The characters' external lives appear to be falling apart, yet for all the supposed "chaos" in the face of California living on exhibition—there is a limiting synchronicity to it all. There isn't any real tension the film confronts. The stellar cast is underworked, but Alessandro Antine Nivola shines above others. Writer/director Lisa Cholodenko peaked in 1998 with High Art; and everything since seems derivative of that truly "high art."

>"I can't control my heart... I wouldn't want to, even if I could." Frances McDormand? Good. Kate Beckinsale? Good. Christian Bale? Good. I think a lot of people will relate to it by wanting to loosen up a bit, but the plot stressed me out as people seem to just fall apart and not care about anything by the end.

A good drama about different persons tied by relations in love but are not free of her desires and attractions to others. In fact what goes even better here is that they all have different views of the way of living. But passions arrive when they are struggling to resist... everyone in different levels. Great realization and very good cast and performances. Loved this!