Enough Said

I was not prepared for how much I would genuinely enjoy this warm, witty and honest movie. And to think I almost passed on it! I wish I had more time to go into detail in it because it works on multiple levels. The basic premise is this: Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a masseuse and Catherine Keener is a client who constantly complains about her ex-husband, James Gandolfini. What she doesn't know, however, is that JLD is dating Gandolfini, who also doesn't know that Keener is one of JLD's clients. There's also a subplot about JLD's daughter, who's about to leave for college. Enough Said deals with issues like empty-nest syndrome, middle-age dating, and yes, even body issues from the male perspective, with such grace, humor and sensitivity. I remember writer-director Nicole Holofcener from her films in the 90s, and this might be the best thing she's ever done. Gandolfini in particular is a revelation. He carries himself with a quiet dignity and gentleness without sacrificing his masculinity, and it makes me so sad to know that we'll never get to see him in more roles as excellent as this (though I think he made one more film before his death). This is a beautiful film, the kind every romantic comedy should aspire to. See this movie, I urge you.