Peter and Vandy

I had a chance to see "Peter and Vandy" at the Gen Art Film Festival a few months back and heard it's coming out in theaters in a few weeks. I'm happy it found distribution cause I really enjoyed this film. It's a quirky love story told out of sequence. If you think this sounds a bit like "500 Days of Summer," you're kind of right. The thing is, I actually liked "Peter and Vandy" better. At times I found "500 Days of Summer" a bit too clever for its own good, although I dug the film. "Peter and Vandy" doesn't resort to the type of sight gags that bogged down "Summer." This is a simpler and more heartfelt story, and I appreciated that. It's an enjoyable film that's worth seeing.

Peter and Vandy is a real life comedy/drama about the challenges of a couple who while trying to get to know one another, learn a lot about themselves too. They are able to do this by being vulnerable and honest with each other during the uncomfortable early stages of a new relationship. This refreshingly honest portrayal of the difficulties of being the real "you" is captured in this film. Peter is a anxious young man who takes everything personally. He finds his self worth in the opinions of others and struggles to grow in autonomy and self acceptance. Vandy is brutally honest with her thoughts and this challenges Peter to question his perception of who he is. He is only able to focus on his flaws. Vandy helps him to see his strengths too. Vandy is a young woman who loves to be needed. All she wants to do is help Peter be the best that he can be. She soon realizes that she can not fix him. She needs to allow him to fix himself while she focuses on her own self image. She struggles with the need to be loved with her own flaws. Together they are able to challenge themselves and each other to embrace imperfection and focus on their strengths. The movie helps us to see the courage involved in making the decision to stay together or separate. You find yourself rooting for them to make it!

Yes this is a bit like 500 days of Summer but without the gimmicks. What I didn't like about 500 days of Summer was that the characters were too compatible at times and suddenly became incompatible for no reason.

In Peter and Vandy, however, the problems between the two are always there in the background. The characters may not understand what's happening but the audience can certainly see the seeds of discord.

The dialogue is touching and real, when they are getting along, when they are fighting, when they are learning about each other and when they truly know each other. The fight over the pb and j was brilliant.

Ritter and Weixler give subtle and believable performances. Rather than overwrought Oscar dialogue, simple looks and glances expressed their hope, hurt, happiness and disappointment. A very refreshing change.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good romantic story that tugs on the heartstrings and brings tears to your eyes, without insulting your intelligence.

This is a really nice little indie romance from writer/director Jay DiPietro, with two of the most attractive young talents in films - both Weixler and Ritter are irresistibly likable and the film is well written and is photographed (by Frank DeMarco) with wit and polish in a quality production. Ritter's excellent work in "Good Dick," is carried on here and why Weixler is not a bigger Hollywood personality is beyond me (and I've been reviewing movies professionally since 1981). She is smart, has depth, and has a fascinating look. He is an actor with a gift for naturalism. They are very much in sync in this cleverly woven Manhattan tale.

I saw this film at the Waterfront Film Festival and was very impressed. The script is very sharp; it was both the funniest and most moving film I saw at the festival, and was filled with acutely observed moments and truths about relationships. The direction and acting were also superb. In particular Jess Weixler turned in an amazing complex and nuanced performance as Vandy.

I would highly recommend this film. It is an auspicious first film for writer/director Jay DiPietro.

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