Charlotte Sometimes
Charlotte Sometimes
 ***½   (Not Rated )
Reviewed By Vittorio J. Carli
Director  Eric Byler
                                                                   Starring
    Michael Idemoto
Jacqueline Kim Eugenia Yuan
Matt Westmore

30 second bottom line:  "Charlotte Sometimes" is a decidedly adult art film with a predominately Asian American cast. It's about a love affair between the mysterious and enigmatic writer, Darcy (Jacqueline Kim), and an introverted auto mechanic named Michael (Michael Idemoto). His tenant, Lori (Eugenia Yuan) constantly makes love with her boyfriend and then visits Michael for conversation.   What is the true nature of the relationships between the main characters?

Story Line:  Michael Idemoto received a garage as part of his inheritance, but he would rather read literature than work on cars. His tenant Lori has a fiancée named Justin (Matt Westmore). But there seems to be a close bond between Michael and Lori and their banter and longing looks have sexual overtones. It's clear he's secretly adores her, and she revels in his worship. Lori tries to fix Michael up with a woman but she declines. Later, he encounters Darcy in a nightclub, and he finds her mysteriousness and sensuality intoxicating. She is a strong willed woman who tends to make her own rules and this is appealing to the more conservative Michael.  He falls for her quickly, but she needs to leave town soon for yet to be explained reasons. Darcy proposes that they make love in order to get to know each other quickly, but he declines all "shortcuts." She secretly has a dangerous covert agenda that reveals itself before the end of the film

Tell me more about it:

The film has garnered many critical kudos. It received two Independent Spirit nominations, and it won for best narrative feature at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. It also made Jonathan Hickman's top 10 list for 2002, and it was shown at Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival.

The somber, introspective mood of the film is perfectly supported by the somber, introspective songs on the soundtrack.  A highlight includes the "Charlotte Sometimes" track, which was originally done by new wave/proto Goth band, the Cure.  The film's lead actress, Jacqueline Kim, radically redefines it. Both the song and her performance as a femme fatale with a difference are revelations.

Revealing too much about the film would ruin it. Much of its power comes from its freshness and the viewer's sense of discovery.

"Charlotte Sometimes" has the slow pace of a European or Asian art film, and it may be too slow for some viewers. But it's worth the patience and effort.

It also is reminiscent of Wong Kar Wai's "In the Mood for Love. " Both of these low budget, elegant films build, culminate slowly, cast a spell, and stay with the viewer.

Not Rated- for mature audiences
Vittorio J. Carli © 2003