LIVING OUT LOUD

"It’s an engrossing film, emotionally expansive and full of superb moments of truth. Hunter and de Vito are searingly vulnerable and give riveting performances, and the script generates plenty of drama, comedy and not a little soul searching. From the palpably, painfully real opening scenes to the somewhat wistful ending, Living Out Loud brims with intimate observation; this is a film of close ups (though far from claustrophobic and sometimes virile in its coverage of New York, always wonderfully photographed) and close encounters. Yet there are reservations; some of the editing is confusing, and partly to blame is the use of fantasy sequences – which are otherwise marvellous and entertaining. I found a handful of scenes confusingly placed, throwing the film a little off balance. I also have reservations about husband Bob’s character being a tad one dimensional, but on the whole, the film gives off great vibes. Scenes such as the lesbian nightclub, all of the music and Queen Latifah’s singing scenes are sheer pleasure, as is all of the source as well as original music. Women will empathise, men will shrug. But those are just superficial responses; the film does have more to explore than mere gender rage."
Andrew L. Urban

"There are relatively few American films that are genuinely surprising. Welcome to the irresistible and beguiling Living Out Loud, a studio film that concentrates on the essence of character, rather than contrived situations, and while that is its strength, no doubt distributors would find it tough to market. But no matter, for this directorial debut by eloquent screenwriter Richard LaGravenese is a sexy, smart and droll comedy/drama, allowing star DeVito the chance to deliver his finest performance to date, in terms of its humour and pathos. Holly Hunter is sexy, funny and brilliant in this movie, and the film crackles with interesting characters and a freshness rarely seen in American films. They deliver LaGravenese's beautifully written dialogue with depth and resonance, and his understated direction works in beautifully with his wry comment on contemporary relationships. Also making this film truly special is the wonderful, scene-stealing Queen Latifah, who lights up the screen as a blues singer. There's a particularly special moment in the film, when Hunter and Latifah go to a dance club. Full of truly rich and memorable characters, faultless performances and sequences that alternate between the dryly funny and honest pathos, Living out Loud is a true gem of a film."
Paul Fischer