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Two Lovers
Rated R · 109 minutes · 2009
Drama, Romance
Drama, Romance
An homage to midcentury cinema’s love of New York, this standard story gains life from a refreshing jazz soundtrack and a weirdly engaging performance by Joaquin Phoenix. He plays Leonard Kraditor, a manic-depressive, artist-manqué who’s tried suicide unsuccessfully three times. He is asked by his parents to love the lovely Sandra Cohen (Vinessa Shaw) so as to facilitate a merger between two dry-cleaning establishments, but instead finds himself drawn to the shiksa charms of his blonde-ish neighbor, Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow). Of course, Michelle loves another, and etc. Then, 90 minutes later, you’re all, “Whoa.” Gorgeous cinematography reminiscent of James Wong Howe’s work adds to the charm, but the show mostly belongs to Phoenix and his surreal performance. It’s like watching, well, Joaquin Phoenix, only with a better script.
Something Old, Something New
'Two Lovers' is a great New York movie that feels both classic and contemporary »
Director: James Gray
Producer: Donna Gigliotti, James Gray, Anthony Katagas, Agnes Mentre, Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban and Marc Butan
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw, Isabella Rossellini, Elias Koteas and Moni Monoshov
Producer: Donna Gigliotti, James Gray, Anthony Katagas, Agnes Mentre, Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban and Marc Butan
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw, Isabella Rossellini, Elias Koteas and Moni Monoshov
What others are saying (3)
The Coast Halifax
Director James Gray in real time
James Gray’s new romantic drama Two Lovers harkens back to previous generations of emotionally realistic movies.
by Hillary Titley
04/30/2009
Director James Gray in real time
James Gray’s new romantic drama Two Lovers harkens back to previous generations of emotionally realistic movies.
by Hillary Titley
04/30/2009
Portland Mercury
He Raps!
Let's hope Joaquin Phoenix's rapping is more entertaining than Two
Lovers!
by Marjorie Skinner
03/05/2009
He Raps!
Let's hope Joaquin Phoenix's rapping is more entertaining than Two
Lovers!
by Marjorie Skinner
03/05/2009
The Coast Halifax
Movie Review: Two Lovers
Great script and performances (especially by Gwyneth Paltrow) make Two Lovers the best thing in local cinemas.
by Hillary Titley
04/30/2009
Movie Review: Two Lovers
Great script and performances (especially by Gwyneth Paltrow) make Two Lovers the best thing in local cinemas.
by Hillary Titley
04/30/2009
