neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Heaven
	Tom Tykwer Cate Blanchett, Giovanni Ribisi, Remo Girone, Stefania Rocca 2002		The man behind the super-kinetic, internationally popular and critically lauded "Run Lola Run" and the less esteemed "The Princess and the Warrior" makes his first non-German-language film — and falters. For the strange, metaphorical "Heaven," writer/director Tom Tykwer chose to work with English-speaking actors Cate Blanchett ("Elizabeth") and Giovanni Ribisi ("Boiler Room"). Blanchett and Ribisi were both in the supernatural drama "The Gift," she as a psychic mom and he as a punk. Their previous work is impressive, but this odd couple's interaction doesn't ring true in "Heaven," a mopey, doomed romance set in Italy. Philippa (Blanchett) is a distraught widow who sets off a bomb to assassinate someone she believes is a murderous scoundrel. To her horror, the explosion kills innocents. After Philippa is taken into custody, a young cop (Ribisi) is attracted to her and helps her escape. For the rest of the film, they're on the run and growing so close that they could pass for twins. Although Blanchett is one of the most versatile actresses around, "Heaven" doesn't let her reach her usual heights.