Two Lovers - A Film Review

I watched Two Lovers on a Saturday night on PBS. It ran as a double feature with Moonstruck, and both movies are similar in that they are about families in specific ethnic neighborhoods in Brooklyn (Moonstruck - Sicilian in Brooklyn Heights; Two Lovers - Russian-Jewish in Brighton Beach). It is a downbeat movie, about a guy named Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix) who suffers from depression and suicide attempts, and lives with his parents. They are trying to set him up for marriage with the daughter of their friends, Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), who is seemingly a "good girl" choice for him, but he is more interested in his neighbor Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is new to the neighborhood and has personal issues of her own regarding her drug problems and married boyfriend. 

Even though the movie is about damaged people, it doesn't feel depressing. I liked how the movie portrayed both female leads. Michelle has issues, but isn't a broken person, and is funny and sweet and nice. Sandra is smart and self-assured and likable. Leonard can be charming, and while he is socially awkward at times or talks too fast at once, doesn't come off as a weirdo because of his issues. I liked the setting of the movie, how it encapsulated the Brighton Beach community of Russian-Jewish people without making anyone into caricatures or playing them for laughs. The autumn setting was nice, and I felt at ease watching it.

 I am generally indifferent to Phoenix and Paltrow, though I think they are decent actors, but they both are very good in this film. And I've always liked Vinessa Shaw, even though she's not a hugely-famous actress. I initially know of her from Ladybugs and Hocus Pocus, but she's done well in various big movies in her career, like Eyes Wide Shut, The Hills Have Eyes remake, Puncture, and 3:10 to Yuma. She comes off as smart and strong in her roles, playing parts with quietness and realism, being more of a character actress than when she was the "hot girl" as a teen. It's just nice to see her continue to be successful in a modest way.