Heights

REVIEW
In this sort-of undeveloped drama about five self-absorbed Manhattanites, a couple is getting married and the husband-to-be has a very obvious secret, he's gay. Isabel (Banks) and Jonathan (Marsden) are getting married next month. Isabel’s famous actress/director and very much diva mother Diana (Close) can’t help but intrude, perhaps because her own marriage is deteriorating. Upstairs from Jonathan and Isabel, Jesse (Bradford) wants a part in Diana’s play, but he's got something that holds him back (It was obvious to this writer that he's sleeping with Jonathan. I'm not sure the filmmaker intended us to know right away.) And connecting all these disparate threads, Peter is a journalist writing a story on an infamous gay photographer who sleeps with all his subjects. Peter keeps on leaving mesages on Jonathan's voice mail about his nude portrait in the controversial book. Over the course of twenty-four hours all of these people will come to discover they have many truths to face.

Yes, Heights is one of those films where intersecting lives of New Yorkers all merge and in the end we discover how the puzzle pieces fit. The feature marks the directorial debut of Chris Terrio who made some changes to the adapted stage play written by Amy Fox. Essentially focusing on relationships, accented by the arts of photography and acting, the film is similar to last year’s Closer and borrows from many other ensemble dramas, yet still has enough fresh qualities to make it highly satisfying.

The film succeeds admirably in the way it’s written; connecting the characters, but more importantly it succeeds in the way the script is visually conveyed, connecting US to the characters. Elizabeth Banks is exceptional as Isabel, sometimes even stealing the show from the legendary Glenn Close who plays her mother. James Marsden (24th Day) is impressive as well, taking on another gay-themed role and sharing an on-screen kiss with actor Jesse Bradford. The supporting cast is also great to see, including Isabella Rosselini and openly gay musician Rufus Wainwright.

A great looking cast delivering deep performances, beautifully photographed and ending with a surprise gay twist, Heights is a moving drama that many people will find themselves relating to.