Home > Movies > Movie Review > Broken English

Broken English

Parker Posey brightens single in the city drama

By Geoff Berkshire, Metromix

June 22, 2007

Critic's Rating:

• Email
• Print View
• Share
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Reddit
  • Mixx
  • Mister Wong
  • Yahoo Buzz
  • Yahoo
• Add To Favorites
• Add to playlist

Parker Posey didn't earn the nickname "Queen of the Indies" for nothing. After last year's detour into blockbuster territory with a supporting role in "Superman Returns" the actress revisits her indie roots in "Broken English." Although the film treads familiar single-girl-looking-for-love waters, Posey's performance is worth catching.

Posey has one of her most dramatic roles yet as Nora Wilder, a cynical 30-something single living in Manhattan. The closest she's come to a successful long term relationship is the marriage of her two friends ("Sweet Land" star Tim Guinee and Drea de Matteo of "The Sopranos") whom she introduced to each other. Nora hopes her unlucky love streak has come to an end when she meets charming Frenchman Julien (Melvil Poupaud).

It's all a little too much like a dour art house spin on "Bridget Jones" and writer/director Zoe Cassavetes doesn't bring anything fresh to the well-worn material. The simplified message here: you've got to find yourself before you find love (thanks, Oprah!). Even the casting of Cassavetes' famous mother, Gena Rowlands ("The Notebook"), fizzles due to her thankless role as Nora's worried mom.

Fortunately, "Broken English" rests on Posey's assured shoulders and the actress carries the film with a low-key, naturalistic turn. There's not much room for the comedic skills she's best known for (especially in Christopher Guest's films "Waiting for Guffman" and "Best in Show") but the serious change of pace suits her.

Her royal reputation remains secure.

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.