Ultimateserge’s Block

Rating:

Directed by James Gray

Starring:

Release date(s): May 2008 (Cannes Film Festival)February 13, 2009 (limited)

Two Lovers is reportedly Joaquin Phoenix last acting gig, and he is only going to be a rapping in the future. People like Jennifer Hudson failed on American Idol but succeed in acting, I would hate to see Joaquin do it the other way around. Anyways…

Two Lovers is the story of Leonard Kraditor (played by Joaquin Phoenix) who prone to emotional problems has attempted suicide on countless occasions. Without any purpose in life, after breaking up with his fiancé, suicide seems like the ultimate solution to him. As a result he is under full time scrutiny of his parents who in any way possible wish to see what he is doing in his room.

After his final suicide attempt in a lake his father, Reuben (portrayedd by Moni Moshonov), asks him to meet with The Cohen’s. The Cohen’s are a potential business partner for the family, so it seems logical that Leonard is set up with the Sandra (portrayed by Vinessa Shaw)-the eldest daughter of Michael Cohen.

After explaining his past relationship with his Fiancé, Leonardo grasps Sandra’s love and empathy. Due to their growing relationship he is asked to photograph Sandra’s brother’s Bar Mitzvah. As their relationship grows, so does Michael Cohen’s expectations of Leonard. He offers him a job with the Family Corporation if he is willing to stay put and avoid doing foolish deeds.
Leonard though is simultaneously engaged in a second relationship. Michelle (Paltrow) is Leonard’s new neighbor in his apartment building hall. He is immediately attracted to her and spends time with her talking and eventually partying. He soon isn’t her neighbor but also her relationship counselor. Michelle, who is in relationship with a fellow member in her law firm who happens to be married, asks Leonard to join them at lunch and think if Ronald (her boyfriend played by Elias Koteas) will leave his family. Soon after, the romance between the two starts.

I somehow feel sorry for Leonard, for he is stuck in a loophole. He loves both girls, but he can’t decide which way to go. Just when the audience thinks they know what Leonard is going to do, he takes an opposite change in plans. Of all things, one has to respect Leonard in a particular kind of way. Obviously his heart is pounding from all these emotions he has to express to both individuals but not once does he doubt himself: He knows what he has to do and he does it without looking back.

There have been many romantic movies out lately that only dramatize what they wish “love” was like, but “Two Lovers” demonstrates what true love is. True love is what we all aim for but do we only find one true love.

I don’t think that there could have been a better film that Joaquin could have used as his farewell from acting. Unfortunately this movie was released way before the awards season so, it is somewhat difficult to predict its future. But I assume that Joaquin will be nominated (at least) for a Golden Globe for his exquisite portrayal of a half crazy yet sweet guy who is stuck between two impossible roads. The rest of the cast needs to be credited for being up to par for such an emotional movie: especially Gwyneth Paltrow and Isabella Rossellini whom demonstrate the complexity between wants and needs.

This movie reminds me of Vicky Christina Barcelona by Woody Allen which was released in 2008. The two films are similar for their unsatisfying result (in which compared Two Lovers is still more satisfying), amazingly difficult dilemmas and poignant portrayals. I think it is necessary to add that another element that makes Two Lovers special is the music and its setting. Set in Manhattan the film gives one a sense of gloom and despair that is evident throughout the film and gives light to the terrible decisions one gas to make in such a situation.
I feel the need to say that this film is not entirely satisfying, for whichever way he chooses there are still going to be people whom will argue that he necessarily did not make the right decision. This movie is not for those individuals who still condemn Brad Pitt for leaving Jennifer Aniston and pursuing Angelina Jolie. This movie is actually trying to make us comprehend that we are no longer in the era of the Salem witch trials which adultery was as evil as witchcraft.