After his engagement falls through, Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) juggles the affections of Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), his beautiful, self-destructive neighbor, and Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the attractive, sensible daughter of his father’s business associate. Writer-director James Gray’s beautifully nuanced romantic drama is set in Brooklyn and also stars Elias Koteas. The film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

I loved the location shots of New York City. I felt I was there in the fancy restaurant scene where they discussed the opera. I love the soundtrack of this movie. The acting here was flawless. There is a scene between Isabella Rossellini and Joaquin Phoenix as mother and son in a stairwell so well acted I was moved. They may be both nuts in real life but I forgive them after seeing their performance in this film.

Gwyneth Paltrow is a physically beautiful woman. She did show one breast in this movie and it was spectacular. Her mom is actress Blythe Danner who I think was pretty hot back in her day. I particularly remember her for playing Hawkeye’s girlfriend in M*A*S*H for one episode.

My only minor complaint is story. I am extremely familiar with the food chain and there is no way the Leonard and Michelle characters would have any type of relationship. This part is just not believable.

I was in a serious relationship for 5 years. Although it didn’t work out, the scene where the Sandra gave Leonard the gloves had me remembering the better times of a relationship (I still use the gloves she gave me 15 years ago). It made me smile.

I don’t think many women viewers would like the way this movie ended but do any of us really end up with the person we wanted to be with. I am not trying to be mean or disrespectful to anyone reading this. I am giving this one 3.9 stars. It was really well acted.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com