Love Letters

I work at home with the TV on. I usually just listen to whatever movie is playing but when this movie started, I tried to work at first glancing once in a while on the screen. But as the movie wore on, I just had to stop work and just sit in front of the TV so as not to miss anything. By the end if it I was shedding tears. I found this to be a truly moving movie and I can't wait to see it again. Steve Weber and Laura Linney put in tremendously subtle yet passionate performances that I've put them in my mental list of actors/actresses to watch from now on.

This is a charming film. Rather than attempting to dazzle its audience with special effects, Love Letters chooses to delve into the intricate relationship between two life-long friends and lovers (Andy and Melissa). At the same time, the script allows for an analysis of interpersonal relationships. How do our parents shape us? What part do our circumstances ultimately play in how our lives proceed? How much should one sacrifice for love? And how strong can love be?

Stanley Donen did a beautiful job of making a movie that never leaves one room span an entire world of emotions. Although there are flashbacks into different parts of the characters' lives, the true action of the movie never leaves Andy's home library. Donen peppers his set with details that are revealed throughout the course of the film. Indeed, a library seems the only possible setting once one realizes the importance of words in this film. Witty and heart-wrenching, Love Letters is a fabulous text that has been well-rendered on the small screen.

On a less critical note, I adored this movie. Now I'm in search of a copy of the play. I'd like to compare how the screenplay differed from the original play.

If you have seen the live stage play, the movie version has no resemblance to it whatsoever in terms of overall concept, other than the basic plot. The stage play, or reading might be a better description, forces the audience to listen, and use their imagination. It is a unique and fascinating production. If you liked the movie, there is no guarantee that the stage version would be your cup of tea.

I saw this movie as a morning feature on private cable, and to inform myself I read the comments on IMDB, which do not serve the movie well. True, it is a bit quirky at times, which one can obviously trace back to it being made for cable, but all in all it was damn capturing and very innovative. The way the whole love- and life story of the two very different characters unfolds in the single room of a private office, is quite unusual and striking at times. Laura Linney, one of the best and most subtle actresses working at the moment, portrays all the guilt and shame and anger of a life gone awry, of pain drenched in alcohol, while Steven Weber, a little pale next to her boosting energy, does quite well in showing a man who has to keep his life in control, even though his heart cries out for his life-long best friend and the love of his life. I mean, this really is not a waste of time! And its not like watching a play on TV, its like watching a relationship, unfolding in all its little twists and turns and complications, changing and dwindling in time. Absolutely recommendable.

This movie was very well done. The history of the life long affair and correspondence of Melissa and Andrew was involved and captured my attention from the start. The movie reminded me of the power of words in a relationship. It brought tears to my eyes by the end of movie. It was wonderful and I hope that it is released on video for purchase, as I forgot to start my VCR.