Weekend at the Movies - 5 to 7

    "5 to 7" 2014, Director: Victor Levin

There are so many independent, low-budget movies that get lost in the jungle of mediocre cultural pulp. I am trying very hard not to miss those, which I know would be appreciated by those who do not have such easy access to all movies possible that I seem to have. That is why this weekend I decided to watch "5 to 7" directed by Victor Levin.

The story starts with a young man (Anton Yelchin) who like many before he is trying to find his luck in New York City as a writer. He is fortunate to have wealthy parents who are giving him the freedom to experiment with his future possibilities and put the idea of college education aside for some undefined time. Brian, as a typical aspiring writer, in a few years has collected a very impressive number of rejection letters from the magazines he admires and no promise of ever being published. 

Brian is a bit of a loner, focusing mostly on writing. He said at the beginning of the movie: "In New York, you are never more than 20 feet away from someone you know or you are meant to know." Just when he utters those words, the magical encounter takes place. Brian, 24, meets a 32-year-old French woman, Arielle. She is incredibly sexy, seductive, as well as married with 2 kids. Her name may remind someone of Disney's little siren. However, she lures Brian into her world in a professional way, more like the life-threatening seductive sirens trying to lure sailors in "The Odyssey."

                                                             
She truly is a manifestation of French liberated movie heroine, which made me and my friend watch her every move with envy. Her every move, gesture, the way she smiles, the way she speaks is masterfully constructed to woo the younger and innocent man into the elaborate charade of her married Upper Eastside life.

I do not want to reveal too much of the plot, as I would love you to discover this movie for yourself. It is a skillful combination of Woody Allen' s New York life tricks seasoned with the French lightness of being a subject of love affairs. The cultural and emotional exchange between Brian and Arielle is fascinating, joyful and dark at the same time. 

Berenice Marlohe is perfect for the role of the French lover. Arielle's fashion sense should be a guidance for all those who want to walk and talk the strong language of seduction in style. Cameos of Glen Close and Frank Langella are such a sweet treat. 

If you like New York and dark twists of the French romantic comedies, do not overlook this one!