P.S.
Directed by Dylan Kidd, P.S. follows Louise Harrington (Laura Linney), a divorcee who works in Columbia University's School of Fine Arts and at first glance seems utterly satisfied with her life. The thirties-odd woman has found success in the workplace, is respected among her peers, and is fairly confident in her own abilities -- yet, she can't help but feel something is missing. When she arranges to interview a prospective student at least 15 years younger than she is, she's shocked to find out he is the spitting image of her high-school sweetheart, an artist who had died in a tragic car accident before they graduated. After the interview, Louise and Scott (Topher Grace) waste no time before getting romantically involved. Their motives aren't entirely clear -- Louise may be longing for her former flame, while Scott could be trying to assure himself a position in the Ivy League by whatever means necessary -- but that doesn't stop them. Elsewhere, Missy (Marcia Gay Harden), Louise's best friend from high school makes a play for Scott herself. Complicating issues further is the looming presence of Peter (Gabriel Byrne), Louise's ex-husband, and her recently sober brother (Paul Rudd). more..
Director: Dylan Kidd
Starring: Laura Linney, Topher Grace, Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, Paul Rudd
Ultimately, p.s. confirms Kidd's talent without expanding it or achieving the comic/dramatic heights of "Roger Dodger."
Fascinating because it require us to see the younger character through two sets of eyes -- our own, which witness an attractive woman drawn to a younger male, and the women's, which see a lost love in a new container.
P.S., adapted from Helen Schulman's novel, is Linney's show, and she makes it hilarious and haunting.
The offbeat screenplay turns even the corny bits in unpredictable directions, and it's rare indeed to see such consistently superb ensemble acting.
Linney remains a full-blooded character so memorable that she's worth watching - even in a less-than-memorable movie.
Best Independent Feature Film Casting
Casting Society of America (2005)
Laura Linney
Mar del Plata Film Festival (2005)
Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
National Board of Review (2004)
Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Satellite Awards (2005)
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