Akito HirataReview - Two Lovers
May 22nd 2009 02:46
We are first introduced to Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) at a particularly low point in his life – an attempt at suicide by drowning. After having had second thoughts about killing himself, he struggles to the surface slightly embarrassed about having been witnessed jumping into the water. Snippets of conversations from onlookers and his parents start to build upon the flawed individual – he works in a drycleaners and this is not his first attempt at suicide.
Leonard was engaged to be married but after a positive test by both he and his fiancé for the gene that carries Tay-Sachs syndrome, her parents called off the wedding. Disappointed and struggling to come to terms with the end of the relationship, Leonard seeks treatment and moves back in with his parents (Moni Moshonov and Isabella Rossellini), assisting his father with deliveries in the family dry-cleaning business.
What is interesting about the relationship between Sandra and Leonard is the fact that they are actually well suited to one another. She is smart, beautiful and gets him despite his inability to relate to others.
The name Two Lovers is a little misleading as for the most part, Michelle and Leonard have only a platonic relationship, much to his annoyance. It is not until her world collapses that Michelle is willing to offer Leonard anything more than a friendship which is controlled by her neediness rather than affection.
The acting is superb particularly by Phoenix who captures both the simplicity and the complex nuances of Leonard’s awkwardness and uncertainty. Both Paltrow and Shaw are well balanced in their portrayal and the film manages to avoid the usual clichés found with many Jewish related storylines.
A compelling piece and if this really is the final acting role for Phoenix as he so claims, then what a way to go!
Voyage Review: 4/5
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