Nothing is more romantic than star-crossed love, just read Shakespeare and his timeless classic "Romeo and Juliet". Well to celebrate Valentine's Day, here is a small selection of Indie films that shows how hot and heavy it can get when lovers can't be together with the ones they adore.
All now available on DVD:
"Wristcutters: A Love Story"- Depressed over his breakup with his girlfriend, Zia (Patrick Fugit of "Almost Famous") slits his wrists, only to find himself sent to a bleak limbo reserved for those who have offed themselves in this morose but, highly amusing tale. When he learns that Desiree also committed suicide, he's joined by a pair of fellow lost souls on a road trip to find her and see if love and happiness can exist even in death. Captures the inane banality of an awkward afterlife where no one can smile and there aren't any stars in the sky. An excellent soundtrack by Gogol Bordello (and some recording artists that committed suicide), an all-star cast that consists of Shannyn Sossamon, Shea Whigham, John Hawkes, Will Arnett and Tom Waits and inspired direction by Goran Dukic. Available at all Family Video rental stores in Pittsburgh.
"Lost in Translation"- Two strangers in the strange land of Tokyo -- the young, neglected wife of a photographer (Scarlett Johansson) and a washed-up movie star (Bill Murray) shooting a TV commercial -- find an odd solace and pensive freedom to be real in each other's company, away from the people that they are shackled to. Writer and Director Sofia Coppola based this movie on her own disintegrating marriage to filmmaker Spike Jonze. Also available to stream now with a Netflix membership.
"In The Mood for Love"- In 1962 Hong Kong, neighboring married apartment-dwellers Mr. Chow (Tony Leung) and Mrs. Chan (Maggie Cheung) discover that their spouses are having an affair. The two spend time together and find they have much in common, but vow never to behave like their unfaithful mates. Haunting and heartbreaking. Masterful evocation of romantic longing and unrequited love from esteemed Chinese auteur Wong Kar-Wai. Also available to stream now with a Netflix membership.
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