Extraordinary Ensemble Performance
Insensitive, wine-sodden reviewers? Limited release? Surely there is an explanation for the unaccountable failure of this unassuming gem of a film, which features one of the finest ensemble performances by a group of heavyweight all-stars that any of us is likely to see again soon.
I believe it was slighted in Toronto. (I should redo my research to get the facts, which I may have wrong.) But I've noticed with dismay over the years that films whose hallmark is mystery and/or subtlety fare quite poorly among the self-consciously hip critics who cover film festivals. There is almost a competition, it would seem, to be seen as the least credulous and most savvy among a set whose groupthink standard is to avoid credulity and emotion at all costs. The big cost, in the end, of such a standard is that many good films get dismissed before they have much chance to find wide distribution.
Between Strangers is a beautiful, powerful, deeply significant film, with first-rate acting, assured direction, and a timeliness that should be scary, if the viewer is paying attention. It's a full-of-wonders fairytale for our troubled age. Ah--that perhaps explains why it lies slowly dying now of neglect.
"We counterfeited once for your disport
Men's joy and sorrow: but our day has passed.
We pray you pardon all where we fell short--
seeing we were your servants to this last." -Kipling, "Actors"