Dir. Isabel Coixet , US, 2008, 112 mins
Cast: Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson
Review by Carol Allen
This is based on Philip Roth's novel "The Dying Animal" and its heroDavid Kepesh (Kingsley) is, like several of Roth's characters, acultured, intellectual, highly intelligent man, who is emotionally immature and dominated by his sexuality. Ageing university professorKepesh is something of a media celebrity, hosting television culture shows and promoting his book on the hidden origins of American hedonism. Long divorced with an adult son Kenny (Peter Saarsgaard),who still hates his father for his desertion, Kepesh enjoys a series of carefully controlled short term liaisons with his female students and a comfortable but casual twenty year affair with Carolyn (Clarkson), an independent career woman, who is only occasionally around. But he is
always careful to avoid letting any woman get too close. His closest relationship is with fellow professor George (Dennis Hopper), who is married but equally promiscuous and who acts as his confidant. Until
that is Kepesh becomes involved with Consuela (Cruz), another of his students and they fall in love. But his jealous, obsessive desire to possess her totally combined with his fear of giving of himself soon wreck the relationship, until the film's unexpected dénouement finally forces Kepesh to grow up and face the realities of love, commitment and growing old.
This is an intelligent and well observed character study. Kingsley is very good in the leading role. Not a very likeable man in his selfishness and arrogance but sympathetic and interesting none the
less. His comfortable but self isolating world of books, music and theatre and the ego massage he gets from his teaching and the media spotlight are well observed. Cruz, while looking a bit mature for a student, still convinces as the object of his obsession. She not only looks beautiful but has an intriguing air of self assurance. The sex scenes in this May and December relationship are beautifully and discreetly handled. Along with "Chromophobia" this is one of the best of Cruz's English speaking performances. The supporting roles are also strongly played and Kepesh's relationships with George, Carolyn and his whingeing son Eddie, who also grows up in the course of the film, all ring true. It's a well made, thought provoking and grown up meditation on the themes of love, responsibility, ageing and sexuality, which is not without its surprises.
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