Enough Said

The annual lull between summer-season blockbusters and the late-fall trickling out of Oscar bait seems to now be over with the release, or near release, of such titles as Gravity (Sandra Bullock) and Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks). It has been a dark, dark month for those trying to decide if they should venture out to see “Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters” or “We’re the Millers”… and then going to the park for a run instead (good decision). But if you’re looking for a good film to segue you into the critically acclaimed heavy hitters of winter, might I suggest Enough Said.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini are Eva and Albert, both divorcees with daughters leaving their homes for college. Eva is a massage therapist and Albert is a television historian. They meet at a party. Neither is really looking for anything – they even admit to each other that they’re not attracted to anybody in attendance – but it’s obvious that something has clicked. Coincidentally, however, Eva also meets Albert’s ex at the party and enlists her as a client. The ensuing Seinfeldian fix Eva gets herself into as part of this triangle provides the mechanism that moves the story along and gives Eva and Albert something to work against. But the film is really about the common fear of getting hurt, losing at love, life change and loneliness. Issues of what we want out of love and relationship, what we usually get instead, and the ridiculous (and sometimes petty) issues we let get in the way of our feelings for someone are presented and debated through a group of interesting and well played characters while chatting at dinner, or arranging furniture, or crocheting a blanket. In this sense, Enough Said has sort of a When Harry Met Sally feel but with less production. Louis-Dreyfus and Gandolfini are extremely believable in this one and have a homey chemistry that makes you want them to be together… to succeed. The film, as a whole, has a very natural and intrinsic quality.

There is nothing very weighty in Enough. But it is an insightful film, sharply written and warmly preformed. The plot, although unlikely, does not feel forced but rather flows naturally from its flawed and vulnerable pieces. The subtle and wide-ranging expressions that served Louis-Dreyfus so well when she was with Jerry and the gang are on display again and give additional likeability to Eva and those around her. There is some sadness, however, in watching one of Gandolfini’s last performances - Sopranos fans will be surprised how easy he makes playing a big softy look. Regardless of your taste… or gender, I think this film will win you over.  8 out of 10