Love Liza (2003) Review by The KLF.

Wilson Joel (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a troubled man. After losing his wife to (an unexplained, yet presumed self-asphyxiation) suicide, Wilson's home, work life and mental state take a steady turn for the worse. On the assumtion that he could do with a break from work, his employer offers him time out from work to take a vacation and time to grieve properly. All seems fine and Wilson is dealing with the problems life throws at him again. Upon his return from vacation, Wilson develops an unhealthy fixation with gasoline, thought to be spurred from the self-asphyxiation of his wife in their garage. As his 'addiction' to gasoline grows, he finds himself doing what any junkie does and begins to weave a web of lies to cover up his addiction by investing in a radio-controlled aeroplane. Though all does not run smoothly as his addiction takes hold and relations with his deceased wife's mother, Mary Ann (Kathy Bates) lay floating on very thin ice. The movie follows the next few weeks in Wilson's life as we see him dealing with his addiction and personal issues.

Love Liza was a super little movie. It's a strange movie to categorize specifically, it provided a mixture of elements, from sentimental comedy (think Punch-Drunk Love) to an all-out stoner flick (some stange spaced out gasoline sniffing moments). The camerawork was fantastic too. Lots of nice wide-open shots. Almost playing like some sort of slideshow cum gallery perspective. A refreshing change to most of the dross in other movies of similar ilk. In addition the soundtrack was fantastic. Very well suited and a pleasure to listen to.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Kathy Bates were both excellent. I've grown to respect Kathy Bates (but not her breasts re: About Schmidt hehe) as an actress more and more with each movie i see her in; in Love Liza she doesn't disappoint. Hoffmans part as the troubled Wilson was played expertly; again, i've enjoyed him in many of his movies (most notably in Boogie Nights as some of you may well know already).

Love Liza is a divine little movie, that fills it's part nicely and delivers just enough to keep things rolling along at a smooth enough pace to leave you happy and full at the close of the movie.

If your stuck for something to watch this weekend, you could do no worse than this. Recommended.


Final Score: 7.5/10 ''You got a bottle opener? My fuckin wife always takes it out the car to make sure i don't drink and drive.''

http://us.imdb.com/Title?0282698

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