‘Millers in Marriage’ Review: Edward Burns Contends with Age and Art-Making in Mature Mid-Life Drama

As a dedicated admirer of cinema, I must confess that Edward Burns has always intrigued me with his uncanny ability to weave personal experiences into compelling narratives. However, it was “Millers in Marriage” that truly captivated my heart and soul. In this poignant masterpiece, Burns delves deep into the complexities of familial bonds, marital strife, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment – topics that resonate profoundly with his own life experiences.

As a writer-director, Edward Burns has always infused his films and TV shows with personal touchpoints, while maintaining the same degree of creative control he had in his breakthrough work “The Brothers McMullen”. This often meant working on limited budgets, with younger casts and crews, which in turn moved his projects further away from his current self. In a film industry lacking in mature dramas, Burns’ return to the limelight in “Millers in Marriage” is refreshing, as he explores familiar themes following his 50th birthday.

Andy, Burns’ character, assures his new girlfriend Renee (played by Minnie Driver) that he merely seeks a long-term commitment with someone his age, alleviating her concerns about his desire for children. They find themselves at a summer house Renee acquired through divorce. In the context of ‘Millers in Marriage’, Andy couldn’t have expressed anything more heartwarming to Renee, as what most people yearn for is reassurance and comfort.

Andy didn’t initiate the divorce of his 15-year marriage, but he’s certainly relieved it happened given that parting ways with Tina (Morena Baccarin) reduced tension in his life. If he needs a reminder of how stressful things could be, he can simply chat with his sister Eve (Gretchen Mol), whose spouse Scott (Patrick Wilson), as a music manager, often goes without contacting her for extended periods.

In a similar vein, Maggie (played by Julianna Margulies) isn’t content with her marriage either, as her husband Nick (Campbell Scott) has been depressed since their children left for college. However, she tends to hide her feelings unless she can disguise them in her work as an author. Interestingly, all the Miller family members have creative endeavors – Eve was once the lead singer of a band before starting a family with Scott, and while her musical career is not pivotal to the plot, Burns provides insightful comments on the ups and downs of a profession he’s familiar with. He also demonstrates self-reflection when Nick reads a draft of Maggie’s new book and remarks, “It’s the troubles of affluent people,” subtly pointing out that none of the characters in “Millers in Marriage” are struggling financially.

However, Burns surpasses this by thoughtfully examining the sacrifices individuals make to harmonize their personal and professional aspirations, as well as manage a lasting relationship. The movie additionally presents Johnny (Benjamin Bratt) as a possible self-portrait for the filmmaker. Johnny is a rock journalist who persistently nudges Eve about his book project and hints at leaving New York because he feels overshadowed in a youthful city. Eve, in turn, suggests that perhaps he’s seeking attention from the wrong circles.

The movie “Millers in Marriage” surprisingly exudes a laid-back atmosphere, despite the characters appearing tense and formal towards each other. The cast’s natural ease gives weight to characters who are reluctant to disrupt their established lives with change. Director Burns, along with editor Janet Gaynor, constructs a refined, unhurried narrative with embedded flashbacks within dialogues that reveal the truth compared to what someone chooses to share or recollect about their past. The unsaid is what fuels the drama as the three main couples confront their reality, but when sincerity is the most valuable commodity, the romance blossoms in every honest conversation the characters engage in, making it even more alluring for the audience due to Burns’ keen ability to capture realistic dialogue.

As the movie nears its conclusion, it delves into melodrama, requiring tough decisions. However, if the characters are unveiled as actors, they’re portrayed as seasoned movie stars, making even ordinary hardships captivating to watch. Despite the problems being as ancient as time, there’s comfort in realizing that some aspects do improve with time.

2024-09-12 09:16

‘Millers in Marriage’ Review: Edward Burns Contends with Age and Art-Making in Mature Mid-Life Drama

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