Heights

Heights is one more of those multiple stories somehow connected kind of films. The biggest problems with suck kind of films is always that the characters are not completely sketched out which was party the case here too. Also, the film after a while gets too predictable. Spanning twenty-four hours, Heights follows these four New Yorkers challenged to choose their destiny before the sun comes up the next day.

At the center of the movie is the about o be married couple Isabel and Jonathan. Isabel is a talented free lancer photographer who is not too satisfied with her career and wants to make a difference. She gets a job but it means postponing the wedding which she at least wants to think of but Jonathan doesn't. Jonathan is himself carrying some secret with him. When Peter comes to town to do a story on a gifted photographer known for bedding his male models by interviewing all the models, he gets in touch with Jonathan as well. Then we have Diane, a famous actress who happens to be Isabel's mother. She knows her husband is having affair with one of the students but there is nothing she is doing about it. During auditions, an upcoming actor Alec catches her interest and she sees in him the passion she craves and invites him to her party that evening. Alec, fearful of his chance at his 'height', hesitantly accepts. All these people meet at Diane's party that night where slowly secrets are revealed and lives are changed. Alec leaves the party early because he has 'plans'. When Isabel leaves the party, she goes to the roof of her building where she meets Alec who is waiting for someone with champagne. Soon she sees Jonathan and Alec kissing and her world is shattered. As it turns out that Alec and Jonathan have been having an affair. She is kinda relieved that now she will be able to take a decision with regards to her impending marriage and move on.

I liked the movie. Though the characters might not have been described in details, it wasn't very difficult to relate to them. You could see Jonathan's frustration keeping the secret inside that he did, Isabel's frustration with her career. Most deep was Alec, because all he wanted was love and commitment. He didn't even care for his career because he loves Jonathan so much that it now hurts him to see him about to get married. The acting is generally understated and simple, with a few intense moments. The musical score could have been more sober. I wish there were some more details on Alec and his relationship with Jonathan but I am just being greedy here.

I would recommend it for some good independent cinema watching. (6.5/10)