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"'Twin'
Dilemma"
by Scott Mantz
"Twin Falls Idaho"
Michael Polish, Mark Polish, Michelle Hicks
Directed by Michael Polish
Romance films
are a dime a dozen, but every once in a while a film will come along
that gives a unique look at the genre, whether it's a serious film
like "The English Patient" or a comedy like "When Harry Met Sally".
Here's a movie that's so far out of left field, you can't help but
be entranced by it. "Twin Falls Idaho" is a moody, unique, and engaging
story that gives a whole new meaning to the word "threesome".
Penny is a grungy
call girl who answers a very unusual house call. Francis and Blake
Falls are twin bothers who call on Penny to show them a good time
for their birthday. What makes the brothers so special is that they're
joined Siamese twins, sharing most of the same vital organs. When
Penny gets kicked out of her home, she stays with the Falls. As
they get to know each other, they form a unique bond. Since Blake
is ill with the flu, Penny tries to help Francis nurse him back
to health. When they realize that the situation is much more serious,
Penny becomes emotionally involved and does whatever she can to
help them.
Director Michael
Polish was obviously influenced by the quirky directing style of
David Lynch and the Cohen Brothers. The pace is intense and the
visual style is hypnotic. The interaction between the brothers is
surreal, as they talk to each other in soft, soothing whispers.
You can't help but feel sorry for these guys. As they reveal their
body to an examining physician, it looks so real it leaves you feeling
squeamish. The brothers are so convincing, you'd think they were
connected in real life. They go to a party on Halloween and blend
in, since everyone thinks they're simply wearing a great costume.
Newcomer Michelle
Hicks puts in a convincing turn as Penny. She looks like she modeled
herself after Wynona Ryder in "Beetlejuice", and since she is an
outcast of sorts, she is able to relate to the Falls. You can feel
her becoming attracted to them as she takes care of them. Even though
she has issues of her own, we connect with Penny as she asks them
questions that we would all like to know the answers to.
There are some
pretty surprising supporting performances here. Garrett Morris puts
in a brief, but amusing, appearance as Jesus, who takes the brothers
to the hospital when their health turns for the worst. Leslie Ann
Warren is the Fall's mother who abandoned them as children. She
turned to religion and became a nun for redemption, but her realization
as to the seriousness of their health is gut-wrenching and emotional.
While by no
means a multi-million dollar blockbuster, "Twin Falls Idaho" is
an emotional experience that you can't help but think about long
after you leave the theater. It also goes to show you that the physically
challenged can be more grounded than the rest of us.
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