Synopsis: In Two Lovers, a man is torn between two women; the stable and predictable one his family approves of and his exciting, damaged and highly unattainable neighbor.
Release Date: February 6, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Romance, Drama
Film Review
Production
The choices we must make in relationships and our future is examined in Two Lovers. It is a story about doing what is expected of us, and what is safe, versus taking a chance and experiencing something you thought impossible. With excellent performances and a script that is straight out of your own head and family life, Two Lovers is a movie that will bring about emotion and conversation.
Acting
As the tormented young man Leonard, Joaquin Phoenix delivers a wonderfully touching performance. He is full of passion and eagerness to escape with the one he loves; only to find that what we want is not always a possibility. He is resigned to live a bittersweet life where he is safe and settled while his heart yearns for more. Watching his heart break on screen is incredibly moving just as watching him try to break free is even more dramatic.
Production Design
In a world where feelings are hidden or disregarded, it is only fitting that the surroundings are devoid of color and beauty. The city they inhabit in Two Lovers is dreary and cold. The only real color in the film is in Michelle’s blond locks and the green and blue colors of her apartment. It is evident that she is seen by Leonard as a light in his dark world, an alternative place that is alive and vibrant for even the pictures Leonard takes are always in black and white.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): James Gray
- Screenwriters: James Gray, Richard Menello
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix (Leonard Kraditor), Gwyneth Paltrow (Michelle Rausch), Vinessa Shaw (Sandra Cohen), Moni Moshonov (Reuben Kraditor), Isabella Rossellini (Ruth Kraditor)
- Other Crew: John Axelrad, Joaquin Baca-Asay
- Country Of Origin: USA
