Reel Critics

Van Novack

In Altman-like fashion, director Ray Lawrence has produced an

intricate tapestry of interwoven lives in his latest film “Lantana.” In

an opening reminiscent of “Blue Velvet,” the camera tracks through a

dense flowering shrub (Lantana) and reveals a dark world usually just

beyond our view.

The excellent cast portrays four married couples, each at a crossroads

in their relationship. One such couple is Leon and Sonja Zat. Leon

(Anthony LaPaglia) is a cop and his life is coming apart. He is cheating

on Sonja, is experiencing crippling chest pains and is becoming

increasingly out of control on the job. Sonja (Kerry Armstrong) is seeing

a psychiatrist to sort out her feelings regarding her crumbling marriage.

Sonja’s psychiatrist is Dr. Valerie Somers (Barbara Hershey), with her

own personal demons and troubled marriage. Dr. Somers is married to John

Knox (Geoffrey Rush), a distant and somewhat cold academic.

Andrew Bovell wrote “Lantana” and based it on his stage play “Speaking

in Tongues.” Lantana seems to have a somewhat ordinary setup and has been

marketed as a murder mystery. While this plot device does serve as the

core of the story and ultimately brings the characters together, the

wonderful writing and performances make this picture quite special. Each

person on screen is deeply drawn. These are everyday people suffering

through extraordinary circumstances and conflict. How each reacts to

events has a ring of absolute truth.

“Lantana” received seven Australian Film Institute awards including

best picture. Playing in very limited release, “Lantana” is definitely

worth seeking out. This film deserves, and may well receive, serious

Academy Award consideration.

* VAN NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal

State Long Beach.