Its main similarity toFirst Classthen, is that I very much saw it as a film of two halves.
At least, in this case, the divide is integral.
Films likeThe Touristconstruct sexual chemistry between Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie by virtue of their beauty.
Depps beautiful, Jolies beautiful, ergo they should be together.
Knightley and Worthington are not so ridiculously beautiful together as that pairing.
As mentioned, however, we stick with Joanna for the most part of the divergent story.
With Joanna and her ex, its a different story.
Alex, played by Guillaume Canet, isFrench.
He knows shes married and committed to Michael, but he remains awfully forward with her.
Still, that facade eventually slips away, and we begin to see why he might appeal to her.
Her position is one in which Alex is trying to seduce her, not vice versa.
And in Michaels story arc, Laura is hardly a home-wrecker.
The women are made passive, and the men less reliable.
I actually struggle to think of a more full and frank portrayal of a relationship in recent mainstream cinema.
The cinematography is luscious and sensuous, and the sexual tension that pervades the entire film is palpable.
The only technical pitfall is in some uncomfortable editing in certain places.
Last Nights only major deficiency is in the balance required to pull off a relationship story like this one.
All of this said, neither is it any manner of appropriate date movie.
Instead, it feels quite autumnal, so Im sure it will eventually find an appreciative audience.
Rating:
3 out of 5
