Originally scheduled for a 2008 release, Spike Lee makes this joint worth the wait. Lee's new film explores the pain of white, middle-class suburbia. Zachary (Topher Grace) and Marilyn (Abbie Cornish), married after college, seem to have lost their ambition after only a couple of years of marriage. Lee limits his shots to the interior of the couple's three-bedroom (plus a bonus room over the garage), 2.5 bath, 1800 sq. ft. home. Both characters expected more out of their life but are learning to "settle." Lee refuses to pull any punches in the pivotal should-we-upgrade-to-granite scene, and Cornish's performance, reminiscent of Lady Macbeth washing her hands, makes you wish Zachary had gotten that raise. "I deserve this! I earned this! Laminate . . . it hurts me," Marilyn cries. Topher Grace is at his best in his character's candid response: "I know. It hurts us." This movie might hurt Zachary and Marilyn, but it only makes the world stronger. Beautiful film.
Domestic profanity, predictable sensual scenes, scuffed wood floors.
Did they own a cat?
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