From Deseret News archives:
Playing By Heart
Audiences might be a bit befuddled at first, but with an open mind they should have a good time figuring out exactly what the main theme of the film is, and what if any relationships exist between the multitude of characters.
Believe it or not, that seems to be the intention of filmmaker Willard Carroll (1990's "The Runestone"). Throughout the movie, this crafty writer-director keeps throwing in hints and information that gradually adds to the overall mosaic.
Admittedly, all of this is at least 15 minutes too long, and the numerous subplots ensure that some will be superficial. In fact, it could have benefited from having one or two plot threads snipped. But it's hard to argue with any film that boasts a cast of this caliber.
On the surface, "Playing By Hart" appears to follow the romantic relationships between some very different couples. Cooking show host Hannah (Gena Rowlands) has been happily married to television producer Paul (Sean Connery) for years. But when she discovers a hidden photo, it casts doubts on their relationship.
Relationship-phobic stage director Meredith (Gillian Anderson) keeps making excuses for not getting involved with a charming bookstore owner (Jon Stewart). And Hugh (Dennis Quaid) is a pathological liar who, at different times, pretends to be a recent widower, a failed television executive and a bisexual.
As mentioned, the connection between the stories isn't made clear until the very end, though apparent themes include secrets and the consequences of reckless romance.
In addition to the extremely intriguing premise, the film also features some dream couples: Connery and Rowlands are as appealing together as you'd imagine, while the pairing of Anderson and Stewart yields some surprising chemistry.
Some other choices by Carroll are not as successful (the Stowe-Edwards and Quaid bits, in particular), and some of his dialogue is cliched. But the cast is obviously having a ball. (Even Phillippe is good, which could be the film's most startling revelation.)
"Playing By Heart" is rated R for profanity, use of vulgar slang, as well as some lewd dancing, slapping and a somewhat violent romantic rejection.
Comments
Cast: Gena Rowlands, Sean Connery, Gillian Anderson, Angelina Jolie
Find a Movie Theater
- 2A title: Broncos' slippery win 7:33 p.m.
- 1A championship: Rich undefeated 7:29 p.m.
- Few call Venice home 7:27 p.m.
- Volunteers are needed 6:50 p.m.
- News seeks entries for contest 6:49 p.m.
- Fans greet 'New Moon' stars 6:37 p.m.
- Eisenhower home oozes charm 5:54 p.m.
- New designation for Clinton Museum 5:54 p.m.
- Sculptor turns scrap metal into art 5:54 p.m.
- RDP brings family-oriented 'Joyride II' 5:54 p.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- D-Will home for daughter
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Snowstorm hits Utah; 1 dead in crash
- Born of water and the spirit
- GameDay in Fort Worth
- No. 22 BYU holds off pesky Lobos
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
356 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
164 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
129 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - No. 22 BYU holds off pesky Lobos
127 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
105
Trains don't blow their horns to disturb the peace. It's federal law that...
This ethics bill creates a commission that has NO checks or balances. The...
PG, Brighton, LP why are you saying "what if" Bingham played you. Bingham...
I dislike how they use the example of students having to change majors so...
If I dressed like these "stars" did, Id have to kick my own butt
anyones will spot me 45 points.
It works for the US's federal system. I've traveled all around the US and...
What do I have to say? I say the Lobo kicker should have had 8 more points...
Yes, and TCU has scored 38 in one half. Let's see if the yewts can hold them...
How's that crow taste!




You can be the first to comment on this story.