Living Out Loud

Sometimes I feel I'm the only straight guy who liked this movie. I liked it a lot. I loved the writing, the acting, the music. And Holly Hunter's dance, under ecstasy, at the lesbian club is one of those film moments I took with me and stayed with me and if I play the soundtrack in my car - I relive the moment totally. Richard Le Gravenais the writer, director of this movie was the writer of "The Ref" and other movies I always keep kind of handy. I've played "Living Out Loud" after dinner for friends who had never seen it. I've done it three times and, each time, it was a hit with the gals and gay guys the others made fun of the movie and were subsequently thrown out of the room. Interesting, at least for me, to think that this movie has made me question myself. I wish it happened more often at the movies.

I loved this quirky, not run of the mill fairy tale of people trying to be run of the mill. There is an honesty and intensity that is disarming and moving. Though the resolution is a bit "Hollywood", the process is real and really funny.

Holly Hunter is a fearless actress who plays a dumped wife; not too mousy or too terrific. We hear the inner dialog so many take drugs to drown out. Coincidentally it has one of the best "drug perspective" scenes ever. She almost makes me want to drink again.

Danny Devito plays the love interest; yes this movie has guts! Though, thank God, the sex scene is not with him. Danny plays a born loser realizing he doesn't have to be.

Finally Queen Latifah (spelling?) is flawless as a bluesy torch singer! If you had told me I'd hear ANYONE sing an Ella Fitzgerald standard that was worthy, I would have called you crazy. She's got everything, including a voice and a presence on film I genuinely enjoy.

See this movie, even if your just a little neurotic and searching to laugh out loud at the ugly truth.

I saw this film years ago with my parents. I wasn't thrilled to be going to see a movie about a woman whose husband leaves her and she thus has to find herself.

But I was shocked when I saw the film and realized just how original it really is. There have been many films that have featured the same material as this film, however "Living Out Loud" is such an original take on a genre of film that has been overdone.

Queen Latifah made her mark in quality acting with this film. In my opinion, she deserved the Oscar nomination more for this film than she did for "Chicago". She brought life to the film, and her characters story is a movie in itself.

Even the cheesiest scene in the film is fun to watch. Holly Hunter begins to dance, while everyone dances in sequence to her behind her. However, this action fits in the film and with the character. For some reason it's beleiveable that she would actually do soemthing like this.

I really do think people should go out and rent this little seen movie. It's worth the money and time.

Holly Hunter, sexy and unafraid of a tight close-up at age 40, as the left-behind wife who reclaims at least parts of herself after divorcing her meathead cardiologist husband (Martin Donovan).

Danny DeVito as an also-divorced sweet soul, delivering a believably vulnerable love interest.

And Queen Latifah, injecting pure spunk and (rap-free)jazz vocals.

Rare, extended scenes, with two people just sitting and talking, thanks to Richard LaGravenese's script (with help from Anton Chekov's short stories).

And finally, an even rarer ending, where every character is NOT ushered off screen into a neatly-wrapped-happy-ending sunset.

Living Out Loud is a very complete film in its use of good telling, quirky casting and an dynamic use of music. Mr. LaGravenese has made a triumphant transition from screenwriter to director. Holly Hunter is brilliant in the role of Judith, one of the most emotionally complex woman that I've seen on the screen in ages. Hunter is a bundle of pent-up sexuality and rage that explodes as her safe upperclass NYC life begins to unravel. Danny Devito is a good actor who when given the right script becomes a great actor. He is perfect as the unlucky recently divorced elevator operator trying to catch a break. Queen Latifah is awesome. Her talent is natural and honest. She is the most interesting black female in film today(second only to Alfre Woodard or Angela Bassett). Martin Donovan is cinema's best kept secret. His talent is also very natural as can be seen in his other work(Insomnia, The Oppsite of Sex, etc). If you are looking for a film about 'self-discovery', this is the film for you.