Take This Waltz Reviews

Already 10 years ago, Sarah Pollen delivered with 'Away from her' a really impressive directing debut so when she was coming up with a follow-up, of course, I was quite eager to check it out. Eventually, it didn't make much waves when it was released and I think it was barely noticed at the the time but I was still interested in the damned thing nonetheless. Anyway, even though it turned out to be a decent watch, I can’t say it really blew me away though. The main issue I had is that even though Polley introduced 3 really intriguing characters very well played by the actors involved, I thought they were all 3 rather poorly developed. It was rather strange since there wasn't much going on and since the movie was really only focusing on this love triangle. I mean, at some point, I was so clueless about what was going with these characters that I was wondering if Margot  (played by Michelle Williams) and Lou (played by Seth Rogen) were somehow both autistic because of the rather awkward way they talked and interacted with each other. Obviously, it wasn't the case, they were just a couple struggling in their relationship but instead of being straightforward,  Polley went for something rather convoluted but, to be honest, it was rather pretentious, in my opinion. Or maybe I'm just used to see movie couples who are way more articulate than actual real couples. Anyway, in spite of its flaws, it was still an original romantic feature though and it is worth a look. 

"Is that that Seth Rogen guy? What's he doing?"

"I think he's... acting."

"Acting? You mean actually giving a performance without using immature fart or stoner humor as a crutch to compensate for an apparent lack of talent? Well, I'll be... Do miracles never cease?"

Seth Rogen is, indeed, quite good in this. The scene where he expresses, in various takes, his shock and horror at his wife's infidelity is revelatory. Overall, though, "Take This Waltz" is so-so, marred by a lack of likable characters and consistent dialogue.

I there's one thing you can say about this movie, it's that it doesn't glorify the act of adultery in any way. Bored housewife Margot (Michelle Williams, who gives a very nice performance here) engages in cutie pie antics and baby talk with her husband, Lou (Seth Rogan,) but longs for passion and intimacy.

When Margot meets Daniel (Luke Kirby,) a handsome artist, sparks fly almost immediately. As it turns out (damn you, fate!,) Daniel lives right next door to Margot and Lou's place, and temptation for indiscretion may be too much to resist. But what are the consequences for such an act?

I was underwhelmed by the dialogue here... sometimes it was really good, and sometimes it was cringe-worthy. It felt like the movie was divided into two different worlds- one where intelligent characters say intelligent things, and one where a verbal expression comes directly out of a third-rate sitcom.

The relationship between Lou and Margot was interesting. I could neither fully support it, nor deny it's moments of comfort and familiarity. I can understand Margot's need for a more intellectually stimulating relationship (as any reasonably intelligent person would presumably have,) as many of the 'tender moments' between them were saccharine or just plain icky.

However, we don't really see a side of Daniel that allows us to understand Margot's prompt crisis. In fact, some of the dialogue was just as vomit-inducing, and the scary thing is, I'm not even sure it was meant to be. For the most part, the characters were more exasperating then likable.

This would be a much better movie if not for the dives in quality of dialogue. "Take This Waltz"'s acting is both fresh and powerful, as is it's refusal to slap itself with a happy ending. However, I have difficulty recommending it and will, sighing, present my ambivalent review.

*contains spoilers*

I had high hopes for this film. Being a huge fan of Michelle Williams (who for me can do no wrong) and also quite fond of Seth Rogen and Sarah Polley, I expected something quirky, perhaps bittersweet, but a pleasant way of spending a couple of hours. Sadly, this was not what I got.

While the acting is strong by most involved, the plot irritated me and the characters were hugely unlikable (with the exception of Lou (Rogen)). The dialogue too was so pretentious in places it was reminiscent of an episode of Dawson's Creek, so you couldn't help but reel in gall at how contrived a lot of it was.

But the main problem for me was the "romance" between Margot and Daniel. Margot seemed to have an almost idyllic life with a loving husband and a good job, the only thing lacking was a bit of intimacy, which could be fixed if you worked at it. You could understand that she was bored, or wanted a bit of excitement, but it doesn't explain why she chose to actually leave Lou (or why he let her go so easily).

And Daniel is such a hideous character. He's like a stalker, turning up unannounced at every opportunity (the bit at the water aerobics class was particularly creepy), seducing Margot with his sinister sex talk and generally just being a super lecherous weirdo. How anyone could fall for him is totally unbelievable. Does Polley really think that's what all women want? Ugh.

The only redeeming feature of this film is the fact that it doesn't all turn out well for Margot. She realises quite early on that she has made a huge mistake and there is no going back. You almost have to stop yourself from cheering when Lou makes no bones about not wanting her back. "F--- You, Margot! You lie in that unhappy bed you've made!" you almost scream at the screen. But you know that that probably isn't how you're supposed to feel. You're supposed to identify with Margot, but you only end up disliking her. And that's where the film really fails.