Lantana: DVD & Movie Review (2001) by Christopher Smith

(Originally published 2001)

Ray Lawrence's "Lantana" offers a gripping, spot-on look at Hollywood's most-overlooked demographic--middle-aged adults.

Based on screenwriter Andrew Bovell's stage play, "Speaking in Tongues," "Lantana" is a dark, moody domestic drama structured like a psychological thriller. With its lingering opening shot of an unidentifiable woman lying dead within the prickly branches of a lantana bush, one would think its sole focus would be on solving her death.

But “Lantana” pulls off a nice trick. As much as this woman’s death drives the film, it’s real interest is in exploring the lives that collide because of it.

Set in Sydney, Australia, the film, told in flashback, stars Anthony LaPaglia as Leon Zat, a gruff, cranky police detective whose unfulfilling marriage to Sonja (Kerry Armstrong) has led him into the arms of Jane (Rachael Blake), a needy woman whose troubled marriage to Pete (Glenn Robbins) has ended in a bitter separation.

Sensing her own marriage is falling apart, Sonja makes an appointment to see Valerie (Barbara Hershey), a psychologist whose sexless marriage to John (Geoffrey Rush) hasn't been the same since their 11-year-old daughter was murdered two years before. Convinced John is having a homosexual affair with one of her clients, Valerie lives, like so many of Lawrence’s characters, in a state of denial fueled by fear of the truth--and the paralyzing idea that she’ll find herself alone in mid-life.

With skill and insight, Lawrence interweaves all of his characters seamlessly--he also tosses in Jane's neighbors, Nik and Paula (Vince Colosimo and Daniella Farinacci), whose once unbreakable marriage also nearly crumbles--connecting them to the dead woman while at the same time reinforcing their disconnection to themselves, each other and the world.

As a mystery, “Lantana” is memorable. But as a study in human relationships and the human condition, it’s unforgettable.

Grade: A