Love, Ludlow

First time screenwriter David Patterson adapted his own play 'Finger Painting in a Murphy Bed' for the film LOVE, LUDLOW making the onus of the success of the film rest heavily on his shoulders. Fortunately the producers found first-time director Adrienne J. Weiss who has capably transformed a delicate triangle into a solid little comedy. If polish is lacking in the final product it can easily be forgiven by the fact that this is a new venture.

A three character story, each of the three people we get to know is borderline functional in their approach to life and the world at large. Myra (Alicia Goranson) is a hard working office temp but is socially crippled by the fact that she is the caretaker for her bipolar brother Ludlow (Brendan Sexton III) who is confined to their tiny apartment and demands every ounce of Myra's attention. At work, love starved but socially anxious Myra meets Reggie (David Eigenberg), a gentle naive soul who has never been in any type of relationship. The two socially inept people find 'something that is missing' in their lives, but when Myra faces the fact that she is confined to quarters due to the obligation compulsive Ludlow's care and when Reggie meets Ludlow and realizes Myra is unable to move out of her life space due to Ludlow's childlike tantrums and demands, the strange trio's compatibility is challenged and the method in which the three cope with the big decisions in their lives is the resolution of the movie.

The dialogue is sharp but more in keeping with a stage drama than a film: there is a lack of flow, which is not the fault of the editors or the cinematographer or the director. The script is stage bound. But given that fact, this is a modern comedy, funny at times, aching at times, but always reflecting the innate humor in even the saddest of human lives. The trio of leads gives fine performances as do the supporting cast members. In a year where sibling dysfunction is one of the topics du jour, LOVE, LUDLOW holds up well in the competition. Grady Harp

"Love, Ludlow" is a neat, quirky and entertaining romantic comedy about three quirky young adults (only one is dysfunctional) striving to thrive in New York. The film describes their daily struggle, a colorful and clowny mini-circus based in a Queens walk-up. There's no sex, no violence, and no drugs, but there are some tear-provoking scenes and many laughs. It's kinda sorta like an early Woody Allen comedy.

The script, an excellent collaboration based on an earlier play by David Patterson, is heightened by three terrific show-case performances and superb cinematography under the direction of first-time film-maker Adrienne Weiss. Could be the late-bloomer of Sundance '05.

This Official Sundance Film Festival Selected film was screened in Novemeber and i must say i really enjoyed it.

It is a story about a girl(Myra) who lives with her "shut in" brother(Ludlow) amazingly acted by Brendan Sexton. She gets a "boyfriend" and decides to bring him home. Ludlow is very jealous by this and throws a fit, everything goes to hell from there. Ludlow is about 19? 20? Age was never specified but he is a totally grown up man who acts like a 5 year old.

This film is a romantic comedy with just the right touch of drama, i.e (cemetery scene).

I strongly recommend this film to anyone who loves the little independent films or just great movies in general.

It appears I am the among the persons providing a less than stellar review for LOVE, LUDLOW. I'm trying hard to figure out how LL received so many "9"s and "10"s and am trying even harder to figure out how those folks make room for CITIZEN KANE, THE KING'S SPEECH, or other highbrow stuff.

LL is enjoyable if you've truly got time to kill; i.e., as opposed to having limited time for entertainment due to kids, job, etc! The dialog is particularly funny and the two love-interested characters' scenes are especially good. Alicia Gorenson plays it just right; i.e., just a wee bit over the top, which fits in perfectly with the shooting and pacing of the film as well as the score, background music. In light of the setting and somewhat zany characters, I was reminded of HENRY FOOL.

But the set-up, conflict, etc. is not particularly new and the sister's obligation toward her brother is not fully explained nor convincing. Ludlow himself is not given enough background, is not particularly funny, and generates little sympathy or concern. Indeed, brother Ludlow more or less functions as the obstacle forming the conflict between the romance driving the film.

This was a fantastic movie. I laughed and I cried. I have been quoting the lines with my friends for days since seeing the film. Saw it three times at Sundance! It is a must see! What movies used to be all about, without any special effects. Three cheers to the writer! I thought that Brendan did an excellent job playing Ludlow. His grasp of the character was great. I really felt for him, not being able to deal with change in his life. Alicia was a fantastic Myra. Her lines are quite memorable, as are her facial expressions. David's performance was also so very real. His shyness towards reaching out to a new person and his frustration with this relationship made so much sense. I really felt for the guy. Minor characters, played by Andrea and Jay were also fantastic. I still want to know the rest of the "Mark story." I hope everyone gets a chance to see this film, because everyone should love Ludlow!