James and Julia = Perfection. Enough Said.
As if we didn’t already miss James Gandolfini – his outstanding and uncharacteristic performance in “Enough Said” just reminds us of how truly talented he was.
Writer and director Nicole Nolofcener’s (“Please Give” 2010) fifth feature is an insightful, heartfelt drama with a grown-up romantic comedy twist.
Eva (Julia Louis Dreyfus, “Planes” 2013), a divorced and single parent, makes a living as a masseuse. While it is exhausting listening to clients’ problems day after day, this somewhat distracts Eva from her only daughter Ellen’s (Tracey Fairaway, “Zephyr Springs” 2013) imminent college departure. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini, “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” 2013) a quiet, funny, single father who is at the same stage in his life as Eva. After these two unassuming individuals start becoming serious, Eva befriends her new massage client, Marianne (Catherine Keener, “Captain Phillips” 2013). Eva is fascinated with Marianne’s career as a “poet and a dreamer,” her home, her style…basically her life. Marianne bashes her ex-husband constantly, however, even after four years of being divorced. Eva quickly becomes skeptical of her own relationship with Albert as she learns the unpleasant truth about Marianne’s ex-husband.
This poignant film provides wise insights about human nature and doesn’t forget to interject subtle humor. The trailers portray “Enough Said” as a comedy but it definitely veers into the drama genre. Nolofcener’s script is well written and includes ample character development. Dryfus’s infectious smile and Gandolfini’s warm eyes light up the screen. It is obvious that they truly enjoy one another’s company. Audiences young and old can find this film relatable as the search for one’s life direction, love and happiness never really changes with age…we are always searching. The first date jitters and awkward conversations still exist even as we grow older. The 93 minute run time worked well. The camera’s regularly zoomed in focus and pauses really captured the uncertainty, loneliness, confusion and genuine contentment of the characters.
This poignant film provides wise insights about human nature and doesn’t forget to interject subtle humor. The trailers portray “Enough Said” as a comedy but it definitely veers into the drama genre. Nolofcener’s script is well written and includes ample character development. Dryfus’s infectious smile and Gandolfini’s warm eyes light up the screen. It is obvious that they truly enjoy one another’s company. Audiences young and old can find this film relatable as the search for one’s life direction, love and happiness never really changes with age…we are always searching. The first date jitters and awkward conversations still exist even as we grow older. The 93 minute run time worked well. The camera’s regularly zoomed in focus and pauses really captured the uncertainty, loneliness, confusion and genuine contentment of the characters.
Dreyfus and Gandolfini were two people you’d never match up at first glance but they got along like old friends from the start. Gandolfini’s versatility as an actor is proven as he plays opposite his legendary tough guy role, Tony Soprano. He is a gentle giant, a big teddy bear who is sensitive, self-deprecating, witty and sometimes socially awkward. Dreyfus is a natural in her role as Eva, she even worked with a massage therapist while filming to nail down the massage techniques. She’s the laid back, independent, “cool mom” you’d be “willing” to hang out with in the late stages of high school. Eva’s careful to let her entire guard down around Albert even though she wants to let him in. She also has a difficult time not letting Marianne get to her head as she’s unknowingly poisoning Eva’s perspective of Albert.
The supporting cast adds a little spunk, with Toni Collette (“The Way Way Back” 2013) playing one of Eva’s best friend’s Sarah, the irritable but sympathetic figure. Keener is the hard to please, uptight, self-sufficient mom who looks like a free spirited hippy at first glance based on her bohemian clothing and overall appearance. Ben Falcone (“The Heat” 2013) is great in his role as Sarah’s supportive, witty and laid back husband.
Glad audiences are able to see the gentle, generous and more realistic side of Gandolfini before his untimely passing in June. He certainly won’t be forgotten.
Bottom Line? Dreyfus and Gandolfini are magnificent in their roles. Audiences discover these two individuals’ unassuming bond, which provides for a bittersweet perspective on the truths of life. “Enough Said” is a genuine delight.
Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Eva), James Gandolfini (Albert), Toni Collette (Sarah), Catherine Keener (Marianne), Ben Falcone (Will), Eve Hewson (Tess), Michaela Watkins (Hilary), Tracey Fairaway (Ellen)
Credits: Directed and Written by Nicole Nolofcener
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Run Time: 93 minutes
Jessica Aymond © September 24, 2013