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Enough Said follows Eva, a middle-aged divorced masseuse that begins a relationship with Albert (James Gandolfini), without realizing that he is the ex-husband of her new client and friend, Marianne (Catherine Keener). The thing is that Marianne has already shared some significant "inside scoops" on her ex-husband, i.e. Albert, unbeknownst to both, which Eva sees as an opportunity to find out more about his boyfriend and "protect" herself.
Eva's decision is an example of how past mistakes tend to haunt us; sometimes even paralyze us, especially regarding relationships. The constant dread of stumbling upon the same pains and struggles is enough to even make us do some crazy, unthinkable stuff, all because we don't want to suffer again.
Director and writer Nicole Holofcener does a great job of presenting both perspectives on the script, but her point of view stays on Eva most of the time, which also puts us – the audience – in the same awkward situation. But as good of a script this is, the strength lies on the performances from Dreyfous and Gandolfini. Their relationship and interactions feel so real and honest, that you can't help but root for them.
I've never seen The Sopranos (I know, I know) or Veep, and I've only seen random episodes of Seinfeld, but I've always been a fan of Gandolfini. He has such a laid-back and unassuming presence that suits this character perfectly. Meanwhile, Dreyfous succeeds in transmitting that combination of strength and vulnerability, with a bit of awkwardness that's so endearing. The cast is rounded out by Keener, who is very good at giving depth to a character that could've easily been antagonistic.
My main complaint is that the relationship between Eva and her daughter Ellen feels underserved, and the subplot with Ellen's friend serving as a surrogate daughter to Eva felt a bit forced. But it's a small blip in an otherwise delightful watch. This is the kind of film that Hollywood desperately needs to make more often. They should learn from the film and not live in fear of making a mistake. Much like Eva and Albert, they might be surprised.
Grade:
ENOUGH SAID
(2013, Holofcener)
A romantic film
-- recommended by Sylvie --
(2013, Holofcener)
A romantic film
-- recommended by Sylvie --
"You can’t live in fear of making a mistake."
Enough Said follows Eva, a middle-aged divorced masseuse that begins a relationship with Albert (James Gandolfini), without realizing that he is the ex-husband of her new client and friend, Marianne (Catherine Keener). The thing is that Marianne has already shared some significant "inside scoops" on her ex-husband, i.e. Albert, unbeknownst to both, which Eva sees as an opportunity to find out more about his boyfriend and "protect" herself.
Eva's decision is an example of how past mistakes tend to haunt us; sometimes even paralyze us, especially regarding relationships. The constant dread of stumbling upon the same pains and struggles is enough to even make us do some crazy, unthinkable stuff, all because we don't want to suffer again.
Director and writer Nicole Holofcener does a great job of presenting both perspectives on the script, but her point of view stays on Eva most of the time, which also puts us – the audience – in the same awkward situation. But as good of a script this is, the strength lies on the performances from Dreyfous and Gandolfini. Their relationship and interactions feel so real and honest, that you can't help but root for them.
I've never seen The Sopranos (I know, I know) or Veep, and I've only seen random episodes of Seinfeld, but I've always been a fan of Gandolfini. He has such a laid-back and unassuming presence that suits this character perfectly. Meanwhile, Dreyfous succeeds in transmitting that combination of strength and vulnerability, with a bit of awkwardness that's so endearing. The cast is rounded out by Keener, who is very good at giving depth to a character that could've easily been antagonistic.
My main complaint is that the relationship between Eva and her daughter Ellen feels underserved, and the subplot with Ellen's friend serving as a surrogate daughter to Eva felt a bit forced. But it's a small blip in an otherwise delightful watch. This is the kind of film that Hollywood desperately needs to make more often. They should learn from the film and not live in fear of making a mistake. Much like Eva and Albert, they might be surprised.
Grade: