Two Lovers
"The best American drama of the year." -Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter
Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) is a charismatic but troubled young man, who moves back into his childhood home following a recent heartbreak. While recovering under the watchful eye of his parents, Leonard meets two women in quick succession: Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), a mysterious and beautiful neighbor who is exotic and out of place in Leonard's staid world, and Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the lovely and caring daughter of a businessman who is buying out his family's dry-cleaning business. Leonard becomes deeply infatuated by Michelle, while mounting pressure from his family pushes him towards committing to Sandra. Leonard is forced to make a difficult decision between the impetuousness of desire, comfort of love, or risk retreating back into heartbreak.
Member Reviews
Fine performances, atmospheric, accomplished and intense. - moviemonger
The movie is a surprisingly well done film that received little attention, somewhat surprisingly given the media buzz given to its star at the time of its release. Two Lovers is about a love triangle, obviously, but it is not a cliché. Phoenix delivers his best performance since Walk the Line, and perhaps the best performance of his career. He is flawed but believable, awkward and yet likable, reserved and yet strangely charismatic. Leonard is the most complicated and gray character he's had to play, and he walks that fine line (no pun intended) of not giving the audience too much or too little. Paltrow and Shaw also turn in fine performances. Two Lovers is well written and well directed, with acting that creates synergy. The movie is by no means a fast-paced one, but there's something about it that keeps you coming back for more. It's disturbing and yet it's not, captivating and yet simple. Most importantly, it is a rich film that keeps you guessing as to its outcome. Two Lovers isn't for everyone, but for those who like raw, realistic drama, this one is right on key.Love story - cinecynic
Joaquin Phoenix did a fine job of portraying Leonard, a bit of a socially awkward man whose love life went south and left him licking his wounds back at his parents' place (with his over-involved mother and his boss-father). The film is slow because it's a simple story. We're just watching Leonard find his way while wooing a couple of women.
While his choices are typical--going for the more aloof, beguiling woman instead of the caring, steadfast one--watching him navigate his way through is engaging.
The love triangle is helped by good performances by Gwynneth Paltrow and Vinessa Shaw. For a slice-of-life realistic romantic story, this is your film.two thumbs up - svenny
Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job on this film. His character's personality was quite complex and I thought the subtleties really came through. It had far more depth than the typical romance film and his relationships with both women brought an interesting twist to the plot.
Member Reviews
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Fine performances, atmospheric, accomplished and intense. - moviemonger
The movie is a surprisingly well done film that received little attention, somewhat surprisingly given the media buzz given to its star at the time of its release. Two Lovers is about a love triangle, obviously, but it is not a cliché. Phoenix delivers his ...Love story - cinecynic
Joaquin Phoenix did a fine job of portraying Leonard, a bit of a socially awkward man whose love life went south and left him licking his wounds back at his parents' place (with his over-involved mother and his boss-father). The film is slow because it's a ...two thumbs up - svenny
Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job on this film. His character's personality was quite complex and I thought the subtleties really came through. It had far more depth than the typical romance film and his relationships with both women brought an interesting ...