Heartbreakers

This sometimes lyrical, sometimes harrowing, exploration of male friendship is unique in its honesty and the fearless, fully revealing perfomances of both its male stars--Nick Mancuso and Peter Coyote. They open both light and dark sides of their characters in relationship to each other and to the women in their lives. Then one women becomes the focus for both, threatening to destroy years of common bonds. In today's more-fortuitous indie market, this haunting little beauty might have had the exposure it merits. It opens a window on man-to-man talk through which few of us are ever allowed to look.

"A frustrated artist and his feckless friend, search for meaning in LA's avant-garde art set. But their friendship is threatened, when a beautiful woman enters their lives. (1984)"

I really love discovering great films like this. I saw a brief description of it in a guide which intrigued me, (see above) and watched it in the early hours of the morning. I've never been to LA during or after the early '80s, but films like this seem to me, to accurately depict things as they were back then. Many people's optimisitic and hedonistic ideals were being crushed towards the end of that decade, due to AIDS, Reganomics, and other factors too numerous to mention. The characters are all well written and acted, even some of the cameos like Max Gail's. Peter Coyote is always excellent in small films like this, especially in Polanski's 'Bitter Moon'(1992), and receives some great support from Nick Mancuso as his long-time friend. Some of the scenes featuring nudity though, do seem unnecessary, and heavy handed. This is one of those movies which doesn't need car chases, or endless explosions to hold onto a viewer's attention, because it's about something most of us are familliar with; People's relationships with each other.

Another film I liked as much as this, with a similar story was 'Twogether' (1994) starring Nick Cassavettes.

this movie is so emblematic of the 80's(such a phony and UNrealistic decade!),it's amazing this movie got made at all.it says so much for the short time it's on screen,that alone was worth my time.i wouldn't get too critical,though.it's all about MOOD.... .if women want to get a "peek" into the male psyche,this would be the way to go.(it's a good thing we don't do this to often)watch the movie and you'll see why.i enjoyed this movie immensely,from the raw production values,great acting (Peter Coyote especially.....BUT not to leave out the Others...)to the great soundtrack.B/T/W...if you buy the soundtrack of this movie by Tangerine Dream,some of the music is NOT on the CD!?!. i feel this movie is (or will be) an American Classic.Thank you, Mr.Roth.

Stylishly directed, very well-acted, offbeat, adult film with good, complex characterizations and a terrific music score that pushes it forward. The only problems are a certain lack of direction (in the sense of destination and purpose), and some implausible scenes (the behavior of the French woman is rather totally unrealistic). Still, the film is never boring and deserved better than it got from the public. (***)

Heartbreakers has been a white whale for me for some time. I saw it several times in the 80s but since then have searched streaming sites and even tried to watch a Spanish dubbed version on MGM. But the new released Blu-Ray finally makes it available with solid picture quality and a clear stereo soundtrack.

The film revolves around the relationship of Blue, a struggling artist, and Eli who is unhappily successful. As the movie unfolds, layers in their relationship including romantic jealousy, a supportive power dynamic, and mutual career jealousy are revealed. The dialog is authentic and honest.

What I value in the film are its exploration of the depth Blue and Eli's friendship and a presentation of both sides of the conflict between art and commerce. In many instances, the characters express writer-director Bobby Roth's conflicted feelings about art and grasping for "success". It's a complicated subject that's handled with nuance and no judgement.

Peter Coyote is excellent as the up and down Blue who revels in life but is also frustrated by his relative lack of success. Carol Wayne, best known for her many appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show as the Matinee Lady in the Art Fern's Tea Time Movie sketches, adds depth to the ensemble as the centerpiece of Blue's art work. Carole Laure is believable as the object of Blue and Eli's affections.

The film is a time capsule of 80s styles and culture. Many of the things you love or hate about that decade are present. The soundtrack of R&B and blues is rudely interrupted by Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield" which sounds like an early mix to the point that it's almost unrecognizable as her.

Heartbreakers is a rare film that explores male friendships, artistic vision and success, and what is ultimately important to each of us in life.