TRIBECA FILM FEST 2014: LOVE IS STRANGE

BY LIZ WHITTEMORE

Relationships come and go. True love relationships are the rarest. Whether a friend, family, or romantic variety, the older you get the fewer they become. LOVE IS STRANGE, the new film by Ira Sachs, is a story of a newly married gay couple. But it’s not so simple. Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) have been together for almost 30 years. With the news of their nuptials, comes the dismissal of George from his teaching job at a Catholic school. Without his income, they are forced to sell their NYC apartment and ask family members to put them up… separately. Faced with the “What now,” Ben sleeps on a bunk bed beneath his reluctant great nephew, Joey (Charlie Tahan). Marisa Tomei and Darren Burrows play Ben’s niece and nephew, respectively, and Joey’s parents, Kate and Elliot. While George stays with their two younger neighbor friends (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez), gay cops from down the hall, who constantly have noisy parties until the wee hours of the morning, occupying his bed… the couch.

The two struggle to remain connected as they are torn apart from one another. Besides lovely performances from each and every actor in this film, we also get to see the dichotomy of the other relationships play out. Elliot and Kate’s relationship hinges on work schedules, parenting styles and the hint of an affair. Joey and his parents deal with the anxieties attributed to raising a teenager and questioning his sexuality. While everyone else is trying to figure things out, it is clear that the most stable relationship is between Ben and George. There is never a moment that this pair doesn’t feel genuine. Lithgow and Molina are tender with one another. They are an example of love and forgiveness.

Sachs does an amazing job with this multiple narrative style. The dialogue is never forced. Another stunning choice is the addition of the music. The predominantly heard Chopin pieces are an elegant underscore of each character. They are almost a character unto themselves. Love is Strange is an lovely story of two people in comfortable bliss. It is a story to be studied and saluted.

VERDICT: SEE IT

Directed By: Ira Sachs Written By: Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias Starring: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Darren Burrows, Charlie Tahan.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a love story for all ages and stages. It will touch you and perhaps make you reexamine your heart.

TRIBECA FILM FEST 2014: LOITERING WITH INTENT

BY LIZ WHITTEMORE

You reach a certain point in your life where you really start to look at your surroundings and think, “ Is this it?”. Whether that begins just after college or in your 40’s, everyone hits this wall at some point. It’s where we go from that moment that defines who we are.

In Adam Rapp’s new film, Loitering With Intent, two NYC actors and close friends decide to take their destinies into their own hands by telling a producer (Natasha Lyonne)that they have a script that everyone wants to get their hands on. This bold faced lie leads them to drive upstate and lock themselves in a family country home in which they have 10 days to write this non-existent film. Dominic (Michael Godere) and Raphael (Ivan Martin), with good intentions in tow, become distracted by a beautiful young gardener, Ava (Isabelle McNally), and Dominic’s sister, Gigi (Marisa Tomei). Both show up at the house, which was supposed to be quiet and empty. If that isn’t enough, Gigi’s PTSD layden boyfriend Wayne (Sam Rockwell) and his brother Devon (Brian Geraghty) also arrive unexpectedly, creating even more havoc. Contending with a looming deadline and drama from past interactions, the scene takes a humorous and emotional turn.

The script is written by Godere and Martin, so their first hand experience in the actual lives of these characters is quite palpable. In fact, all the actors, exception being Isabelle McNally, are friends in real life. This created real drama, heartfelt moments, and truth for the camera. The rapid fire dialogue was something that rings true to people that know each other on that kind of level. The arguments, lingering looks, confusion, and laughter never miss a beat. Tomei nails every moment perfectly. I am not ashamed to say she steals every scene she’s in. Rockwell is scary is the best way possible. His presence is overwhelming for each character he interacts with. Geraghty is effortlessly hilarious. McNally is a beautiful soul and I want to see more of her. Godere and Martin are two guys I want to have a beer with, and I don’t even like beer. If you know anything about being in the entertainment business in NYC, then you know this script is on point.

Loitering With Intent is about friendship. It is about finding out what’s really important to you as an individual. It is about the passion to create and move forward with your dreams.

VERDICT: MUST SEE

Directed By: Adam Rapp Written By: Michael Godere and Ivan Martin Starring: Michael Godere, Ivan Martin, Marisa Tomei, Sam Rockwell, Brian Geraghty, Isabelle McNally, Natasha Lyonne. For Tribeca Tickets and more info: TICKETS

BOTTOM LINE: Loitering With Intent will leave you thinking about your life in every way. Maybe you’ll change your life after seeing this movie. Maybe you’ll be grateful for the decisions you’ve made. Maybe you’ll create something. Either way, you’ll be happy you saw this film.