Not as emotional brutal as many made it out to be, but nonetheless brutally true in its observation of the troubles and hang-ups that surround love and relationships.
Obituary writer and wanna-be novelist Dan (Jude Law, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW) helps stripper Alice (Natalie Portman, THE PROFESSIONAL) after she is struck by a car. After which, they start up a relationship. Then the film jumps forward, Dan is now taking photos for his book cover, which are being taken by freshly separated Anna (Julia Roberts, PRETTY WOMAN). Dan kisses Anna, who kisses him back, but she won’t see him because of Alice, who knows Dan is unfaithful. Later on, Anna meets dermatologist Larry (Clive Owen, I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M DEAD) in an embarrassing episode, which brings a very funny moment to this somber film.
The picture is an amazingly nuanced study of these complex characters who don’t really know what they want from love. Dan and Anna are weak and cowardly, which leads to unintentionally cruel behavior. Larry is the definition of a successful alpha male who worries more about the mechanics of sex than the emotional side. What makes him the ultimate cad is that he knows he is one, doesn’t care and can see others better than they can see themselves. Alice seems to be the most innocent in the bunch, however she is a lost soul as well, but may understand what she wants better than the other three combined despite being the youngest of the four.
The film is subtly crafty about its portrayal of the characters and how success, failure, competition, betrayal and revenge all play roles in their relationships. These may be extreme forms, but we can see a little of these characters in people we know – maybe even ourselves.
The performers are excellent. Law and Roberts are only overshadowed by Owen and Portman, because the later have the juicier roles. The film never pulls punches and ends in an unexpected and powerful way that rings true and says mountains about all four characters. It’s a powerful human drama that should not be missed.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
