Fractures

"Fractures" started out as a play, and its theatrical roots stick out. There is not a lot of dynamic visual interest, and there are long dialogues that sound more crafted than spontaneous, at a nervously speedy pace that detracts from the realism. The two lead roles are played by stars who are well liked but are in and out of the acting business-- one also known as a TV interviewer and the other as a comedian and sometime politician. They get the job done, but they're not up to the level of, say, Levana Finkelstein, a prize-winning veteran with a brief role here as the mother of the third side of the triangle. That side is played by Liat Etka, who I have to admit I failed to recognize from the quite recent "Noble Savage" which earned her a best-actress nomination. Her character here is ambiguous, but unfortunately not because she sends contradictory signals but merely because other people contradict her. The story is in the dialogue, and for the most part it's a worthwhile story, touching on important issues. The movie is time well spent, just not very strongly cinematic.