The Yellow Handkerchief (2008, U.S.)

This is a film about an unlikely trio of three very lonely people. Martine is a beautiful teenager who feels trapped in her backwater Louisiana town. When Gordy, an awkward itinerant, stops in town, she somehow ends up in his convertible, heading across the river. Then they pick up Brett, a quiet man who was just released from prison. When a storm (Hurricane Katrina) hits, they take shelter in a hotel together. As they continue their journey through the destruction of Louisiana after the hurricane, they begin to piece together solutions to each other's loneliness. Martine senses Brett's loneliness, and Brett senses Gordy's. They help each other find the answers that they can't find for themselves.

The beauty of this film is in its simplicity and in the quiet brilliance of the actors. I don't know if I've ever seen William Hurt in action, but this role seemed tailored for him. Kristen Stewart, who I always say is an under-appreciated actor, was solid in this role (although it seemed almost like it didn't offer he much of a challenge). And Eddie Redmayne has yet to cease amazing me. I can't think of a single person who plays the socially awkward, sweetly well-meaning, intelligent young man as well as he does. Breathtaking. Add to that the slow, almost languid pace and the authentic Louisiana scenery, and you've got a winner.

I liked this film. I think the main thing that would have made me like it more was if the focus was spread more evenly across the ensemble. Although there are arguably three main characters, the focus is obviously on Brett. More balance would have improved an already wonderful film.

Rating: 4.0

Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006, U.S.)

What an incredibly unique film. I didn't have any expectations going into this one; in fact, I only had a vague idea what it was about. But it was something special.

It's about a guy who commits suicide (presumably because his girlfriend leaves him). However, the afterlife for suicide victims is almost exactly like this life—only it's more drab, more depressing, filled with other suicides, and nobody is allowed to smile. So this guy finds out the girl he killed himself over committed suicide too, and he begins a journey to find her. Of course what he finds instead is himself, some friends, and, ironically, a little bit of meaning in life.

This was perhaps one of the most bizarre fantasies I've ever seen, from "miracles" to a black hole under the seat of a beat up car to accidental residents of a strange purgatory. The acting was great. The story was a fresh take on an old theme, the setting was fittingly drab, and the ending was both disheartening and uplifting all at once.

Brilliant.

Rating: 4.0