Ambiguous love story, ambiguous ending

Rating: 9/10 (28 December 2003)

...and after reading the other comments on this film, I am even more convinced that the ambiguity was intended, especially that of the ending. Everyone seems to have very different interpretations of the nature of Charlotte and Bob's relationship -- lots of affection, but who can tell for certain what either character wanted from the relationship? My personal feeling is that the only impediment to greater intimacy was Bob's marriage (NB not Charlotte's). Also, I would love to believe that whatever he whispered to her at the end had something to do with further contact, but -- again -- who knows? I think that Coppola left so much up in the air NOT to remove the focus from the sexual tension -- which was almost palpable anyway -- but to allow her viewers to walk away with whatever interpretation they liked. Lastly, great performances by both leads. CJ was even better in this than in _The Man Who Wasn't There_, in which she also gave a fabulous performance. Can't wait to see her next one.