Willa's Flic Pic: Love Liza * * * *

Love Liza
2002, Todd Louiso
Drama
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Mary Ann Bankhead: What did she say?
Wilson Joel: You wanna read it? Go ahead.
Mary Ann Bankhead: It doesn't have my name on it.
Wilson Joel: Yea you're right. It doesn't.
Mary Ann Bankhead: But if it did I would open it, because that's what she wants.
Wilson Joel: Wanted. What she wanted.
Mary Ann Bankhead: And you refuse to honor that.

There are certain moments in life that can only be experienced alone. No matter how excruciatingly painful, no one can go with you and no one can relieve your suffering. This is true in the death of a loved one. In the beginning visitors, calls and duties barrage you. Friends bring food and offer, "If there's anything I can do." Family hangs about trying to help with details. Phone calls are made and taken. Papers are signed and gathered. But the moment the service is over, the calls die down, and family goes home, you are left utterly alone. There is nothing and no one that can help you through this time. This is where Love Liza picks up.

Wilson Joel (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has just lost his wife, Liza, to suicide. We learn it was by sitting in their closed garage with the car running. She left him a sealed note that he carries around but can’t bring himself to read.

This is a very moving film. Hoffman gives a fantastic performance of a vulnerable man who has helplessly lost the woman he loves. You care so much for the character and want things to get better for him but you are equally helpless to intervene for him.

This is also an uncomfortable film. You are invited into someone's most intimate and personal struggle. Joel keeps his grieving so private from those around him that, as a secret witness, you feel invasive. Love Liza places you where no one goes except the grieving person, which makes this a very real experience.

This is not a date movie or a casual Friday night rental. But it is a movie you will highly appreciate. If it encourages you, it does have a positive ending, though it's open for interpretation based on your experience of the film.

The screenplay, written by Hoffman's brother, Gordy, won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. This was Todd Louiso's first directorial project and it was brilliant. I look forward to more of his work. You may recognize him from his acting roles in Jerry McGuire and High Fidelity.