Two Lovers (Tuesday, July 21, 2009) (97)

This film tells the story of a guy (Joaquin Phoenix) who lives in his parents' house in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Around the time he is introduced to the daughter of his father's business partner (Vinessa Shaw) he also meets a pretty neighbor (Gwyneth Paltrow). He is more interested in the blond neighbor as she is slightly sexier and not connected to his domineering parents, however she is in a relationship with a married guy. So he strikes up a relationship with the daughter of the partner as a diversion while he pines for the neighbor.

Going into this, I wasn't sure what exactly to expect. I knew it was based on a Dostoevsky story (whatever that means) and that the writer/director, James Gray, had made two interesting films (both of which I thought were not entirely successful for different reasons - but very interesting, at any rate). I also knew, of course, that Joaquin absolutely lost his shit during the promotion of the film this past winter - and ultimately he 'retired' from acting.

Despite all this craziness, this is a good solid movie with a compelling story and a very interesting style. Gray, true to his name, seems to shoot a lot in the dusky hours just before sunrise or just after sunset. This atmosphere gives the picture (all his pictures, really) a blue-grayish atmosphere that's not entirely New York as we know it, but also not entirely foreign either. His color palate is limited - unlike the reality of the bright city around the characters - but it's effective in setting a dreamy and yet claustrophobic tone.

The acting is very good - from top to bottom. I frequently have trouble with Paltrow's acting, but she's very convincing here as a woman rather unaware of her beauty and naive to the ways of powerful men in the city. Joaquin is frustrating in his stuttering stubbornness and two-timing, and comes off well as a troubled and confused man who is merely looking for a break to go his way. Shaw and Isabella Rossellini (Joaquin's mom) are both great in supporting roles.

This film gives an honest and true-feeling look at a rather painful dilemma and feels very classic in its plot (after watching, the fact that it's based on Dostoevsky is very apparent). This is easily Gray's best film to date - and his progression from 'The Yards' to 'We Own the Night' to this is very nice and clearly moving upwards.

I like this film. I think it's effective and subtle and smart and sweet and clean and modest.

Stars: 3 of 4