Two Lovers is the story of an ordinary guy. Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) is coming off a bout of suicidal depression—“Nah, Mom, I fell into the bay on accident…” He’s moved back in with his parents and started working at the family dry cleaning business. His parents are anxious to have him happy again, and so introduce Leonard to the daughter of a business partner (Vinessa Shaw). She’s beautiful and eager for Leonard’s affection. Unfortunately, the new tenant in the building (Gwyneth Paltrow) is lovely, worldly, and sophisticated—and interested in Leonard’s friendship. The story develops as Leonard’s parents encourage him to commit to Sandra, but Leonard becomes totally infatuated with Michelle.
The thing I was really impressed with in this film was the ordinary-ness of it all. Joaquin Phoenix was so convincing as the guy-next-door—you know, the goofy, kind of funny one who takes his medication every day. All the actors did well. You almost feel like you’re watching an expensively-shot documentary. Director James Gray certainly achieved his focus on the characters’ emotions. While I don’t think it’s one of the best films of 2009, I do think it shows Phoenix to be a remarkable character actor.
Two Lovers is the kind of film that seems to drag a bit, but it’s necessary to develop the characters. Keep watching—the ending has a nice twist that raises some interesting philosophical questions about love and marriage.
Reviewed by Adrin Fisher
