Laws of Attraction  (2004)

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore
Director: Peter Howitt

Rating: PG-13

Studio: New Line Cinema

Release Date: 04.30.04

Review Posted: 05.04.04

By Rachel Sexton

Brosnan, Moore Make Delightful Team

Maybe it’s just me, but Pierce Brosnan seems to only grow more attractive as the years pass. I’m surprised that he hasn’t been offered or taken a leading role in a romantic comedy before, but if Laws of Attraction shows anything, it’s that he can easily accomplish these roles and should do them more often. This film also features some refreshing romantic comedy elements. Laws of Attraction is a more memorable romantic comedy than most because of a convincing love story, effective comedy, and solid lead performances.

Laws of Attraction stars Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan as Audrey Woods and Daniel Rafferty, respectively, two New York City divorce attorneys. They find themselves as courtroom opponents many times. Then, while on opposite sides of a major case involving a rich rock star, Thorne (Michael Sheen), and his fashion designer wife, Serena (Parker Posey), they spar, then end up married after a night of heavy drinking. Of course, love isn’t far behind.

Director Peter Howitt’s technique becomes apparent from the start, as the opening title sequence blends into the first shot of the film. The script that follows will strike some viewers as predictable, but almost all romantic comedies are. The measure of quality in one of these films should be if the situations, characters, dialogue, and romantic moments are believable. Here they are at least most of the time. The characters have eccentricities, but are intelligent and strong as well. A lot of the comedy comes from the supporting characters, like Audrey’s mother (Frances Fisher), who’s addicted to Botox and more youthful-acting than her daughter. In the Thorne/Serena subplot, the great thing is the low-key, tongue-in-cheek jabs at celebrity, like one riff on MTV Cribs and the way Thorne behaves on stage.

My favorite comedy moments, though, are the unflashy moments between Daniel and Audrey. Their first work meeting at a Cuban restaurant and kiss, the time they spend in Ireland as part of the Thorne/Serena case, the montage of their daily lives after the marriage, the declaration of love, and, of course, the final scene. I love that the convention of lovers fighting to cover up their attraction has returned to the romantic comedy, and here it is done well. I also like that Daniel is the one who must break through to Audrey. My only caveat is that the end feels slightly anti-climactic.

Director Howitt’s touches are mostly seen in the film’s transitions—the cuts and dissolves linking scenes that indicate a change in place or time. The production values are also good. I especially like the music, which includes some classic tunes, while the location of Ireland is gorgeous and the costuming stands out.

Of the actors, I’ll say one more thing about Brosnan. His disheveled impishness here is a nice contrast to his cool, smooth James Bond. Moore has established herself as one of the most reliable lead actresses working today and it’s good to see her do another romantic comedy after Nine Months. Together, Moore and Brosnan create a chemistry that successfully simmers to a boil. The support of Fisher, Posey, and Sheen is a treat. They are often hilarious and perfectly cast.

Laws of Attraction is a couple of hours of enjoyment with a romance that convinces and stars that charm. While it begs comparison to last year’s Coen Brothers’ romantic comedy Intolerable Cruelty, I would say that because Laws has a less exaggerated approach to its comedy, its romance is more affecting. My cinema wish is for more romantic comedies which equal (or surpass!) the entertainment of this one.

Film Rating: êêêê  (out of 5)

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