‘Two Lovers’ endearing and thoughtful

Director: James Gray

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, Vinessa Shaw, Isabella Rossellini

If, as he has indicated, this is Phoenix’s last movie before he becomes a slightly weird rap singer and even weirder talk show guest, he’s certainly going out with a bang in this neatly-observed romantic drama set in New York.

He plays the disappointed-in-love Leonard who returns to live with his parents and to work as a part-timer in the family’s photography business.

He’s a mixed up bloke who knows that what life is throwing his way isn’t what he expected and Phoenix plays the role to perfection in what is a strong, character-driven film.

His parents try to set him up with Sandra (Shaw) the cute daughter of their best friends but when he spots the newly-arrived neighbour Michelle (Paltrow) through her apartment window the sudden choices he is given prove unsettling.

It’s a delightful, and thoughtful, film about the human condition and the paths we take or are directed along by fate and Phoenix, Paltrow and the beautiful Shaw bring us an endearing threesome.

Star Rating: 5/5