WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY: Nicole Holofcener
I’ve seen some really terrific films this year. Prisoners, Gravity, The Kings Of Summer, and The Way Way Back instantly come to mind. Enough Said joins those ranks, as a smart, sophisticated romantic-comedy, with a ton of heart, and oozing of charm. What an amazing final film for James Gandolfini.
Eva (Dreyfus) is a massage therapist sending her daughter (Fairaway) off to college. She’s single, and ready to mingle. After a chance encounter at a party, she manages to strike up a friendship with a renowned poet, Marianne (Keener), as well as a single man, Albert (James Gandolfini), who she is not initally attracted to, but more attracted to as time goes by. Marianne is in need of a friend, and her and Eva hit it off well. Eva also find that she can really be herself with Albert, and the two are adorable together. Then, she hits a wall. She realizes that Marianne’s ex is Albert, and she’s been listening to Marianne complain about all his faults. Will Marianne’s toxic info poison Eva and Albert’s awesome relationship?
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is great as the lead here, because she’s a nice change from the usual “middle aged” women we get in these roles, who are excessively pretty. There’s a normalcy about her that is refreshing. But Gandolfini really steals the show as the most charmingly adorable boyfriend. His schlubbyness somehow is endearing, and he comes across as a genuinely nice guy who would probably make an excellent husband. It’s a stark contrast from virtually everything else he’s done in his career. I imagine this is how Gandolfini was in real life, based on the stories I’ve heard.
Both actors are highlighted wonderfully by Nicole Holofcener’s writing and directing, which succeeds in feeling always real and necessary. Character’s don’t have long exposition, because we wouldn’t do that in real life. It feels like we’re watching a reality show, just with better production values. The last film of hers, Please Give, was a good film, but she raised her game with Enough Said.
I can’t say much more about this film other than I loved it. I loved everything about it, and realized I was smiling throughout most of the movie. Definitely a must-see.
FINAL GRADE: A