Max & Helena

"Max & Helena" is, indeed, a gem. I gave it 9 out of 10 for one reason: it was too short. Like the gourmand Max himself, I would have loved to be served another course of this delicious, heart- tugging little comedy. The photography is gorgeous, the actors are charming, and the narration is spot on. New York City is shot lovingly and beautifully. The food looks good, too. Particular kudos to David Silberger as Max, who manages to maintain his sad-sack character's optimism even as he's presented with a heaping helping of heartbreak. Silberger is on screen almost constantly throughout the film, and he fills each frame with warmth, humor and pathos -- without asking for our pity. Silberger's Max has too much joie de vivre for that. "Max & Helena" is a promising start for the writer/director. I'd be delighted if his next effort was "Max & Helena II: Dessert".

Who would expect this little gem to so captivate its audience? Magnificent casting and elegant cinematography make this character piece impossible to resist. The performances (especially by Silberger and the lovely actress playing Helena) are quite remarkable. Direction is spot-on and the story - - of a nebish accountant who falls passionately in love with his waitress at a french restaurant and eats his way through his infatuation to see her - is told with passion and good humor. We'll look to see a lot from this new director who has captured the charm of his story by creating a universe throbbing with passion and humor and the color of New York. Well done. A must see! Particular kudos to the cinematographer!