Perennially jealous Eric Stoltz (as Lester Grimm) is an aspiring writer and substitute teacher. He finally meets the right woman – Brooklyn art museum tour guide Annabella Sciorra (as Ramona Ray). She's a little clumsy, but very pretty. They make a great couple, but Mr. Stoltz is unnaturally jealous of Ms. Sciorra's old boyfriends – especially successful writer Chris Eigeman (as Dashiell Frank). To learn more about the man, Stoltz joins Mr. Eigeman's group therapy, posing as his friend Carlos Jacott (as Vince). They become friends. Further complicating matters, Mr. Jacott joins the group posing as another character. Although they pretend to be each other, "Vince" and "Leo" contribute nicely...
This story of relationships and jealousy is largely the work of writer/director Noah Baumbach. Characters are very well-played, but we do not care about their pairings. Stoltz could have hooked up with Marianne Jean-Baptiste (as Lucretia) or John Lehr (as Lint) for all it mattered. "Lint" had no luck, but he showed everyone's name pointed to their purpose. Director Peter Bogdanovich appropriately appears as "Dr. Poke". Narration seemingly inspired by Woody Allen and/or Francois Truffaut is a dead weight on the proceedings, but soundtrack music by Dean Wareham and Luna helps. Obviously skilled, Mr. Baumbach has succeeded in making a good film – but, one that it's difficult to like.
***** Mr. Jealousy (9/11/97) Noah Baumbach ~ Eric Stoltz, Annabella Sciorra, Chris Eigeman, Carlos Jacott
This story of relationships and jealousy is largely the work of writer/director Noah Baumbach. Characters are very well-played, but we do not care about their pairings. Stoltz could have hooked up with Marianne Jean-Baptiste (as Lucretia) or John Lehr (as Lint) for all it mattered. "Lint" had no luck, but he showed everyone's name pointed to their purpose. Director Peter Bogdanovich appropriately appears as "Dr. Poke". Narration seemingly inspired by Woody Allen and/or Francois Truffaut is a dead weight on the proceedings, but soundtrack music by Dean Wareham and Luna helps. Obviously skilled, Mr. Baumbach has succeeded in making a good film – but, one that it's difficult to like.
***** Mr. Jealousy (9/11/97) Noah Baumbach ~ Eric Stoltz, Annabella Sciorra, Chris Eigeman, Carlos Jacott