Two Girls and a Guy Review
by Chad Polenz (ChadPolenz AT aol DOT com)April 30th, 1998
Two Girls And A Guy
Chad'z rating: **1/2 (out of 4 = OK/average)
1998, R, 92 minutes [1 hour, 32 minutes]
[comedy/drama]
starring: Robert Downey, Jr. (Blake), Heather Graham (Carla), Natasha Wagner (Lou); produced by Chris Hanley, Edward R. Pressman; directed by James Toback.
Seen April 24, 1998 at 9:25 p.m. at Crossgates Mall Cinema 12, theater C, with Casey Rivers, using Hoyt's Movie Cash. [theater rating: ***: good seats, sound, and picture]
When a film goes out on a limb and does something unique it's an effort worth giving credit for. However, credit and quality are separates issues as one does not necessarily equal the other. "Two Girls And A Guy" demonstrates this notion by using minimalistic storytelling to carry an entire movie, but often seems too caught up in its niche to use it properly.
The story starts off simple and never really expands beyond its basic premise, which is set into motion just as soon as the opening credits disappear. We meet two young women: Carla (Graham), an upright, professional blonde; and Lou (Wagner), a streetwise brunette, as they wait outside an apartment building for their respective boyfriends. After an encounter with a wannabe-player, the two begin to talk and realize they are dating the same man, Blake (Downey, Jr.). He's a struggling actor whom both had considered to be a bit mysterious, but never realized how easily they had been duped until now. They decide they must brandish Blake with a vengeance of some sort and proceed to break into his spacious loft and wait for him inside.
Establishing a story is one of the most crucial elements to filmmaking and the way this film does this is symbolic of the way it works (or fails to). The first scene on the steps of the building is rather awkward, as the attempt at humor through confrontation with a generic, cartoonish character shows little promise for originality. Add to that the weak dialogue and performances which makes the film seem like a teenage-oriented sitcom. Listening to the characters ramble on about nothing is quite annoying, however, once the story is given something to focus upon it begins to improve.
And so the film manages to stretch what could be a 2-minute sitcom bit into a an entire act. This does provide for some characterization on behalf of Carla and Lou and we learn a great deal about Blake simply through their stories about him. He has said and done the same things to each at same general time. Each thought they were the only woman he ever "loved" (not including the raunchy-but-funny terms which mean the same thing in GenX-speak). At times it's hard to believe they could have been so gullible, but once Blake enters the picture, we begin to understand why. Blake is an actor who takes his profession seriously and tries to justify himself by saying he believes he fell in love with both simultaneously. But is he being sincere or is he acting? This idea is brought up continuously throughout the picture and provides for a semblance of theme.
Writer/director James Toback wrote the screenplay specifically with Downey in mind (after his recent trouble with the law), and it's amazing to watch him absorb the script and atmosphere and deliver such a superb performance despite the limits he is forced to work with. Downey is so good he completely upstages Graham and Wagner which also hinders the script. The confrontation scenes are at least interesting as performed, but to listen to the words and consider the actions that take place, it doesn't make much sense. Carla and Lou are angry with Blake and they have every right to be, but why does Blake not seem to care? Why is there a gratuitous sex scene in the midst of such hostility? And most importantly, why do they stay at his apartment as long as they do when they are clearly fed up with him? That question never seems to be answered, which is surprising since it's the niche to the film.
Even if "Two Girls And A Guy" falters with its story, it's worth commending for the way in which it is told (almost entirely in real-time with one setting). Unfortunately, it's just another case of style over substance.
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