XX/XY (2002)

Powerful

Memorable, crazy movie

Good concept, poorly executed.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

As I was watching this film, I was wondering if there would be a fundamental difference in the way it was viewed by men and women. It seemed very true to life. I would be surprised if the author did not experience some of the film's events firsthand--or at least observe them.The feel of reality is one of the best things about the film. It helps that the three main characters are played by actors who really inhabit the characters. Just as in life, we see awkward moments and situations where confusion exists.The film's title could have been Woman/Man. The title XX/XY brings things down to the chromosomal level, suggesting the film is about the basic nature of men and women. Are the differences in the behaviors displayed by the two genders genetically encoded?Coles (Mark Ruffalo), the man in the triad, says there is "no room for honesty in a healthy relationship." This shows his confusion over what a healthy relationship is. It also might suggest that honesty does not mean the same thing to everyone. Finally, it is an honest appraisal of a truth in many relationships. Not everyone wants the complete truth. And when you love someone, how much are you willing to hurt him if the truth might lead to his pain?The main question I have about this film is whether or not realness is the only attribute a good film needs? I cannot say any of the characters inspired me. In the end, we are left with Coles continuing to be ambivalent. Did he change throughout the film? Did anyone? The lesson is, I guess, that it is difficult to deal with your true nature and the true nature of others. Decisions are sometimes made not because they lead to the best of all possible worlds, but because the results of our actions (determined by our natures) lead us to them.Kathleen Robertson, who plays Thea, is striking. Maya Strange, who plays Sam, reminds me of a cross between Clare Danes and Michelle Pfeiffer. The rest of the cast also do an excellent job.

Provocative, romantic and real steamy. After Coles(Mark Ruffalo)spies Sam(Maya Strange)on the bus, he meets her at a college party. Coles wants to know Sam better; but Sam wants her close friend Thea(Kathleen Robertson)to join in a three-way sexual exploration...any and every man's fantasy. Boundaries are pushed, lines are crossed and emotions accelerated. Ten years later, the three meet again and each has to decide what to do about their past actions colliding with their current life styles. Thea is married and with her husband owns a successful restaurant. Coles is a rising star in the animation/advertising world and lives with his girlfriend Claire(Petra Wright)of five years. Then there is Sam returning from working in London with an off and on again boyfriend. When Coles runs into Sam, the two rekindle old fireworks. Thea plans a get together for the three college friends/lovers and their significant other at her home on the beach. Coles decides to tell Claire that he is still in love with Sam. Before things can get ugly; Sam arrives late to the meeting expounding on her quickie marriage to her Brit boyfriend. The once carefree Coles has no real choice but to sink into depression. Ruffalo, Robertson and Strange are excellent in their minefield threesome. I just couldn't take my attention away from Robertson. You can't help but have concern for the trio. That's what makes for a good movie...caring about the characters. This rated R flick may not be your cup of organic tea; but it sure sustained my interest.

Austin Chick has done wonders with "XX/XY". It's almost as though he is working in solving a mathematical equation. In the process, he makes us follow the three principals, Coles, Maya and Thea throughout almost ten years to see what become of the characters. Mr. Chick is a film maker in tune with young people, their language, their interplay, and their sexual discoveries. In securing the services of Mark Ruffalo for the pivotal role of Coles, the director is blessed as well with wonderful performances all around. Mr. Ruffalo has become one of the best actors working in the American cinema. He always bring such an intensity to everything he does, but in a subtle and quiet way. We always know what's going on with this man because he expresses everything with gestures that are always right. There's never a moment wrong in Mr. Ruffalo's portrayal of Coles.The story begins in 1993 as the original friends, Coles, Thea and Maya explore their sexual awakenings in unorthodox ways. Coles is the man who lusts after both room mates, but it's obvious that Maya is the one that gets the best of him until their separation.As the story turns to the present time. We see Coles in a relationship with Claire, the 'together' young woman who seems secure enough with Coles never to pressure him into a marriage, because she feels he is committed to staying with her. Their life together suddenly takes a spin with the reemergence of Maya, who has been away in London all these years. Her presence unravels Coles to the point of betrayal to Claire. It is Claire who gets the last laugh as she confronts Coles to tell him how ahead of the game she really is.The last scene is enigmatic. We watch Coles and Claire standing by the door. Coles is trying to hold it open, but Claire succeeds in closing it, and as a chapter in their relationship has ended.The two principals, Maya Strange, as Sam, and Kathleen Robertson, as Thea, are excellent as the college girls that love to have fun. However, one has a feeling that it's Petra Wright, who plays Claire, that gives the strongest performance. Ms. Wright has a luminous aura about her; she overshadows the others. One realizes that Coles needs her and she loves him.Bravo to Austin Chick for a job well done.

Excellent cast and intensity throughout. All characters and situations relatable to the twenty and thirty-something audience and quite believable. I just thought it moved a bit too slowly and felt long. It takes a drastic leap in time in the last half, and the cast pulls it off. But it does slow down the film a bit. Very sexy film.