Playing by Heart

Director: Willard Carroll Willard Carroll

Overview

This film weaves together interlocking stories about finding love in Los Angeles. The film's theme is spoken by young club-hopper Joan. Taken by the mysterious Keenan, she tells him that "talking about love" is like "dancing about architecture," meaning speech is not the medium to express the details of love.

Product Details

Release Date:	07/27/2021
UPC:	0191329202739
Original Release:	1998
Rating:	R
Source:	Miramax
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language:	English
Time:	2:00:00

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Gillian Anderson	Meredith
Sean Connery	Paul
Ellen Burstyn	Mildred
Gena Rowlands	Hannah
Angelina Jolie	Joan
Anthony Edwards	Roger
Ryan Phillippe	Keenan
Dennis Quaid	Hugh
Jay Mohr	Mark
Jon Stewart	Trent
Madeleine Stowe	Gracie,Actor
Matt Malloy	Desk Clerk
Christian Mills	Phillip
Kellie Waymire	Jane
Patricia Clarkson	Allison
April Grace	Valery
Tim Halligan	Director, Cook Show
Michael Emerson	Bosco
Nastassja Kinski	Melanie
John Patrick White	Pete
Alec Mapa	Lana
Jeremy Sisto	Malcolm
David Clennon	Martin
Amanda Peet	Amber
David Ferguson	Drag Queen
Joel McCrary	Bartender, Drag Bar
Worthie Meacham	2nd Drag Queen Performer
Michael Buchman Silver	Max
Hal Landon Jr.	Actor `Commissioner'
Marc Allen Lewis	Actor `Harpagon',Waiter
Ron Boussom	Actor `Jacques'
Daniel Chodos	Actor `Anselme'
Jim Abele	Doctor
Chris Conner	Harry
Marcus Printop	Trumpet Player
Larry Antonio	Bass Player
Tom Chuchvara	Drummer
Robert English	Saxophonist
Ryo Okumuto	Pianist
John Barry	Composer

Technical Credits

Willard Carroll

Willard Carroll	Director,Producer,Screenwriter
Dan Bradley	Stunts
Guy East	Executive Producer
Paul Feldsher	Executive Producer
Meg Liberman	Producer,Casting
Nigel Sinclair	Executive Producer
Bob Weinstein	Executive Producer,Executive Producer
Tom Wilhite	Producer,Producer

Editorial Reviews

Willard Carroll's uneven but disarming L.A. tale does nothing new for the ensemble drama, and some of its actors come off better than others, but it remains heartfelt and suffused with noble intentions. The multi-character story line lacks the bravura touches of similar efforts by such directors as Robert Altman and Paul Thomas Anderson, but thankfully the film doesn't really aspire to be more than it is, which makes it more enjoyable than a more pretentious effort might be. The highlight of the fine cast is Angelina Jolie; her spirited and touching performance enriches the film's most intriguing story line, which depends almost exclusively on her undeniable spunk and appeal. Other plot lines are less effective (especially a nearly unnecessary AIDS tale that feels instantly dated and overly sentimental), and Carroll's writing sometimes lacks the assurance it needs to truly convey its points about fate and happenstance, but the film is agreeable entertainment throughout.