The Last Kiss
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| The Last Kiss | |
|---|---|
 promotional poster for The Last Kiss |
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| Directed by | Tony Goldwyn |
| Produced by | Gary Lucchesi Tom Rosenberg Marcus Viscidi Andre Lamal |
| Written by | Paul Haggis (screenplay) Gabriele Muccino (film L' Ultimo Bacio) |
| Starring | Zach Braff Jacinda Barrett Casey Affleck Rachel Bilson Blythe Danner Tom Wilkinson |
| Music by | Michael Penn |
| Cinematography | Tom Stern |
| Editing by | Lisa Zeno Churgin |
| Distributed by | - USA - DreamWorks - non-USA - Lakeshore Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | September 10, 2006 (Deauville Film Festival & Toronto Film Festival) September 15, 2006 (wide release) |
| Running time | 115 mins |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $20 million |
| Official website | |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
The Last Kiss is a 2006 film which is based on the 2001 Italian film L'ultimo bacio, directed by Gabriele Muccino. The film stars Zach Braff, Jacinda Barrett, Casey Affleck and Rachel Bilson. The screenplay was written by Paul Haggis, and directed by Tony Goldwyn. The plot revolves around a young couple and their friends struggling with adulthood and issues of relationships and commitment. Much of the movie was filmed in and around Madison, WI. As with Garden State, Braff was involved with the film's soundtrack. The first teaser trailer was released on zachbraff.com in mid-June 2006.
Contents |
[edit] Cast
- Zach Braff as Michael
- Jacinda Barrett as Jenna
- Casey Affleck as Chris
- Rachel Bilson as Kim
- Michael Weston as Izzy
- Eric Christian Olsen as Kenny
- Marley Shelton as Arianna
- Lauren Lee Smith as Lisa
- Harold Ramis as Professor Bowler
- Blythe Danner as Anna
- Tom Wilkinson as Stephen
[edit] Plot
Michael and his livein girlfriend Jenna appear to be enjoying the perfect relationship: Jenna is pregnant prior to the opening of the film and her parents are pressuring the pair to get married. Michael, however, claims work pressures and Jenna's dissertation rendered it an inopportune time for marriage. The real reason, unbeknownst to anyone, is that he feels trapped and bored. Although he considers Jenna an ideal companion, Michael is harboring second thoughts.
On a chance encounter at a wedding, Michael meets Kim, whom he confides in about his relationship. Kim guesses he is about to break up with Jenna and becomes flirtatious. While Michael becomes intrigued by Kim's youthfulness, openness, and free-spirit, he does not succumb to temptation. The two part ways with Kim telling Michael where she attends school and where she usually hangs out.
Michael eventually seeks her out but tells Kim he was in the area only because of a client meeting. Kim senses his interest and, while Michael drives her home, invites him to a fraternity party. Michael accepts. Back in the office, Michael constructs an excuse to be away from Jenna on the night of the party. He asks Chris, his friend and coworker, to cover for him in case Jenna calls. Chris suspects Michael has met another woman and wishes to avoid becoming involved, as Chris himself has just left his wife; knowing first hand how painful a breakup can be. Michael denies the existence of another woman and merely says he will 'be with an old college friend'.
After the party with Kim - which Michael says makes him 'feel ten years younger' - the two kiss several times; preceding Kim inviting Michael to her dorm for the night. Guilt over cheating on Jenna prevails over temptation, however, and he refuses. Unfortunately for Michael, Izzy's father (Izzy is a mutual friend to Michael and Jenna) died that night. Several friends and acquaintances, including Jenna and Chris, go to Izzy's home with their condolences. There, Jenna realizes Michael had not been, as he claimed, with Chris. Jenna confronts Chris but Chris refuses to answer her questions, which only fuels Jenna's suspicions that Michael has indeed gone astray.
When Michael arrives home that night, Jenna becomes confrontational: Michael at first denies he was out with Kim, but eventually admits he had seen another woman. Although he points out he didn't sleep with her and that the outing meant nothing, Jenna packs up and leaves their apartment to be with her parents.
Alone, depressed and desperate, Michael receives a call from Kim. Kim apologizes for being demanding earlier and asks him to come over for conversation only. Michael agrees. Upon arrival, the pair immediately become intimate and engage in sexual intercourse. The next morning, Michael tries sneaking away without waking Kim but accidentally leaves his keys behind. Upon his return, Kim demands to know as to why he hadn't said goodbye. Michael tells her simply the he did not want to wake her, as he had to be at work early.
At work, Michael plans on leaving early to seek out Jenna. On his way out, Kim visits his office unannounced, wanting to give him a mixtape CD. Michael confides he still loves Jenna who was, in fact, pregnant with his baby. He apologizes to Kim for not telling her about Jenna's pregnancy and leaves her in search of Jenna.
Michael pulls up to Jenna's parents' home, and Jenna's father gives a stern lecture about commitment and adulthood and offers advice on winning Jenna’s forgiveness. The father urges Michael to be completely honest and never stop trying. Equipped with his wisdom, Michael goes into Jenna's room. On the verge of reconciliation, Jenna asks if he had sex with Kim during the party. Michael says no. Then, remembering her father's advice, he confesses he went back later that night. Even though Michael claims he was only being honest, Jenna becomes inconsolable and storms out of the house and back to their apartment.
Michael follows her back and finds himself locked out. He stakes out the front porch until Jenna agrees to talk. Both day and night, wet and dry, Michael remains at the front door with many neighbors taking notice and some even providing beverages to him. Jenna's father even proceeds to drive by in his car and notices Michael, who sees him. A proud smile develops on his face as he drives off, indicating that Michael has taken his advice seriously. Slowly but surely, she begins to relent, first tossing out a blanket during a cold evening, then dropping off a sandwich the next day. During one evening, Jenna breaks her silence and speaks to Michael through the closed door. She laments about mourning the loss of the relationship like the loss of someone's life. It is unclear how many days it took, but she eventually opens the door and Michael goes inside.
[edit] Reception
Critical reaction to The Last Kiss was mixed. On Rottentomatoes, 44% of the "Best of the best" critics gave the film a favorable review although it received "Two Thumbs Up" on the Ebert & Roeper program (with guest critic Aisha Tyler sitting in for Roger Ebert).
Some lauded the film for its painfully realistic portrayal of relationships for the late 20-something crowd and for its improvement upon the original Italian film. Others praised the film for its humor, dialogue and strong cast and acting.
Yet, many critics felt the film's characters were shallow, stereotypical and unlikeable. Some complained the film paled in comparision to Zach Braff's previous film Garden State. Still, others believed infidelity and graphic sex were unsuitable for the romantic comedy genre.
[edit] Box Office
As of 01 February 2007 the film has grossed US$11,614,790 domestically and $3,444,436 in foreign markets. [1]
[edit] DVD
According to IMDB, The Last Kiss has earned $15.4 million in DVD gross rental revenue as of January 28, 2007. [1]
[edit] Trivia
- It was rumored that Rachel Bilson called for a body double during the sex scenes because she was uncomfortable being nude in front of the camera. Although she did refuse to show her breasts on camera, she wore panties and did still complete the scene without any double.[2]
- Rachel McAdams was the first casting choice for "Jenna" but was forced to drop out due to other commitments. Jacinda Barrett replaced her.
- Michael's staying on the front door for several days is reminiscent of the East German film Die Legende von Paul und Paula (The Legend of Paul and Paula), where Paul is also camping in front of Paula's apartment in order to win her back.
[edit] References
- ^ Box Office Mojo - The Last Kiss (2006). Retrieved 01 February 2007.
- ^ TeenHollywood.com - "O.C. Star Bilson's Horror At Nude Scenes", published 3 September 2006 by the World Entertainment News Network. Retrieved 10 November 2006.
