I've always admired Canadian actor Sarah Polley in her many works over the years in everything from THE SWEET HEREAFTER to the DAWN OF THE DEAD remake, but her two features as director (2006's AWAY FROM HER and her current work TAKE THIS WALTZ) are emotional masterpieces that start out slow and easy but build to an emotional outpouring so profound that nothing can stop them from making you feel raw and drained from your soul outward. AWAY FROM HER is about a seemingly happy couple (Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen, playing it straight but still keeping a low-key sense of humor), who relationship is made shaky when the wife meets an artist in the neighborhood, and the two start what can only be described as an emotional affair (no touching, please).
At first, it seems harmless, but when feeling develop, the world has never seemed more complicated. There are times when you're going to love these characters and other times when you may despise them. But Polley (who also wrote the film) doesn't judge, and the resulting work asks questions about the "grass is always greener…" way of thinking and living. Is a little more passion worth throwing away some familiar and fun? TAKE THIS WALTZ can be a tough film to watch, but if you do, prepare yourself for some of the best performances you'll see all year in one of the most honest and open films about the changing nature of relationships. And if you think you're up for the challenge, I've got a handful of reserved seats for Chicago-area Ain't It Cool News readers.
The TAKE THIS WALTZ screening takes place this Thursday, June 28 at 7:30pm at a theater in Chicago (the location of the screening will only be revealed to winners). Here's how to win…
Send me an email at WaltzChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line "New Things Get Old" (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your Full Name, whether or not you're bringing a Guest (winners may bring ONE GUEST, but guests' names are not required), and the answer to the following question (read carefully): "What was the last movie that made you cry, and why?" Keep your responses BRIEF--limit it to 75 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). People with the most interesting and original answers win. And if you tell me you've never cried in movies, don't even enter. This movie ain't for you. Winners will be notified very soon.
Although this is not an exclusive AICN event, winners' seats will be held until 15 minutes before showtime (7:15pm), at which time any empty seats will be given away. So you should arrive early to make sure you get in and get a good seat. If you can't arrive early, don't enter this contest. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guest will have to back out of attending if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to Magnolia Pictures for giving us this screening.
