Confusions of an Unmarried Couple

As a guy who has been in a committed relationship for about two years now, I find myself, like many people out there I am sure, seeking out films and articles or even songs that I can relate to with my own little struggles. The good times, the hard times, the lovey-dovey times. Confusions of An Unmarried Couple displays a pair of people about as far away from my personal relationship as possible - but it is one of those films where you don't have to be either character 100%; you just have to see enough of yourself in them, or in your partner, or in your friends to really understand and feel where the film is coming from. It is an abrupt, to the point, no-nonsense take on one couple and their dealing with an awkward situation where one member was caught cheating on the other. As you can imagine, intense drama is to follow and it most certainly does; but not without hints of comedy here and there. Actually, there are a bit more than just hints scattered throughout. Confusions is actually borderline hilarious. Two people who spend the entire film trying to figure the other person out, their motives and why they did what they did doesn't sound like a laugh riot - but the Butler brothers, the duo responsible for the film, balance it out and deliver one hell of an offbeat comedy. Delivering a film with flashes of Wes Anderson, Woody Allen and even Richard Linklater; showing once again that a film can be about the simple drama between two people and still carry as much life to it as any film with a vast cast of characters. The thing that surprises though is how the film doesn't take itself serious, and yet gives us characters who very much do - and throws them together to combat one another for basically the audience's amusement. I love you, I hate you and I'm going to yell at you until I love you.

I wouldn't go about calling Confusions a "quaint" film, but there's something very likable about it and even likable about these characters who ultimately have done horrible things to one another for reasons they aren't even very sure of. Who still, even after months apart, find themselves battling each other simply because they can't let one another go. I am a big fan of high drama split between a small cast of characters, and have always been interested in cinema that felt like it could be taking place right up on a stage in any theater in the world - and that drew me into Confusions of an Unmarried Couple from the start, even when just reading up on it. I have always loved films like The Odd Couple or The Apartment, where the characters were the main focus of the film and the performances were the most important feature. Confusions takes up this cause, and delivers a film that would probably make a spectacular stage play - but one would have to change out all the little intricacies that make this such a "movie". The actually story based segments of the film, where we watch our young couple battle back and forth, is juxtaposed between videotapes of themselves giving interview confusions of just why the relationship failed and why what happened did indeed happen. It isn't explained who is giving the interviews, who is behind the camera or for what reasons; but that isn't really the important part. This is the way the filmmakers truly let us into the world of these characters and our way of better understanding them. Being that the two of them are so confused about one another, and people plan things a lot better than they actually are able to say them aloud - we the audience are left to decipher just what is what in this complex and crazy world of relationships gone sour.

Overall, I found myself a big fan of the film and I think the Butler brothers have the opportunity to become either very large and respected figureheads in the independent community or important filmmakers who lay on the outskirts of independence and the Hollywood community. Much like Linklater, Anderson or the Coens. That seems all up to them, as with original ideas and presentation are in short supply in this day and age - and I see great things coming from these guys. I personally can't wait to see more from them.

Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a poignant relationship comedy that sees the Butler Brothers further developing their own unique voice. Self-deprecating slob Dan (Brett Butler) leaves his girlfriend Lisa (Naomi Johnson) after he catches her in bed with another woman—just days after she accepts his marriage proposal. His clumsy attempts at reconciliation—-interspersed with the couple's revealing video diaries-—are more subtle than the sometimes sophomoric Kevin Smith-styled antics of their earlier film, ultimately revealing Confusions as a more emotionally sophisticated film. But Confusions still manages to maintain a raw edge through the Brothers' use of clever, sexually frank dialogue. Technically, it's an improvement over their earlier efforts as well, with tighter editing, considered cinematography, and more believable acting. Equal parts Woody Allen and the Hanson Brothers, Dan's private thoughts and self-delusions provide most of the film's spot-on humour, and though the results aren't laugh-out-loud funny, Confusions is still a cut above most indie relationship comedies, and deserves to be seen by a wide audience.

The Butler Brothers have once again produced a very well-made and highly enjoyable film. Having seen their first two films (Alive and Lubricated, and Bums) I was eager to get my hands on Confusions of an Unmarried Couple, and it certainly met the high expectations I've set for these talented filmmakers. Confusions is a very entertaining, very smart and undoubtedly very funny film. The dialogue between Dan (Brett Butler) and Lisa (Naomi Johnson) is incredibly well written and executed. The process of learning both sides of their story contributes to the development of an engaging, and amusing story, which oftentimes switches from very poignant moments to downright hilarious moments. I purchased this film in Toronto, and have since brought it out West to Vancouver, where I know I'm doing a great service to my friends by introducing them to the genius works of the Butler Brothers. Unsurprisingly, everyone has loved this film so far! One of my favourites!

This is great film! I had rented two movies on the weekend and Confusions was the better of the two because it's different. Dan and his intelligent humour. Lisa with her witty comebacks. I didn't know who's side to take! LOL. It's filmed in such a way that it works. I can't imagine it being filmed differently. It all goes together and made it so I felt I was a fly on the wall of Lisa's apartment. The last time I experience this was Last Tango In Paris. It's raw. It's realistic and it's definitely a movie I recommend.

Check it out!

The latest Butler Bros. Brew, Confusions of an Unmarried Couple is a treat likened to finding the last brewsky in the ice chest, or enough roaches in the ashtray to make one last doob. A woman who doesn't know what she wants, a man who knows what he wants but can't have it, two ingenious brothers from Toronto who know exactly what they want, what we want, and how to pass it to us without a bogey. Brett and Jason lead us into a searing and hysterical foray through the functions of a dysfunctional couple who are on the precipice of either marriage or disaster (is there a difference?), blending a unique twist on breaking up into a mash of self-discovery and self-absorbency.

Lisa and Dan were a happy couple experiencing the life of love and laughter until Dan proposed. Lisa was so happy that she had to share the news with her old friend Jill who just happened to call. As often does, excitement of the heart led to excitement of the body and Jill happened to be available. Dan came home to what could have been a manly fantasy, but disturbed him beyond reason. Several months of video rehab with his brother, a few pranks and a lot of beer later, Dan confronts Lisa, and the match is on. The interaction of the couple is reflective of the post breakup meet ups of scores of people through the years, the dysfunction undeniably real. Dan's brother provides "documentary" evidence of the meeting along with flashbacks and running commentary by each party.

Working without a Hollywood budget means working because you love the work. That sensibility is evident in each Butler Brew, and 'Confusions of an Unmarried Couple' is no exception. Yes, there is profanity. Deal with it. The reality of relationships is that emotions get going and grammar is gone. The reality on steroids is what makes the film such a fun jaunt. Dan (Brett Butler), torn between his love for Lisa (Naomi Johnson) and his moral stance that cheating is cheating despite male fantasy, is portrayed believably and with true emotion; the keyword here being believably. Sure we could have had Vince Vaughn do the dialogue in a typical west coast format, but then we would lose the essence and have an entirely different movie.

I have heard the arguments that "this is a story about messed up relationships is old territory covered many, many times", and I have to ask myself the question, "Is there anything TRULY new coming out of Hollywood?" No. Formulas work and have for 90 years. Again, deal with it.

For anyone seeking a good laugh at a painful subject which nearly all of us have experienced at one time or another, 'Confusions' is a smart, witty ride that will leave you grateful that the indie isn't dead.

Pass me a cold one, and kill the lights.