WICKER PARK
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Matthew Lillard, Diane Kruger. Director: Paul McGuinan.
***
This is a movie that works in spite of itself. It was marketed as a Single White Female type thriller, but it's really more of a somber reflection on obsession. If the main characters had email, the movie would be over before it started, but the character study and emotional investment by the actors overcame the convoluted plot.
The movie goes back and forth in the timeline, cutting between present day and two years ago. Two years ago, Matt (Josh Hartnett) fell in love at first sight with Lisa (Diane Kruger), and he would follow her for a while before he had the courage to approach her. In the present, Matt is engaged to be married, but when he thinks he sees Lisa across a crowded room, he loses her, but he skips a business trip to try to track her down.
As we watch the two timelines, we're left wondering. Why did Lisa disappear on Matt the first time? When finally does find Lisa, it's a different woman. Have we entered Mulholland Drive territory?
Josh Hartnett, whom I can take or leave depending on the movie he's in (I took him in Black Hawk Down, I left him in Hollywood Homicide), brings a real sincerity to his character's inner struggle. Rose Byrne is also really good as the dark-haired Lisa. Matthew Lillard is effective as the wise-acre best-friend, showing subtleties the role of Shaggy would not permit. Diane Kruger, the blond Lisa, is about as forgettable as she was as Helen in Troy.
Once it was all over, I'd say a good 25% of the audience was laughing at the plot contrivances, but sometimes a movie can overcome obstacles as basic as its story. Rated PG-13 for sexual situations.
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Matthew Lillard, Diane Kruger. Director: Paul McGuinan.
***
This is a movie that works in spite of itself. It was marketed as a Single White Female type thriller, but it's really more of a somber reflection on obsession. If the main characters had email, the movie would be over before it started, but the character study and emotional investment by the actors overcame the convoluted plot.
The movie goes back and forth in the timeline, cutting between present day and two years ago. Two years ago, Matt (Josh Hartnett) fell in love at first sight with Lisa (Diane Kruger), and he would follow her for a while before he had the courage to approach her. In the present, Matt is engaged to be married, but when he thinks he sees Lisa across a crowded room, he loses her, but he skips a business trip to try to track her down.
As we watch the two timelines, we're left wondering. Why did Lisa disappear on Matt the first time? When finally does find Lisa, it's a different woman. Have we entered Mulholland Drive territory?
Josh Hartnett, whom I can take or leave depending on the movie he's in (I took him in Black Hawk Down, I left him in Hollywood Homicide), brings a real sincerity to his character's inner struggle. Rose Byrne is also really good as the dark-haired Lisa. Matthew Lillard is effective as the wise-acre best-friend, showing subtleties the role of Shaggy would not permit. Diane Kruger, the blond Lisa, is about as forgettable as she was as Helen in Troy.
Once it was all over, I'd say a good 25% of the audience was laughing at the plot contrivances, but sometimes a movie can overcome obstacles as basic as its story. Rated PG-13 for sexual situations.