Ultimately effective, performance-driven story
Added 10/27/2001
Two people stand at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. A young man holds a young woman close to him from behind her, their faces troubled. She urges them closer to the edge, and throws her weight forward, as if attempting to take them both over the precipice. He clutches her fast to him, however, and says, "Do you think that's the only way we'll be together?"And so begins "Denial", starring Jason Patric and Robin Wright-Penn, a story about coming to terms with lost love. And it's a promising beginning, too. Patric is the righteous and moody Michael; Wright-Penn's character is Sara, a free-spirited yet self-absorbed girl who flits about somewhat thoughtlessly in her youth, unaware until it's too late just what kind of damage she is doing to Michael, and ultimately, herself. Lovers in their youth, Michael and Sara (who everyone calls "Loon" in her younger years because of her impetuous nature) share a passion that is overshadowed by Michael's unhappiness with her superficiality, and even as in love as they are, it finally splits them apart. Years later, we find Sara living a quiet, domestic life. She has become a person of substance and character- the very things Michael had been upset to find her lacking. Enter Rae-Don Chong, a shared friend from years past who brings back a flood of memories for Sara. Old wounds ripped anew, she struggles to come to terms with the love she lost, ending in a heart-wrenching climax that is perhaps Wright-Penn's finest acting to date. This movie does have its problems; the pace moves ponderously... perhaps too much so at times. Also, it takes awhile to distinguish past from present as the story moves back and forth in time. But apart from the odd moment of poor timing and direction, this film shines through as an incredibly well-performed story of a woman's transformation and reconciliation with her past. However, without Wright-Penn's thoughtful and compelling performance and that of the supporting cast, this film would not have been worth seeing. I highly recommend it to those who would appreciate a beautifully performed piece about lost love, and do not mind a movie that takes it's time.
8 out of 8 people found this helpful.
|
A nostalgic ride of emotion.
Added 6/25/2001
"Denial" is a Powerful and very real and emotional movie. I was able to sense the time warp so to speak from scene variations, From the young "Loon" to the More maturing woman played by Robin Wright. Both Characters played though the same woman, came through Beautifully and respectfully. It takes a certain person to comprehend the emotions played out between Jason Patric and Robin. So obviously this movie is not for everyone. Its for the person who feels deeply and has lost or been torn away from a relationship and still somewhat willing to feel the pain after many years apart. The Haunting Music composed by None other than Harold Budd, adds and enriches the story and complex undertones we visit throughout the movie and I found myself knowing and sensing her emenant breakdown in the end and the freedom she feels within herself prevailing over her own human weakness. What a refreshing Movie......Nothing "Hollywood" about this movie by no means. Just something different...so for all the critics who rebuke this movie......Leave the comfortable shallowness of your reviews and venture out to the Deep and there you will find "Denial" and then you will understand!
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
|
Bad reviews undeserved.
Added 7/1/2000
... I saw that one of my favorite actresses (Robin Wright) was one of the stars. I found the story intriguing and heart-wrenching. Beautiful "Loon" (played by Wright) carries a torch for her long-lost lover (played by Jason Patric) by becoming the kind of woman he wanted her to be, even though it's too late. After encountering an old friend (played by Rae Dawn Chong), memories haunt her relentlessly. When she discovers that her old boyfriend has gone on with his life, she painfully realizes that she still has a life to live. Not your regular run-of-the-mill entertainment that hollywood doles out, but that makes it all the better in my opinion. Worthwhile.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
|
a movie that has hidden spirit
Added 12/6/1999
This is a very deep, emotional story of a young woman and her incompetence of forgeting a relationship that ended years ago. Through her memories Sarah(Loon), is blaming herself for not being more dedicated to her boyfriend and for being too concered with her friends' impressions of her. Music in this movie is also very touching and after I saw this movie for the first time, I became a big fan of Robin Wright Penn. I agree with many of the costumers that this movie isn't for everyone. I guess I liked it so much because the main character(Sarah)has such emotional soul and in many ways reminds me of my own personality.
6 out of 6 people found this helpful.
|
robin wright rules
Added 5/27/1999
Very deep beautiful movie about love and transformation and soul searching. Robin Wright gives a seriously touching performance as a woman contemplating and healing from a past love. We as the viewer get to see her contemplate her past and continue to learn from it and figure out who she really is and it doesn't come without a lot of pain and sadness. Through her acting we get to see how fresh the character's wounds are even years after the relationship has ended. We see her go from being the center of attention (and thriving on it), to being somewhat of a recluse although she is still surrounded by people that love her. She goes from having her needs met, to meeting the needs of others that come into her life. I have rarely seen a movie that digs so deep into the heart and psyche. I loved everything about it.It is such a different kind of movie in so many ways. Definately not for everybody, but definately for me. I loved this movie and was moved to real tears and emotion.
5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
|
