Love ain't always pretty

Rating: 8/10 (18 March 2006)

I recently watched this movie again and was stunned that I'd forgotten how good it is. As I watched it, it occurred to me (without any prior knowledge of it) that this must have been adapted from a play. This is real acting and not just Hollywood magic. The characters are captivating and *human* - obsessive, insecure, vulnerable and yes, at times nasty. This is not a glossed-over, Disnified story of what love and relationships should be like.
It's funny, because this movie now rates among my top 5 favourite movies and yet my best friend said that she absolutely hated it because it portrays such a cynical view of love. Well, you know what? There are plenty of cynics out there. There are plenty of people who have asked their cheating lovers the dirty details of the affair, and just as many who obsess over their loves in the darkest manner.
On the other hand, my friend also listens to the "Soft Hits and Love Songs" radio station while I prefer the Smiths. I suppose in the end, this movie isn't for you if you refuse to look at the world without your rose coloured glasses.