Despite this film having a release date of 2009 (well after Amy Adams had become a star), it was actually made a few years earlier--and this shows. It's a relatively low-budget indie film--one that is a bit rough and difficult to love.
It all begins with a VERY broody guy. It's obvious the guy has been hurt--and there's no subtlety at all here. He barely talks and shows no emotion and he's the ultimate tortured soul. Unfortunately, he doesn't really seem to have any personality--and the writer and director didn't give the guy anything with which to work. As for Adams, she comes off a bit better but other than being nice and having a lovely singing voice, there just isn't much to her either. Add to that occasionally odd camera-work (it almost gave me motion sickness) and strange music (when the leading man plays his piano in his apartment, a strong bass backup occurs and when Adams sings in this apartment, it sounds like she's on a sound stage--complete with an orchestra and echo!). I wanted to like this one but just felt bored. If you want to hear Adams sing, it's worth seeing--otherwise, it's just not all that engaging.
It all begins with a VERY broody guy. It's obvious the guy has been hurt--and there's no subtlety at all here. He barely talks and shows no emotion and he's the ultimate tortured soul. Unfortunately, he doesn't really seem to have any personality--and the writer and director didn't give the guy anything with which to work. As for Adams, she comes off a bit better but other than being nice and having a lovely singing voice, there just isn't much to her either. Add to that occasionally odd camera-work (it almost gave me motion sickness) and strange music (when the leading man plays his piano in his apartment, a strong bass backup occurs and when Adams sings in this apartment, it sounds like she's on a sound stage--complete with an orchestra and echo!). I wanted to like this one but just felt bored. If you want to hear Adams sing, it's worth seeing--otherwise, it's just not all that engaging.