ARTS alive

Film Review - "Mr Jealousy"

by Jan Chandler

Writer/Director: Noah Baumbach
Cinematographer: Steven Bernstein ("Like Water For Chocolate")
Composers: Luna (Dean Wareham, Lee Wall, Sean Eden, Justin Harwood) and Robert Een

Lester Grimm: Eric Stolz
Romona Ray: Annabella Sciorra
Vince: Carlos Jacott
Lucretia: Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Dashiell Frank: Chris Eigeman
Dr Poke: Peter Bogdanovich


If like me you remember enjoying "Kicking and Screaming", the debut feature from then 25 year old Noah Baumbach, then you're sure to enjoy his latest effort - "Mr Jealousy".

"Kicking and Screaming" focused on a group of college graduates faced with the possibility of having to become "responsible" adults - shock horror. They never quite made it but there were lots of laughs for the audience along the way.

In "Mr Jealousy" these young people are now caught in the dilemmas of the transition from freedom and mateship to commitment and partnership. The hapless 20 somethings are now 30+ . What lies ahead of them? Will they leave their friends behind and pair off?

At 15 Lester Grimm got the girl but not the kiss. Seeing his date being kissed by an older man, sets him on the path of jealousy, or should I say paranoia. Thereafter all his energy goes into doubting the fidelity of his current lover and playing private detective by shadowing her ex-lovers! Needless to say the relationships don't last.

Now 30+, Lester (Eric Stolz) is attracted to Romona (Annabella Sciorra). Romona is a rather flighty woman, who spends much of her life rescuing others - one scene has her juggling phone calls from various friends who want her advice. She certainly manages "call waiting" better than I do.

Each of the central characters in "Mr Jealousy" spends most of the film avoiding reality and denying their emotions. Words fly thick and fast, skirting around deeper emotions, whilst constant activity becomes a barrier to any confrontation with one's true feelings. Thoughts are sometimes revealed in voice over or through images, but it's the gaps between the words and the brief moments of inactivity that speak loudest to the audience. We know what is really going on even if the characters will not acknowledge it.

"Mr Jealousy" is a delightful romantic comedy, with echoes of the classic screwball comedies in its fast paced and witty dialogue. The performances are good - you'll recognise a number of faces from "Kicking and Screaming" - the film is visually interesting and I loved the soundtrack. And watch out for legendary writer/director/actor Peter Bogdanovich, he of "The Last Picture Show", as the psychologist, Dr Poke.

A film for everyone who has struggled with commitment in a relationship and who is still able to laugh at the "dating game".


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