Manhattan Romance (2015)

Thanks for the memories!

Such a frustrating disappointment

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

A genuine modern tale. O'Brien takes the role of a gentle and nice guy with strength and depth. He has written dialogue for the messed up of today. His complicated guy actually is one of the most interesting male characters in a contemporary movie. He doesn't fall over for the strong and articulate women and holds his own. Being alone is part of his completeness and he doesn't see it as a problem. He bats off the usual gay slings so pointedly thrown at single guys today without a concern of personal intrusion. And he moves gracefully around complicated sexual people with ease. Scattered throughout are tiny snips of relationships as they fall, rise and find their centres. It's a talky movie and all the better for it.

What a thoroughly enjoyable film Mr. O'Brien has created for those of us that love this genre. I have to laugh at the low IMDb score since, as romantic comedic dramas go, this is just about as good as it gets. Mr. O'Brien's talents as a writer/actor/director are off the charts, as was the performance by Ms. Waterston, who crafted a genuine and spellbinding character that pulls you in and holds your attention. I expect huge things in the future from these two talented performers and can't wait to watch their careers develop. My Wife and I have yet to see Fairhaven, but it is now next up in our cue and expectations are high. If you are a hopeless romantic that enjoys witty, heartfelt dialogue delivered by wonderfully crafted characters, you will love this film. I give it 9 out of 10!

Manhattan Romance is the film I've been waiting for, finally a realistic portrayal of bisexual relationships in mainstream media. I was intrigued by the way each character was struggling with a different aspect of what it means to fall in love! This movie does a great job of demonstrating the different views people have when starting a relationship and that's why it stuck with me! Tom O'Brien who wrote, and directed, the film did a superb job crafting this script. The film, which is about a modern day love triangle set in New York City, had lines that I would find myself saying on a daily basis. The fact that a writer can be so vulnerable is a true testament to his work. I found myself thoroughly intrigued with this film, can't wait to see it again.

'Manhattan Romance' begins with film-maker Danny embarking on a documentary about relationships, which requires him to interview various acquaintances and strangers about their love lives. One of them is a manipulative neo-hippie tease called Theresa, who encourages him to give her topless massages while she talks about her open relationship life-style. Her flirting has Danny anticipating detours into amorous activity, but she keeps putting him off with vague excuses. In between these frustrating encounters, he visits his friend Carla and films her discussing her lesbian romance. When he complains to Carla about his unrequited desires for Theresa, she offers only amused eye-rolls and muted sympathy in response.The film is Tom O'Brien's second feature as writer/producer/director/actor, and his material and input give the excellent cast plenty of space to create intriguing characters. The story takes some interesting twists and turns as Danny zigzags between his project and real life relationships. The boundary separating these two zones becomes increasingly blurred, leaving Danny unsure about his ability to connect with other people. 'Manhattan Romance' delivers accessible, sophisticated entertainment, which is both playful and poignant, before the narrative unfolds to a satisfying conclusion.