STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING LEADS INTO AN INTERESTING GOODNIGHTThis unique film provides insight to something different. There are no zombies, hostages, car crashes or tough guys who can break into a security system with a paper clip. There is no doubt that this is Frank Langella's film (Leonard Schiller). His portrayal of a man, weary from the curves life tosses around, falls prey to a budding collegiate, Heather (Lauren Ambrose), who is writing her graduate thesis on his writings. She has unbridled enthusiasm and that starry look in her fully dilated eyes that intrigue and interest him. He has a daughter older than she, Ariel (Lili Talor) but we see the train wreck far in advance despite his cloudy vision. This is definitely a New York/East Coast film and has the literary credentials to make it all believable.
The relationship between Leonard and Heather is inventive and uniquely human. However, Taylor's role sort of came out of left field. It almost felt like the character and her issues were written at the last minute and tossed in with crossed fingers. It wasn't a matter of either likability or acting. It was simply oddly available. Langella stays independent and offers an extremely well polished role. Ambrose, in my eyes, is and will remain Claire from Six Feet Under, which I loved, but her part could have been played by almost anyone in that age group. I liked the way the movie ended, particularly for Langella's character. Tread lightly and carry a forgiving stick.
HALF PICK: Wasn't all together what it appeared to be, but that can be good at times.
