Reviewed by Doug Cooper
Stars Danny Huston, Elisabeth Rohm, Matthew Yang King, Anjelica Huston, Julia Sandberg Hansson, Stella Huston, Matthew Jacobs, Annie Morgan, Daniel O'Meara, Kinsey Packard, Dave Pressler
Written by Lisa Enos & Bernard Rose
Certification UK 18 | US R
Runtime 99 minutes
Directed by Bernard Rose
This is the second film in a loose trilogy of modern day Leo Tolstoy adaptations from director, cinematographer, writer and editor Rose, following ivans xtc (2002). If you liked that semi-improvised, hand held digitally photographed effort then you'll welcome his new release. It's more disciplined and has a stronger narrative, though the plot offers few surprises.
Huston plays Edgar Hudson, a wealthy head of a charitable foundation, who lives in a smart and stylish abode in Beverly Hills. He meets attractive concert pianist Abby (Rohm) at a party and they share a mutual longing for each other. Soon they are going on dates together, though she has a boyfriend, and this leads to a full blown affair - the two performers aren't shy in indulging in forthright, cannily edited naked sex scenes. Over time, they marry and have two children, though Abby doesn't take to being a housewife and mother easily. She wants her independent life back, despite being provided and cared for comfortably. Eddy is sympathetic and encourages her to play the piano again. He is asked to organise a charity benefit for the abused and disabled children of Sierra Leone and persuades Abby to play the piano at a violin recital performed by gifted Japanese musician Aiden (King) at their home, the famed classical piece, Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata.
But Abby and Aiden need rehearsal time before they perform and in the weeks leading up to the recital Edgar develops an obsessive jealousy about their friendship, convinced they are having an affair. Soon this overtakes his life and has cataclysmic consequences. The narrative cuts between different time frames so we are constantly kept on our toes as to what stage their relationship is in and Huston, looking noticeably slimmer, and Rohm give committed, convincing turns, freed up to improvise in scenes and not succumbing to self indulgence. Both actors are excellent.
Anjelica Huston contributes a nice cameo too, playing Edgar's sister. They go horseriding together as she advises him on how to administer the foundation's finances and it's a good moment seeing real-life brother and sister, John Huston's offspring, on screen together. The problem with digital photography is that it tends to wash out the colour and that's a shame here, as we're denied seeing the sunny environs of LA in all their glory. It looks too grainy. Overall however, this is an arresting drama that holds the attention for most of the way, though the plot machinations are ultimately very predictable. Compelling nonetheless and a big improvement on ivans xtc. The third film, Boxing Day, currently in post production, is anticipated with interest.