Review of:A Family Affair (2003)
Director:Helen Lesnick
Rating:Not Rated
Starring:Helen Lesnick, Erica Shaffer, Arlene Golonka, Barbara Stuart, Michele Greene
Family. It’s a single word that can strike comfort, and fear into a being all at the same time. Comfort for those times when love abounds, and support is great, and fear for those times when decisions have been made that go against the grail. A Family Affair ventures into both of these categories, mastering both with tongue in cheek comedy.
When Rachel Rosen (Helen Lesnick) decides to make a new life for herself in San Diego, she takes with her emotional luggage that will eventually have to be opened up and dealt with. In San Diego she has the support of her PFLAG mom, and new friends. On top of that new list is Christine (Erica Shaffer) who may well end up being the girl of her dreams.
Like all things good, eventually a bit of bad comes about in the form of past girlfriend Reggie Abravanel (Michele Greene). Where Christine seems to be the laid back, homemaker type, Reggie is more of the reckless rebel that permeates the dreams of the lackluster.
So what is she to do? With her heart taking her in two different directions it leaves the film open for some interesting topics on love, life, and the right choice.
The focus of the film, and its greatest power is its focus on relationships. From mother to daughter, to lover to lover, it strives to bring in a comedic way questions that would be hard to deal with otherwise.
Helen Lesnick does heavy duty in this film, playing as the main character as well as writing/directing the film. Her portrayal of Rachel is right on target as she tries to use her comedy to put a wall between her and her real emotions. You know the type- the ones who can bring about laughter at the drop of a hat, but seem to freeze when issues of the heart are asked. She takes this Woody Allen type quip on a ride, and doesn’t free it until the end of the film. Erica Shaffer also does a commendable job, bringing a sense of the sane into the Rosen household.
A nice film that can bring about discussion.
