There has been a lot of hype surrounding the latest indie film from director Nicole Holofcener (Friends With Money), and rightfully so.
Enough Said is not just a refreshing comedic love story, it’s also the second to last film starring James Gandolfini before his unexpected passing in June.
Enough Said tells the story of Eva, a divorcée played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Seinfeld”), who’s been unlucky in love. She meets Albert (Gandolfini), a fellow divorcée at a party and isn’t initially interested, but, in the following days, hesitantly agrees to go on a date with him. It’s at the same party where Eva also meets Marianne, played by Catherine Keener (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), an interesting woman who instantaneously befriends Eva. The humor comes into play when Eva discovers that Marianne is Albert’s ex-wife, and thus, she finds herself at a crossroads as to which relationship to pursue, friendship or love.
It is emotional to see Gandolfini as a romantic lead; he does such justice to the role that it’s a shame he could not continue to play these types of characters.
The on-screen chemistry between the characters is what makes this film so worthwhile, with dialogue that is both conversational and organic from these veteran actors. Gandolfini plays the gentle giant compared to the wisecracking, pint-sized Louis-Dreyfus, and while the pair may seem like an unlikely couple, their chemistry is undeniable. It is emotional to see Gandolfini as a romantic lead; he does such justice to the role that it’s a shame he could not continue to play these types of characters.
If I had one complaint, it would only be the predictability of Eva’s conflict, however, the film is so captivating that the audience is willing to embrace the suspension of disbelief. On a personal note, it is also pretty heart wrenching to see Eva poke fun of Albert’s weight like calling him “Fat Albert,” a not-so-subtle reminder of Gandolfini’s untimely death.
Enough Said is definitely a directorial success for Holofcener. A perfectly cast ensemble, including Toni Collette, Ben Falcone, and newcomer Tavi Gevinson round out this indie comedy that’s sure to leave you satisfied.
