As a huge fan of Frances McDormand, I went in seeing this movie with high expectations of her performance, and was not disappointed. As the record producer Jane, McDormand comes off as both worldywise and vulnerable. Jane's seeking shelter in the storm that is her life-she wants to connect with her son and future daughter-in-law, and she wants to find happiness in the arms of a much younger man, even though deep down she knows the relationship is all wrong. She's terrified of growing old, and has managed to combine single motherhood with a successful career. The always smoldering Christian Bale puts in a simmering sensual performance as her son-the-doctor Sam. Kate Beckinsale, as good as I have ever seen her since Cold Comfort Farm, is Alex, Sam's fiancé who decides to take a walk on the wild side while out in California. As a somewhat sheltered New Englander, she takes like a duck to water the laidback California lifestyle. The transformation is natural, and it does her character a world of good.
The chemistry between McDormand and Beckinsale is crackling throughout, and odd to say, there is more chemistry between these two actresses than there is between Beckinsale and Bale. When his character is sexually attracted to a fellow doctor (played by the ethereal Natasha McElhone) you almost find yourself rooting for the two of them to get together.
A friend recommended that I see this movie, and I am so glad she did-it is severely underrated, and an engaging character study.
The chemistry between McDormand and Beckinsale is crackling throughout, and odd to say, there is more chemistry between these two actresses than there is between Beckinsale and Bale. When his character is sexually attracted to a fellow doctor (played by the ethereal Natasha McElhone) you almost find yourself rooting for the two of them to get together.
A friend recommended that I see this movie, and I am so glad she did-it is severely underrated, and an engaging character study.