Two Lovers

Rating : 3/10
Release Date : Nov ‘08
Time : 110 minutes
Director & Co-Writer : James Gray; Co-Writer : Ric Menello;
Starring : Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw
This is one of the films I didn’t get. Sure, there was a good performance by Joaquin Phoenix (worthy of an Oscar nomination ? Not really, I think that’s more reflective of a bare cupboard), decent one by the two women, who also happen to be the lovers.


That, in short, is what the film is about. A guy, who is a little weird / lives with his parents, and suddenly has to choose between two women. One, who’s kind of arranged, daughter of a family friend. And the other, a neighbour, also a little weird, a bit self centered, in love with someone else but not sure, seeking advice and comfort from our guy.

And finally, our guy decides. Its slowish, mildly interesting at best, but never really grabs you and makes you feel for any of the characters. The one scene, though, that was really enjoyable was when Gwyneth asks Joaquin to join her & her friends for a party. Watching this nerdy, geeky, weird guy transform in the cab and on the dance floor was good fun.

I think the key issue here was lack of involvement. None of the characters were truly that nice or interesting enough to make me care. And without that, this was just another ship that passed me by at night…