Imagine Me and You could be a very typical chick-flick, but it’s not. Although the love story between the two women is questionable, the film boldly addresses the possibilities of homosexual relationships with comfortable humor to cushion the controversial subject.
The film’s unconventional use of sexuality is refreshing and exciting to see in major cinema; the production embraces the realistic possibilities of love. The obvious buzz on this subject has fallen around Brokeback Mountain, and while Brokeback is brilliantly progressive, Imagine Me and You presents the issue of homosexuality in a more humorous, gentle manner.
London serves as the backdrop of the picture, allowing for classic, wry British humor to lighten the slightly controversial plot of the film. Rachel (Piper Perabo) seems to have the perfect relationship with her long-time beau, Heck (Matthew Goode). Her world begins to fall apart, however, when she spots her wedding’s florist, named Luce (Lena Headey), as she is on her way down the wedding aisle. The two women instantly fall in love.
Rachel and Luce’s relationship simmers along slowly, hitting awkward and clumsy bumps. Their chemistry is faintly believable but far from breathtaking. The film fails to convince the audience of the strength of the lovers’ bond.
Nor does the film cause the audience to form resentment for Rachel’s marital obligation. Heck, Rachel’s husband, is the good guy who essentially gets the raw end of the deal. He was written as the heartbreaking tragic hero, ultimately sacrificing his happiness for Rachel’s perfect ending.
Regardless of the lukewarm “true love” storyline of Rachel and Luce, the movie has some redeeming factors. Above all, the humor is perfectly subtle and off-color. Coop (Darren Boyd), Heck’s best friend, does a remarkable job at keeping the tone of the film light. One character describes Coop modestly, saying, “He’d screw anything, even an open wound,” encapsulating his slutty and arrogant personality. Ned (Anthony Head), Rachel’s father, fills his scenes with an endearing and senile sense of comedy, cast as a sort of middle-class Ozzy Osborne figure. The cinematography highlights a steady sense of English beauty, with striking images of London reappearing throughout the narration of the film. These factors were enough to overcome the mediocre love line and make the film enjoyable.
The film’s casual use of a homosexual bond is worthy of praise, although the connection of Rachel and Luce is questionable. This film fills the void of the quinessential British Romantic comedy while challenging coventional relationship norms.
able. The movie should be praised for breaking the traditional norms that society places on relationships. Imagine Me and You presents the issue of genuine love between two women in a cute and comfortable way, which is a step in the right direction to changing the stereotypical mold of romantic comedies shown in theaters today.
