Hiatus Editor
3.5 stars
Now playing at Madstone Theaters (Opens Aug. 1)
Asian American filmmakers are making a splash in the independent film world and asserting themselves as talented artists with acclaimed films like Justin Lin’s “”Better Luck Tomorrow”” and Chen Kaige’s “”Together.”” Within this flood of Asian American talent, the film “”Charlotte Sometimes,”” written and directed by Eric Byler, may be one of the most unique in its clever depiction of psychological intrigue, silent yearning and violent love.
“”Charlotte Sometimes”” tells the oft-told tale of a love triangle where a lonely man pines for a woman who is in love with another, yet comes to him for platonic friendship. The poor sap in this case is the young, intelligent mechanic Michael, (Michael Idemoto) and his unattainable love is the small and girlish Lori (Eugenia Yuan). Tortured by the sounds and presence of Lori and her boyfriend (Matt Westmore), who are also his tenants, Michael eventually meets a mysterious and beautiful stranger named Darcy (Jacqueline Kim), who presents him with desire and choices that question the life he finds so comfortable.
Not your typical romantic hero, Idemoto is the perfect struggling Korean American, dealing with his strict traditional upbringing and strange growing obsessions. He pulls off the sweet and kind guy friend role with Lori, while at the same time maintaining his charming and sexy image when he’s with Darcy. Michael’s very beliefs and convictions change and develop throughout the film and shine through Idemoto, who is natural and smooth in his portrayal of the lovesick, but in-denial Michael.
The supporting cast is for the most part equally talented with a single exception: Yuan. For being the desired girl, she leaves it a mystery why Michael would be in love with such a shallow and insipid girl. Sure, she has a pretty face and a small feminine voice, but what else? It is Kim who sets herself apart as the smart, clever, bohemian and mysterious Darcy, whose charisma gives the film its aura of secrecy and loneliness. Although not a stunning beauty, her presence is magnetic and so is her portrayal of Darcy. As for Westmore, no one can play a sleazy scumbag boyfriend like this guy can.
Shot in digital video, the film has a gritty and realistic feel that adds to the drama and the slow, natural action. There’s none of that wimpy Hollywood softness in the love scenes of “”Charlotte Sometimes.”” Instead, they are dark, sweaty, painful moments full of intense pleasure and pain that are sprinkled throughout the film, which give its strong narrative a good deal of realism.
Although much of the story is not explicit, the implied connections, relationships and feelings are still extremely clear and give this film a distinctive feel that complements its talented cast and exceptional filming.
