Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • October 9, 2013 ‘Enough Said’ provides look at middle-age romance by Dennis Seuling “Enough Said” focuses on divorced single parent Eva (Julia Louis-Drey- fus) who visits clients in their homes in her capacity as masseuse. She enjoys her work, but is apprehensive about her daugh- ter Ellen’s (Tracey Fairaway) imminent departure for college. At a party, she meets Albert (James Gandolfini), who is also on the verge of having an empty nest with his own daughter going off to college in the fall. Albert is sweet, gentle, funny, and Eva finds him charming. They go on a date, hit it off, and their relationship deepens. Meanwhile, Marianne (Catherine Keener), a famous poet/author -- and divor- cee -- becomes a new client of Eva’s and soon befriends her. As the women share their thoughts about their lives, children, and former husbands, Marianne can’t stop enumerating how annoying, even disgust- ing, her ex was. Hearing these marriage war stories as Marianne’s confidante, Eva begins to question her own developing relationship with Albert. This romantic drama benefits hand- somely from the relationship between Louis-Dreyfus and Gandolfini. There is definite chemistry between them that makes their characters seem very real, very human. In their scenes together, there is an ease of performance that never smacks of scripted dialogue. It is natural, easy, and sometimes appropriately awkward as the two get to know each other. The “meet cute” scene finds each one declaring that they don’t find anyone at the party attractive, yet they share a similar sense of humor and considerable apprehension about saying goodbye to their daughters. Writer/director Nicole Holofcener often seems to be padding her story with sub- plots that go nowhere, such as Eva’s close relationship with a neighbor’s daughter, Chloe (Tavi Gevinson), and Ellen’s resul- tant resentment. This attachment to Chloe is likely meant as Eva’s defense against empty nest syndrome, but consumes a con- siderable amount of screen time and seems contrived in an otherwise believable story. Though the film leans more toward drama than comedy, its farcical facet is an important part of the unfolding story. The movie’s strong point is the casting. Both Louis-Dreyfus and Gandolfini shine. Gandolfini is especially impressive in contrast with his unforgettable mobster Tony Soprano. His Albert is a gentle giant. He is physically imposing, but sensitive and affectionate. He makes the character instantly likable and, in a deeply sym- pathetic performance, conveys a sweetly rakish manner with an underlying sad- ness. Louis-Dreyfus, who cut her comic teeth on nine seasons of “Seinfeld,” plays Eva realistically without sitcom exaggeration. Her delivery is slower, more deliberate, and thoughtful than her work on “Seinfeld” or, more recently, “Veep.” To the credit of both actress and director, Eva registers as a person, not a mere joke machine. Marianne’s character is not as fully developed as the two leads, but Keener does a credible job as an affluent, some- what famous figure. But buying her as a successful poet is a stretch. Toni Collette co-stars as Eva’s best friend, Sarah, who serves as her sounding board and dispenser of advice. A tired attempt at humor between Sarah and her housekeeper quickly runs Albert (James Gandolfini) and Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) strike up a friendship that leads to romance in ‘Enough Said.’ out of steam. Rated PG-13, “Enough Said” is an uneven picture that provides a sometimes serious, sometimes humorous look at middle-age romance. Director Holofcener is terrific at writing crisp, witty, charac- ter-appropriate dialogue. She does not go for one-line zingers, but works toward revealing character through the words they speak.