Humans deal with the loss of a loved one in many different ways. Some press on and act as if nothing happened. Some go into the normal steps of denial, anger and depression. And some, like Wilson Joel (Philip Seymour Hoffman), deal with it the only way they know how: escape.
After his wife commits suicide, Wilson tries to move on for a time, but finds it unbearable. While attempting to find a comfortable place to sleep in his now-empty house, he finds a letter from his wife. Inside may be the reasons why she killed herself. It may ease his pain or be a spear in his heart. Whatever is inside, Wilson can’t bear to open it. He doesn’t throw it away but rather he carries it everywhere, trying to decide what to do with it and with himself.
He then finds solace in huffing gasoline, which allows him to escape into a blurry, comfortable world. When a co-worker asks why he constantly smells like gasoline, he replies that he’s into remote control planes. That co-worker decides to help Wilson socialize again by announcing that she has a brother-in-law who is also into RC and she pairs them up. Suddenly, Wilson has to rush out and buy a model plane and the assorted gadgets that go with it in order to cover his addiction.
Wilson’s mother-in-law (Kathy Bates) wants him to open the letter, constantly badgering him to do so. Wilson doesn’t know what to do, but finds his life slowly spiraling out of control. He hits the road in a search for what’s gone from his life.
Love Liza is not an easy film to digest. For that reason, I found myself really not being upset with it for being sketchy with the details of Wilson’s decline or why Liza loved him so much and vice versa. The only standout reason to see the movie is the performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman’s brother, Gordy, wrote the script and, I would assume, decided that his brother should play the role of Wilson. He certainly plays to Hoffman’s ability to play eccentric loners and enthusiastic weirdos. Wilson is very similar to Allen, Hoffman’s character in Todd Solondz’ Happiness.
For those who like movies that challenge their ideas and notions about humanity, Love Liza is a perfect film to watch. Those who like their movies with neat and tidy endings might want to seek entertainment elsewhere.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Buy on Amazon!
