Walking and Talking

Catherine Keener (as Amelia) spends the opening scenes putting down everyone in her life. She doesn't like best friend Anne Heche (as Laura)'s engagement ring. She calls video store geek Kevin Corrigan (as Bill), who wants to date her, "The Ugly Guy". She repeatedly calls ex-boyfriend-turned-friend Liev Schreiber (as Andrew) an ass----, for enjoying telephone sex. Her cat has cancer. And, her kitchen sponge stinks.

Intriguing character study, from writer/director Nicole Holofcener. Ms. Keener's "Amelia" seems to have a lot going for her; she is funny and attractive, and, she manages to keep friendships while being excessively judgmental. Things may have started going wrong for her when roommate Heche moved in with boyfriend Todd Field (as Frank). Mr. Field becomes another supportive friend, however. Although Keener is cranky throughout, she eventually proves to be an interesting, supportive friend.

The performances are all terrific. Mr. Corrigan may be most memorable, as the horror movie geek Keener labels "The Ugly Guy"; watch for an outstanding scene as he overhears a message on Keener telephone answering machine. Some back-hair might have helped him look more ugly, though. Then, again, hairier Rafael Alvarez does seem prove excessive hair isn't so ugly. Wonderfully ironic to see Randall Batinkoff (as Peter) play a waiter so well, and an actor so poorly. "Walking and Talking" manages to be a story about meaningful friendship without being terribly meaningful.

****** Walking and Talking (1996) Nicole Holofcener ~ Catherine Keener, Anne Heche, Kevin Corrigan

"Walking and Talking" is a slice of life flick which focuses on two thirtyish female best friends (Heche & Keener). A dialogue-intensive plotless situational relationship light comedy, "W&T" offers good performances, a lively script, and a variety of situations with which thirtyish guys and gals will be able to identify. An enjoyable way to wile away 1.5 hours.

Amelia (Catherine Keener) is a very needy person. Therefore, losing her childhood friend Laura (Anne Heche) as a roommate has been tough. Laura has moved in with her boyfriend and is on the verge of becoming engaged. That hurts, as Amelia has not had good luck with men. She is forever phoning her best friend, nevertheless, for advice and for support in coping with life's problems, from a sick cat to a former boyfriend/pornography addict (Liev Schreiber). Laura, a counselor, does her best to be available for Amelia, but wedding plans and minor tifts with her intended leave her with less free time than ever. Will Amelia learn to just stand on her own two feet, for goodness sake? This is a quietly thoughtful film about friendship and its boundaries. Keener is wonderful as the friend who relies on others to help her through life's ups and downs. Even the most cherished friendships need room to breathe and Amelia has to learn this the hard way. Heche is likewise very fine as the beautiful lady who appears to have it all but may, in fact, have some flaws, too. Todd Field is great as Laura's fiancé and Schrieber gives a nice turn as a commitment phobic, sexually obsessive addict. All of the production necessities, from costumes to sets to direction, are quite nice. Then, too, the script is quirky, funny and original as well. No, this is not a thrill-a-minute adventure, so those who eschew slower paced, dialogue-driven films will want to skip over this one. Yet, if you adore romantic dramas brimming with life, humor, and important statements, here is the film you've been looking for. Walk to the nearest video outlet and peruse the shelves until you grasp this little gem in your hands.

There's not an unusual amount of walking in this flick, but it has all the talking you'd care for. So if movies that are in the 'thirtysomething' mold aren't to your liking, don't stop here. (The star, Catherine Keener, even looks like she'd fit in perfectly on that TV show.) On the other hand, if you like nothing better than a film that revolves around characters and their relationships, I don't think you'll go wrong giving this one a try.

How you feel about the film will of course be determined by how much you care for the characters, and I found them likeable enough to give it a positive rating. Amelia (Keener) is the confused one here, who doesn't want any more than a platonic relationship with her longtime male friend, and can't figure out why she can't get a worthwhile relationship going with any other man. Her best friend from childhood is Laura (Anne Heche) who seems to have everything that either of them wants as far as a relationship goes. Laura is soon to be married, which doesn't help Amelia's frustration any.

The movie doesn't ever get overly serious about things and stays enjoyable throughout. Keener is fine in her role and Heche seems to do well in every film she's in. This is a strong first-time effort by the writer/director, Nicole Holocener. I think she made the film she set out to do. It will be interesting to see if in the future she has anything more or different to say.

A lovely little movie, with fine performances, a real feel-good indie movie. Catherine Keener (so vastly different in "Being John Malkovich"!) is wonderful, playing the insecurities of her character to great effect (the scene where she stalks the video store clerk is fabulous, as is her reluctance to put her cat down). Anne Heche is - as always - on great form; and Liev S is very good too. A lovely little movie, often a little too low-key for its own good. It never demands too much from the viewer and as a result reaps all the awards. Recommended viewing. Enjoy!