Tracy Letts Debra Winger Aiden Gillen Melora Walters
Breaking up is hard to do, and it’s shown to be
so in spades for the couple in The Lovers. Michael and Mary’s marriage is clearly
on the rocks—and according to their son has been so for years. They’ve reached a state of
dispassionate regard for one another, neither seeming to realize that their
partner is also having an affair.
But even under these circumstances, there is a lot of dithering about
whether to go through with a separation or not. And thanks to good writing and directing by Azazel Jacobs,
suspense is sustained until the very end. Azazel’s story is an accurate
reflection of reality for many couples today, so the viewer has no trouble
getting into it and empathizing with all four actors. On top of this, the film is also funny; you chuckle
sometimes even when watching their misery along with their foibles.
Michael (Letts) appears to be a very unhappy
man, hating his job, and not showing much of an interest in his college-age
son, all of which shows up as lethargy, forgetfulness, and misspeaks. Mary (Winger) always seems preoccupied,
worried, and tense. Each one,
however, brightens up when they’re with their lovers, Michael with Lucy
(Walters) and Mary with Robert (Gillen).
Both lovers are putting a lot of pressure on the spouses to talk to each
other, but so much has been unspoken in their lives and there is enough of
their initial attraction to one another, that this becomes a real stumbling
block.
Tracy Letts shows the range of his acting
skills in the character of Michael.
I don’t remember his playing someone quite as bumbling and inarticulate in
his other roles, which are usually very authoritative (e.g., The Big Short and Indignation). Here, he
is able to look completely at sea.
Debra Winger captures her role as well, showing all the nuances of her
emotions on her face. Their
chemistry as actors in all kinds of emotional states is readily apparent. In their supporting roles, Gillen and
Walters help enhance the whole production.
I was puzzled about the costume designs of
Diaz, which seem downright ugly at times.
For instance, some of Mary’s work outfits clash and don’t appear to
reflect her position at all. Even
the young couple visiting Michael and Mary are really toned down.
This film will likely be of interest primarily
to those who have experienced divorce and/or a troubling marriage. It illustrates so well the importance
of communication among people who live together in a family, including the
children.
An honest (including humorous) portrait
of contemporary marriage.
No comments:
Post a Comment