Two Lovers

Don't be fooled by the title. This film is heavy and depressing in its delivery and the two love affairs at the centre of this film are just as somber. But I think that is the point of TWO LOVERS. The film explores the baggage we have as humans; baggage and hang-ups from previous relationships and how we inevitably share those insecurities and histories with subsequent partners with doleful effect.

The film follows the story of Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) who is chronically depressed following the loss of his fiance' and has moved back home to be watched over by his concerned parents. For a middle aged man, this situation doesn't lift his spirits and he's soon chasing escape from his world by getting caught up in the unstable life of his new neighbour, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Meanwhile, a quiet, smart and nice girl is literally knocking at his door but this women offers him little escape that he is desperately searching for.

There was no profound moment of realisation in this film, nor any noteworthy climax. Great performances of seriously complicated characters but nonetheless it was a slow, dreary film overall offering little insight into 'real' relationships that we haven't seen already.

On a side note, this was to be Joaquin Phoenix's last film in his acting career, before pursuing a life as a hip hop artist. You may recall that famous David Letterman interview. Well since then, we now know that was all a hoax. Even so, this film was an interesting choice as his last hoorah.

Perhaps TWO LOVERS had great potential. But I believe a depressing film can still provide the audience with something, anything; perhaps new and fresh explorations into the complexities of relationships. This film just did not quite deliver that for me.

Comments and thoughts of your own are always welcome!! Perhaps I'm wrong. And perhaps it's depressing and disappointing because it's all too real?

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