He seems to have no integrity nor respect for what others need.
Gwyneth Paltrow is Michelle, the pretty blond living in the unit next to his unit, and the one he follows to Manhattan. He is absolutely smitten with her, nothing else in the world matters to him. Even though she tells him "you don't want me, I am screwed up." Presently she is seeing a married man who is a wealthy attorney in the law office where she works.
The second "lover" the title refers to is Vinessa Shaw as Sandra Cohen. Her Jewish family is developing a partnership with Leonard's and both sets of parents function as match-makers, wanting Leonard and Sandra to marry. It would be good for them and good for the business relationship between the families, certainly the old world way of thinking.
To us, the audience, we see that Leonard should drop his attraction to Michelle and go with Sandra, she is pretty and sweet, and she obviously likes Leonard. But this movie is not about logic and wise choices, it is a study of a flawed character that seems unable to use logic and to make wise choices.
The whole cast is good, but Phoenix is superb in a difficult role to get right.
SPOILERS: Leonard finds himself in the position of having Sandra as a lover, and still holding out hope that he can win Michelle's affection. When it appears that she has convinced him she only thinks of him as a great friend, almost a brother, her married lover fails once again to leave his wife and family. So in grief she gives in to Leonard on the roof of their building. Both of them starry-eyed dreamers, Leonard convinces her they will both fly off to San Francisco and start a new life together. They will do it right away. Leonard gets tickets, buys an engagement ring, all the while telling is parents what they want to hear. He sneaks out of a party to leave and meet Michelle. But when she shows up, she tells him she is not going. Her married lover says he left his wife and they will be a couple. Devastated, Leonard walks the Brighton Beach boardwalk, throws the ring away in its box, contemplates his options. Finally he picks up the ring, goes back to the party, and proposes to Sandra, who is clueless about Leonard's inner conflicts. Leonard's mother smiles.
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