Review: Take This Waltz

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We'll set a date.
 
Margot (Michelle Williams) meets Daniel (Luke Kirby) in an airport. They bond on the plane, share a cab, and find out they are neighbors. While the attraction is there, Margot admits she's happily married to Lou. (Seth Rogan) They have a seemingly nice relationship, full of inside jokes. However they don't seem particularly affectionate. When Margot's mind starts to wonder to Daniel, she realizes she's no longer happy. Can she have with Daniel what she already has with Lou?
 
I thought this was a very unique approach to a storyline about an affair. Margot and Daniel's affair is certainly more emotional than it is physical. There's a scene were Daniel tells Margot (very explicitly) what he would do to her, but they never go as far as actually *doing* anything. Michelle Williams plays Margot almost child like, and it's easy to see what her and Lou had in common. Seth Rogan certainly stretches himself as an actor here as well. Sure, he provides most of the comic relief, but it's still heartbreaking to see his character lose the one he loved the most. It's also easy to see why Margot is instantly attracted to Daniel. He's good looking, interesting, and a free spirit. What's not to like? I would go as far as calling director/writer Sarah Polley one of the best female film makers out there. Her writing is brilliant, and I hope she directs more films. My only gripe with Take This Waltz is that it should've ended a little sooner. Otherwise, it's a fantastic little gem.
 
Recommended: Yes
 
Grade: A
 
Memorable Quote: "I was going to tell you this when we were 80. That it had been me the whole time." - Lou (Seth Rogan)

Comments

  1. JoshNovember 18, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    I liked this one as well. Williams was great, but I was quite surprised by Rogen here. Hope he picks more projects like this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Candice FrederickNovember 18, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    i agree that seth rogen continues to put in good work. but i found this to be quite boring. and i wish michelle williams would play a role other than a dainty ice princess sometimes. i thought she was best in blue valentine though.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ruthNovember 19, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    I don't generally like films about infidelity but glad to hear this one seems to explore the emotional side of it instead of just the physical one you see all the time in the movies.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 19, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    I've been on the fence about whether to see this one, but based on your review, I'll give it a go.

    ReplyDelete

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