This is reportedly Joaquin Phoenix’ last movie, as he enters a new and buzzworthy hip hop and self immolation phase. If so, it’s a loss to cinema, as he proves in James Gray’s intimate new love story. His beautifully nuanced performance is subtle, powerful and heartbreaking. The prospect of him walking away is a sad one as he clearly has the talent for a long and productive acting career.
Phoenix plays Leonard, a dry cleaning clerk who suffers from bipolar disorder. He lives with his worried parents (Isabella Rosselini and Moni Moshinov) in a claustrophobic flat that you know smells of wonderful Eastern European cooking.
They keep a close eye on him, listening at his door and hovering, in a genuine effort not to suffocate but to rescue him. Each time he leaves the house, the worry begins all over again that he will succeed in killing himself. Their support is total; they never give in to self pity or blame.
But their loving solicitation isn't working. We meet Leonard as he attempts suicide by throwing himself off a Brighton Beach pier. He is saved by onlookers who are baffled, then angry and hostile when he doesn’t seem grateful.
Leonard’s family has arranged for him to meet the daughter (Vinessa Shaw) of a man buying their dry cleaning business. He tolerates and privately welcomes their efforts, driven in part by his desire to please them. Marrying Sandra will seal his future in the dry cleaning company.
But a girl named Michelle, who lives upstairs (Gwyneth Paltrow) appears out of the blue and captivates him. It's clear from the outset that she has troubles. Leonard is, painfully indecisive and enters into relationships with both of them, playing the odds.
Phoenix work is deft, real and intelligent, as a sad man looking for happiness, who loves his family but hates himself. Rosselini’s performance is riveting, and while she doesn’t have a lot to say, lays motherhood bare with a movement, a set of the chin and light from the eyes. Paltrow’s to be commended for making a flawed character intriguing and accessible, if not necessarily likeable.
Gray’s story seems simple, but its emotional journey is anything but. It is unpredictable, like real world relationships. The ending leaves something to be desired but seems in keeping with Leonard’s character so it’s all good. The brilliant script and direction makes the tough subject matter palatable; the emotions aren’t sideshow stuff, but are handled with tremendous respect.
Gray’s films are terrific, if not particularly cheerful. “Little Odessa”, “The Yards” and “We Own the Night” are highly personal views of life in the outskirts where there’s not much money but there is love and loyalty. “Two Lovers” is a powerful addition to the collection.
Written and Directed by James Gray 
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