Wanna see the film that Joaquin Phoenix will “bye!good’ing” and kissing us off with? Apparently, at least if he sticks to his word, Phoenix’s last film will the romantic drama, “Two Lovers” which co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow and is directed by James Gray, the man who directed the actor-turned rock star in “The Yards” and “We Own the Night” (that’s three Phoenix/Gray films in a row, they must heart each other). The synopsis:
“Two Lovers” is a romantic drama set in New York City. It tells the story of Leonard (Phoenix), an attractive but depressed young man who moves back in with his parents following a recent heartbreak. An aspiring photographer, Leonard works part-time at his father’s dry-cleaners. His concerned parents try to set him up with Sandra (Paltrow), the sweet and caring daughter of a close family friend. A big family dinner serves as their introduction and Leonard arranges to see her again.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the “Two Lovers” is coming out February 13, a distinctly non-Oscar season time, despite the film being accepted to the prestigious Cannes film festival earlier this year in May. Someone will say, “hey, that was done on purpose for Valentine’s day!,” but that person will be talking out their ass and trying to save face.
I never got around to writing a real review of this film, but I saw it at AFF a couple weeks ago. Here are some incomplete thoughts:
The film draws heavily off "Le Notti Bianche" which is an adaptation of Dostoyevsky's short story "White Nights". Gray admitted both of these facts in his Q&A.
Two Lovers is a pretty watchable film. The tone is very understated and humanistic, but as the film veers towards it's climax there are absolutely zero fireworks.
Phoenix is okay, although I couldn't help but think he was just channeling Brando in "On The Waterfront" the entire film. Paltrow is just okay, as well.
James Gray was kind of a toolbox during the Q&A and seemed very full of himself. It seemed like he made this film to prove something about is place in cinema (see endlessly bringing up Italian Neo-realist filmmakers names).
But with all that said, Two Lovers is better than most of the crap coming out these days. It was refreshing to see a very calm, quiet film about love, albeit not a very great film about love.
I recommend seeing "A Quiet Little Marriage" when it comes to New York instead.
Interesting. I’m a big film of “La Nottie Bianhe” (i’m kind of a Mastroianni nut). I didn’t know that, i should have in this post. Maybe i’ll update and no one will notice.
Phoenix is such a toolbox, but he can deliver a good performance when he wants to.
Hi,
Can anyone tell me who composed the music we hear at the beginning of the trailer for 2 lovers?
And more importantly, is there any talk of a soundtrack release? Thanks!
The music used in the trailer is “Lujon” by Henry Mancini. A song that I love but haven’t heard for years!
I really loved all the music during the movie. I looked up for a cd but there is no (at least in France).
Does someone know all the titles and artists of the soundtracks used during the movie??
Does anyone know the name of the club song in the Two Lovers trailer, it comes on when (we see the Radio City sign) gweneth says “I’m gonna go dancing with some frinds of mine” and ends with her crying. “He says he’s gonna stay with his wife”
The club song I’m looking for on the INTERNATIONAL trailer happens on Joaquin’s line “Who’s gonna rock the party tonight!” (He’s in the limo) it also ends with gweneth crying.
‘I Love To Move In Here’ by Moby – Taken from the album ‘Last Night’
Does anyone know the opera selection used at the end of the trailer?
please, which is the opera played during the end titles of Two Lovers?
The opera is Donizetti – Una furtiva Lacrima
The song at the end isnt Una furtiva Lagrima, or if it is, its definitely in a different key or something because they dont sound at all alike.
I have been scouring the internet to try to find out who did the music during the scene where Paltrow is getting ready to go dancing and then Phoenix gets her attn by flashing his camera at her. I think it's like 25 min. into the film. It actually begins playing earlier on in this scene but you hear it mostly during this time they're talking out thru their windows at each other. It sounds like Miles Davis, similar to his last album before he died. I thought it was a dark & sexy sound. You hear a trumpet like Miles, a snare drum and I think an acoustic bass. Very simple arrangement but haunting, moody. Can't find any credits for music anywhere that matches any of this music. I REALLY would like to hear more music like this, not to mention more of this piece. Can anyone help? I'd REALLY appreciate knowing who did this bit!
Who plays the guitar piece in the end of the movie where they sit on couch and he ask her to marry him? Would appretiate it alot. Thanks