Two L.vers Worth Seeing
So do you take the chance to see Joaquin Phoenix for the last time on the big screen, now that he's quit Hollywood? Yes. After all you get Gwyneth Paltrow thrown in too!
Phoenix plays Leonard, a depressed, almost recluse, 30-something who, after splitting from his fiancée, moves back into his parents' apartment block. With talk of self harm and suicide, you soon realise he is emotionally scarred from the break up. His parents are relieved to have him home, and hope to induct him into the family dry cleaning business.
Leonard is introduced to Sandra, the daughter of his father’s business partner, who takes a liking to Leonard for reasons more maternal than passionate. Meanwhile, Leonard begins to lust after neighbour Michelle (Paltrow), who offers a different kind of relationship than Sandra. Unable to choose between them, the triangle begins.
I appreciate, nay, applaud the film for its simplicity in portraying our failings when it comes to love, and why we choose risk over stability every time. It seems crazy that Michelle chooses to have an affair with a married man rather than opt for Leonard, and silly that the married man jeopardises an idyllic life of house, wife, kids to be with Michelle. And odd to see why Sandra chooses to pine for Leonard when he is still clearly in pain from his last relationship.
The credit for the explanation goes to the director and writer who display why, in theory, we all make the correct choice because no one gets hurt. And on screen, Leonard chooses risk over stability, choosing pain and hurt over the chance of being content.
Ultimately I expected a tragic end to the film of almost Shakespearean proportions, but it seems said director thought, "We have proved our point, we need not display more pain".
Excellent.
Leonard is introduced to Sandra, the daughter of his father’s business partner, who takes a liking to Leonard for reasons more maternal than passionate. Meanwhile, Leonard begins to lust after neighbour Michelle (Paltrow), who offers a different kind of relationship than Sandra. Unable to choose between them, the triangle begins.
I appreciate, nay, applaud the film for its simplicity in portraying our failings when it comes to love, and why we choose risk over stability every time. It seems crazy that Michelle chooses to have an affair with a married man rather than opt for Leonard, and silly that the married man jeopardises an idyllic life of house, wife, kids to be with Michelle. And odd to see why Sandra chooses to pine for Leonard when he is still clearly in pain from his last relationship.
The credit for the explanation goes to the director and writer who display why, in theory, we all make the correct choice because no one gets hurt. And on screen, Leonard chooses risk over stability, choosing pain and hurt over the chance of being content.
Ultimately I expected a tragic end to the film of almost Shakespearean proportions, but it seems said director thought, "We have proved our point, we need not display more pain".
Excellent.
Here Is The Writer : Omer Bhatti
Omer Bhatti, Head Sales Trader of WorldSpreads and markets commentator during the week, is always happy to go to a cushy cinema and devour films on the weekend. No film is ruled out, be it French film noir, Hollywood CGI action, or Japanese Manga. Look to Omer for input on where to go and what to see, whether it’s for a first date, family outing, Sunday recovery session, or guy's - or girl's - night out. (Just don't make him watch Sex & the City again.)
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