NEW YORK (AP) -
Courtney Love is affecting and funny in at least one of her upcoming film roles, co-starring opposite Lili Taylor in the romantic comedy
Julie Johnson . The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last January and has been turning up at film festivals in the U.S. and overseas ever since. And that?s the only place you'll be able to see the romantic comedy ?- for now.
The film's distributor, the Shooting Gallery, declared bankruptcy in June, which left the movie in receivership limbo, and the film's director, Bob Gosse, says he still doesn't know when the film will have a theatrical release. But it is expected to screen again in Charlotte, N.C., and Brussels this January, and London and Sydney in April.
Julie Johnson's story concerns a dissatisfied Hoboken housewife (Taylor), who, in the interest of self-improvement, kicks her husband out of the house, starts taking computer classes, and ends up having an affair with her best friend (Love). The role gives Love the chance to show off her acting chops in a variety of situations. She?s expectedly sassy and smart-talking (especially when dealing with Taylor?s kids), but thrown for an emotional loop by her friend?s romantic interest in her.
The tension between Love and Taylor is heightened by their having to hide their relationship, with Love the more uncertain of the two. In addition to her well-honed comedic skills, Love proves effective at conveying the discomfort of a person caught up in something she doesn?t fully understand.
Gosse tells us that Love studied with a dialect coach to sound authentically "Jersey," and observed the locals at malls in Trenton to get a feel for her character. "She's very smart," says Gosse about working with Love, "And really quick off the mark. And intuitive."
Those expecting a big love scene ?- as in sex ?- will be disappointed; the physical interaction between the two leads is discreet. But Love's performance was powerful enough to net her a Best Actress award when the film played Outfest, L.A.'s gay film festival (the film's played a mix of gay and non-gay film fests, with gay fests having the edge). The film's soundtrack, which is also not currently set for release, features a score by Twin Peaks vet Angelo Badalamenti, and four new songs by Liz Phair - "Apple Tree," "Uncle Alvaraz," "Faded," and "She's Gon
