Rewind: ‘Take This Waltz’ Review
Stars: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby, Sarah Silverman, Jennifer Podemski, Diane D’Aquila, Vanessa Carter, Graham Abbey | Written and Directed by Sarah Polley
Opening on a soft focus into a kitchen, Margot (Michelle Williams) is busy baking something. While the light shining through the window gives the scene a cosy feeling, this seemingly perfect scenario is contrasted by the unsatisfied look on the lead’s face. Writer/Director Sarah Polley uses this interesting opening to draw viewers into Take This Waltz and question what has resulted in the unfolding scenario.
While she is abroad for work, freelance writer Margot makes a charming connection with artist and rickshaw driver, Daniel (Luke Kirby). She is upfront about being married to Lou (Seth Rogen), her loving husband of five years, although the momentary spark is troubled by the revelation that Daniel lives across the street from the couple.
A lesser film would have mistakenly made the unfolding drama “easier” by villainizing one person in this love triangle. Yet, Polley avoids such things by approaching it in a nuanced way. The comfortable married life is depicted wonderfully, full of small quirks that make Lou and Margot’s relationship feel so unique and lived-in. Their domestic life is shaken by Margot’s moments with Daniel, as a charming chemistry is evident between the artist afraid to show his work and the writer stuck with assignments that she does not want.
Central to it all is Williams’ effective performance, capturing the momentary melancholy of Margot as she sees the diverging paths before her. Her closeness to Lou’s family leaves more at stake than just her marriage, as she wonders whether it is worth giving up on stability for an uncertain future. These inner feelings are conveyed through sequences that contrast with reality while excellently using music, with the best instance being a fairground ride set to Video Killed The Radio Star.
As for the love interests, Rogen offers warmth as the good-natured cookbook author who cannot see a future without Margot, while Kirby is a pleasant presence as the man who cannot help who he has fallen for. What Polley has captured is a saddening look at the messiness of relationships, where what was once fresh becomes routine as the spark disappears. Take This Waltz is a thoughtful feature made by an exciting voice in contemporary cinema.
