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Feast for Viewers

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Contributed by: Leslie Nichols-Raith on 9/30/2007

"Feast of Love" is a thoughtful treat for mature viewers (there is quite a bit of nudity and graphic sex so the R rating is definitely earned). Based on the popular book of the same name by Charles Baxter (a National Book Award Finalist), the movie is a faithful recounting of intersecting lives that examine the value of love, how we survive heartbreak, and, how we learn to love again. Like most movie adaptations, there seem to be a few needless changes (like the narrator being combined with another main character and given a new name; but I forgive screenwriter Allison Burnett for this since Morgan Freeman played that character). Overall, the movie remains true to the book's optimistic tone --- and it is that tone of optimism in the face of life's toughest lessons that stays with you.

Directed by Robert Benton ("Places in the Heart" and "Kramer vs. Kramer"), he gives a considerate look at all the characters, even those who run roughshod over other's hearts. He also does an admirable job of capturing the beauty and peacefulness of the night-time scenes that Baxter so memorably painted.

Freeman heads an outstanding cast that includes Greg Kinnear, Jane Alexander Selma Blair, and Fred Ward -- providing more than enough reasons to put this on your "must-see" list. Freeman's credits are too numerous to list but include "Evan Almighty," and an Academy Award for "Million Dollar Baby." Nominated as best actor in "As Good as It Gets," Greg Kinnear could have won "Dad of the Year" for the father in "Little Miss Sunshine" who redeems himself by jumping on stage to provide back-up gyrations for his daughter's lewd dance.

In "Feast of Love," Freeman plays Harry Stevenson, a wise and gentle professor who narrates the story and provides insight and guidance. "Start by appreciating the simple things in life," is Stevenson's initial advice to Kinnear's character, coffee-shop owner and artist Bradley Smith as he mourns the end of his first marriage to Kathryn (Selma Blair playing a woman suddenly attracted to another woman --- channeling her "Cruel Intentions" kiss). One of the more laughable moments in this bittersweet movie is when Stevenson comments that Smith's second wife Diana, played to perfection by Radha Mitchell, at least leaves him for a man.

In addition to Smith's repeated attempts to get love right, the movie chronicles the mature relationship of Stevenson and his wife of many years, Esther (lovingly portrayed by Jane Alexander). This relationship, seemingly so strong in the initial scenes, is actually in crisis due to a family tragedy --- the reason why Freeman's character is so consumed with watching even strangers for signs foretelling future actions.

A third storyline is found in the romance of young Chloe (the beautiful Alexa Davalos) and Oscar (believable Toby Hemingway), workers at Smith's coffee shop. Their characters are street tough yet heart-breaking in their desires for a traditional homelife they have never known. After Chloe learns of Stevenson's grief and applies his words of hard-earned experience to her own life, she becomes the movies most admirable soul: she knew the bad that was coming and still chose love.

Although at times this movie seems just too sad, one of the reasons I liked it more than many critics, is that it mirrors real life --- weddings, funerals, pregnanacies; love beginning and ending and then beginning again. Greg Kinnear's character seems impossibly naive (o.k. totally oblivious) at first, but by the close Stevenson, and most theatre-goers, would rather choose his definition of love over more jaded ones. Through their interactions, "Feast of Love" characters provide community and the way back to love. An added bonus -- the movie boasts a pretty decent soundtrack with songs by The Frames and Corrine Bailey Rae among other notable artists.
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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Leslie Nichols-Raith

Colorado Springs , CO

Leslie Nichols-Raith has posted 10 stories and 2 comments since joining on 8/23/2007. Leslie Nichols-Raith 's average story rating is 5.

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