As I was watching this film, I was wondering if there would be a fundamental difference in the way it was viewed by men and women. It seemed very true to life. I would be surprised if the author did not experience some of the film's events firsthand--or at least observe them.
The feel of reality is one of the best things about the film. It helps that the three main characters are played by actors who really inhabit the characters. Just as in life, we see awkward moments and situations where confusion exists.
The film's title could have been Woman/Man. The title XX/XY brings things down to the chromosomal level, suggesting the film is about the basic nature of men and women. Are the differences in the behaviors displayed by the two genders genetically encoded?
Coles (Mark Ruffalo), the man in the triad, says there is "no room for honesty in a healthy relationship." This shows his confusion over what a healthy relationship is. It also might suggest that honesty does not mean the same thing to everyone. Finally, it is an honest appraisal of a truth in many relationships. Not everyone wants the complete truth. And when you love someone, how much are you willing to hurt him if the truth might lead to his pain?
The main question I have about this film is whether or not realness is the only attribute a good film needs? I cannot say any of the characters inspired me.
In the end, we are left with Coles continuing to be ambivalent. Did he change throughout the film? Did anyone? The lesson is, I guess, that it is difficult to deal with your true nature and the true nature of others. Decisions are sometimes made not because they lead to the best of all possible worlds, but because the results of our actions (determined by our natures) lead us to them.
Kathleen Robertson, who plays Thea, is striking. Maya Strange, who plays Sam, reminds me of a cross between Clare Danes and Michelle Pfeiffer. The rest of the cast also do an excellent job.
