LFF 2013 - Enough Said

Earlier this year, both the cinematic and television community lost one of its kindred spirits in James Gandolfini. A man known for his iconic role in The Sopranos, the actor also gave some brilliant turns on the big screen, with Zero Dark Thirty and Killing Them Softly among the most recent. Despite his untimely demise, Gandolfini is present once again on the screen, co-starring in romantic comedy Enough Said, with Julie Louis-Dreyfus; in what is a beautiful penultimate film for the big man.

Eva (Dreyfus) is a masseuse whose everyday life involves massaging clients whose habits and obsessive chatter only depress her. To boot, she is a divorced mum whose fondness for the opposite sex seems to have waned with age, despite the impending loneliness of her daughter heading off to realms elsewhere for further education. Cue a visit to a party, where she meets Albert (Gandolfini), a man very similar to her; he too is divorced and has a daughter of the same age. Despite their insistence on being attracted to nobody at the party, the pair soon strike up a liking for one another and begin to date.

As things appear to go well, Eva also befriends poet Marianne (Catherine Keener), a woman whose penchant for explaining the imperfections of her ex-husband soon result in a big revelation: Albert is, in fact, Marianne's ex-husband.  Hearing this negativeness, Eva's doubts begin to creep in over the man she has fallen for. Will she continue the relationship? Or will the secret be revealed and all be lost?

It's fair to say that if this was Gandolfini's final bow in film then everyone would be smiling from ear-to-ear and shouting his praises to the high heavens. That's because Enough Said is a pure, unadulterated delight of a film; one that possesses a huge heart and shares the love and laughter between its cast and the audience.

It all resonates from the sheer electric chemistry brought to life by Dreyfus and Gandolfini. From the offset, where they meet at the party, the exchanges are brutally honest and, for the most part, utterly hilarious, only evolving into a caring thoughtfulness for one another. Their every exchange and delivery garners a reaction from the audience, whether it be a fond smile, a cry of laughter or, even at times, the sign of a tear - such is the brilliance of their pairing and their playing off one another.

With both on supreme form and helping to hammer home two very relatable individuals, the film only excels further as the minor characters get involved. Catherine Keener's unaware ex-wife is a nice subtle character thrown in for a spanner in the works, while Toni Collette and Ben Falcone have fun portraying the married couple who have plenty to say about the wrongs and rights of marriage.

Enough Said certainly nails the romantic comedy category with every inch of its personality but it also delivers plenty of messages along the way. Whether it be relating to the evolution of relationships, family or personalities, Enough Said simply has enough to say about everyday life and the trials and tribulations it brings.

This is one film you will come out of absolutely beaming, with Gandolfini's memory living strong through what is a hugely accomplished and funny performance. Tackling mid-life relationships and everything in-between, Enough Said is certainly one of the most warming and comforting films in recent times and leaves that wonderful feeling with you long after you exit the auditorium.

Imagine what a huge hug from the late James Gandolfini would have been like and this is the feeling you will have after watching Enough Said. Heart-warming, comforting and ultimately unforgettable, this is James Gandolfini at his best and a really wonderful delight. May he live long in the memory.