| Director James Toback has made some very interesting films – most notably Black and White (a dizzying, largely improvised film about middle-class white folks’ obsession with urban street culture) and the hugely underrated, sexually provocative Two Girls and a Guy (starring the ever-watchable Robert Downey Jr.). When Will I Be Loved is a culmination of the two, completing a weird Toback trilogy of sorts. It’s also the best of the three.
Neve Campbell is astonishing in her turn as the almost sexually sociopathic Vera – a woman who is on a journey of self-discovery. Her sleazy, hustler boyfriend Ford (Fred Weller) has made a deal to allow an Italian count (Dominic Chianese) to sleep with Vera (a woman who, apparently, had previously and unknowingly captured the count’s heart), for $100,000. Ford needs the money to start up a talent agency and convinces Vera (in one of the best monologues written for film in years) that the act will benefit her in her life quest. She agrees and, holy shit, does she do a number on both of them.
When Will I Be Loved is a bold film that explores themes of sexuality both intellectually and compassionately. Favouring a voyeuristic feel rather than an exposition-based narrative, Toback’s camera lingers a little too long in some scenes, making the audience feel uncomfortable at times, as though we may have outstayed our welcome. But that’s Toback’s style – he really cares about his cast and their performances, and lets them explore and discover truthful, private moments themselves. It’s in these moments that the characters’ true intentions become known and it’s fascinating to watch.
That said, the movie does have an Indecent Proposal feel hovering around in the theme department, and in the third act we are asked to take a pretty big leap of logistical faith – a leap that is the only way to make the film’s payoff work. It’s not the best or tidiest way to arrive at the climax, but it is worth it. Besides, if When Will I Be Loved has the gusto to be fearless so many times and in so many ways, asking the audience to just go with it at the end is a small price to pay. |
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