“An Accountant and a Novelist walk into a Hotel” — 28 Hotel Rooms (Ross, 2012)
Byrge (2012) writes in the Hollywood Reporter that ‘you expect to see subtitles when you view 28 Hotel Rooms: It’s the kind of mature relationship film that the French can do so well’.
I TOTALLY agree. I watched it almost IMMEDIATELY after seeing the trailer for the first time.
I HAD TO SEE IT.
I’ve been waiting to blog about it for a week now, as I told myself I needed to get some assessments done (shout out to all procrastinating over the LLD Report we’re writing…).
Alas, I’ve not finished the assessments, but there’s no way in hell I can keep quiet about this gem of a picture for any longer.
First, let me premise this review with the fact that the picture’s got a 2 star rating on Rotten Tomatoes. So, my view is not the norm. Apparently people hate this movie. To those who do hate it: please, just shut up. Leave it alone. Go watch something with Bruce Willis in it. Douchebags. Yep, I said it.
Me? I say it’s sweet, bitter, sour, heart-wrenching and playful all at once.
Ok, so there’s nudity. There’s heaps of sex. But most importantly, there’s some seriously good acting going on. I mean, this is the kind of shit theatre actors have to nail… how do you make small spaces come alive, most especially when you’ve only got one or two other people to play off? ALSO, how do you make twenty-eight sterile, mostly white and always crisp hotel rooms tell a story?! The premise of the film is a feat in itself!
The film stars Chris Messina — (C&J Forever (2012), Away We Go (2009), Argo (2012). I love Chris Messina. He’s hot.
It also stars Marin Ireland — Mildred Pierce (2011), Revolutionary Road (2008) and Rachel Getting Married (2008) oh, and she’s also the suicidal Aryan terrorist from Homeland (2011-2012). That’s a seriously serious (like, totes, serious) resume, if you ask me. Reminds me that I really need to blog about all four series/mini-series/films I just mentioned. C’mon Bouchier, get it together!
Anywayyys…. Messina and Ireland are two professionals who hook up for a one-night stand while traveling for business. Eventually, though, their triste evolves into something more than a mere dalliance. That’s a big surprise to both. And they’re not quite sure what to do — but they both want to keep doing it.
28 Hotel Rooms is a perceptive ‘love’ story. Filmmaker Matt Ross spools out 28 one-night glimpses into their evolving relationship. It arcs from the romp of straight sex to the realization that they both like each other. Then, the personal story deepens with the dilemma that they are both in relationships. Ultimately, do they intend to be together outside the hotel room, and how long can they put off making that decision.
28 Hotel Rooms is enriched by filmmaker Ross’ facility to go against the grain, beginning with the characters: She is a corporate accountant; he is a popular novelist. He is verbal; she is guarded. In essence, easy definitions and expectations are never true in this intriguing portrait of two individuals who in an organic relationship, which itself begins backwards: Sex first, no questions asked. Then friendship, then … what?
Both lovers are attractive and admirable in their individual ways. As the witty and charming novelist, Messina is a perceptive and decent guy. Messina’s shaded performance smartly reveals a dark side, which, or course, appears when he is most fearful of losing ‘whatever it is that we’re doing’. Ireland’s expressive eyes and tentative, glowing smile convey a warm beauty. Yet,like her lover, she hardens when confronted with the realization that she can’t leave her husband. Ultimately and appropriately there is no pat ending or answer to this robust, delicate story.
Ah, it’s just good.
Easy to watch. Easy to get. Hard to walk away from.
If you’re under 18, don’t watch it with your parents.
