Love Is Strange | Tribeca Film Festival 2014

Those who appreciate cinematography and a good love story should go see Love Is Strange. It stars Alfred Molina and John Lithgow as the movie’s leading couple, alongside Marisa Tomei and Cheyenne Jackson among members of their friends and family.

Love Is Strange is the story of George and Ben, an older gay couple who wed in New York after being together for almost 40 years. They are forced to live apart as they sell their apartment and look for a new place to live. Taking refuge in separate friend’s homes, they quickly realise the difficulty of living life without one another.

The elements of film really come together in this piece. Firstly, the shots are either perfectly framed or up close and seemingly bumped into by the actors. This contrast is so symbolic of each scene, with the more designed shots occurring during times of character reflection and thought, while the closer shots capture the intimacy of their interactions.

Secondly, the use of classical music to underscore the movie works to alleviate the heavier conversations, and emphasise the lighter ones. A particularly beautiful scene is of George and Ben walking down a dark street after grabbing drinks; their silhouettes are illuminated by a streetlamp as they converse with one another. As they part to go to their separate temporary residences, a soft piano ballad plays in the background and they kiss goodbye – a true testament to their solid relationship.

An all-round beautiful movie, both visually and conceptually, this film is one to see for romantics everywhere. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly sad plot, there are several great moments of comedy between the close friends and family as they become more intimately acquainted with one another. This film is a modern gem that should become a classic.

Katie George

Love Is Strange is released nationwide on August 22nd 2014, for further information visit here.

Read more reviews from Tribeca 2014 here, for further information about the festival visit here.