Wes's Grade: B
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| John Lithgow and Alfred Molina |
The satisfying new drama "Love Is Strange" is a story of love that may look different than most of us. The rich story and lovely performances will draw you into the unassuming and simple film that I hope will be remembered come Oscar time. Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina), a same-sex couple from Manhattan, get married after 39 years together. George is a Catholic school music teacher, and when word of the marriage reaches the archdiocese, he is fired. Without his salary, the couple can no longer afford their New York apartment and are forced to ask their friends and family for shelter, resulting in their separation. Directed and written by Ira Sachs, the tender and warm "Love Is Strange" is about a gay couple but could really be about any of us who have encountered adversity in a relationship. The movie draws its real strength from the superb performances from Lithgow and Molina, who shine as the couple facing some challenges in their relationships, not to mention a strong supporting cast that includes Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei (very well-used here). Sachs uses NYC wisely as a supporting character too; the familiar sights and sounds of the city are integral to the story and essentially represent the many challenges that Ben and George face. I always knew from his previous work that Lithgow is an excellent actor, and he perfectly captures Ben's emotions, which makes it a mild surprise that Molina, best known as one of the "Spider-Man" villains, is so vivid in his portrait of a man who longs for so much more. The simple yet complex, well-drawn characters and emotions and the excellent performances make the bittersweet "Love Is Strange" a worthwhile experience. If you really enjoy independent films, put this one on your list to see, and I hope it's not forgotten come awards season.
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