Take This Waltz

Take This Waltz

I have been anxiously awaiting this latest Sarah Polley film. What a talent! She wrote and directed this film. It is very good but certainly has some flaws. The cast of Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen help make this a worthwhile cinematic experience.

There is indeed a lot of humor but underlying it all is sadness. Michelle Williams plays the part of Margot, an immature young wife. She is supposed to be a writer for park brochures. We do see her on one working experience writing about a historical park. We never see her writing again. She is married to Lou. He is writing a cookbook on chicken recipes. It is one strange relationship. They hug and cuddle and play silly games. On the surface they seem like a loving couple and enjoy being with the extended family. Underneath there is a lack of deep personal contact.

At one point she states,” I don’t like being in between things.” That line is the key to the central plot.

By chance Margot meets Daniel. By coincidence he  lives a few doors away. They are immediately attracted to one another. Daniel is an artist and pulls a rickshaw to make extra money. He falls for Margot and she feels herself being pulled in his direction.

This is the strength of the film. It is believable that Margot and Lou thought they had a great relationship. It was obvious at their anniversary celebration something was wrong. They have nothing to say to one another.

When she meets the very attractive Daniel she begins to see what is lacking in her life. I found this part of the film to be very powerful. The most impressive dramatic part is when Daniel and Margot are having some food at a café. He seduces her verbally and tells her what he would like to do to her.

The film takes place in Toronto. I loved seeing all the different parts of town. You will recognize Kensington Market, the beaches and the Toronto skyline. I loved getting inside the small house shared by Margot and Lou. It was supposed to be in the Queen and Dufferin area. The cinematography was excellent. The cameras would linger on a face and you cold feel the emotion inside.

Sarah Silverman plays the part of Margot’s sister-in-law. She is a recovering alcoholic. She goes off the wagon at the end of the film. Her character does not add to the story and I didn’t find her acting to be solid.

The film needs some editing. It could have ended much sooner.                     

I like the fact I was left wondering what happened.  Margot and Daniel are so smitten with one another. I had the feeling that after a time that ‘hot blooded action’ had simmered down. There is just a suggestion but that part is not developed.

Michelle Williams is a gifted actor. I kept thinking that she had just played the part of Marilyn Monroe. In this film she has the look of a teenager. Her actions are often silly and immature.

I was glad I went with a friend because we found ourselves discussing the film during dinner. I was happy just watching Luke Kirby playing the part of Daniel. What a sexy young man!