Walking and Talking (1996)

Walking and Talking: Directed by Nicole Holofcener. With Amy Braverman, Miranda Rhyne, Catherine Keener, Anne Heche. Just as Amelia thinks she’s over her anxiety and insecurity, her best friend announces her engagement, bringing her anxiety and insecurity right back.

“Nicole Holofcener has a distinct eye for everyday events. u0026#39;Walking and Talkingu0026#39; is the first slice of life film from the same director whou0026#39;s made gems like u0026#39;Friends With Moneyu0026#39;, u0026#39;Lovely and Amazingu0026#39; and u0026#39;Please Giveu0026#39;. All films mainly focus on the relationships of women. The center of u0026#39;Walking and Talkingu0026#39; is the friendship between Amelia and Laura. Holofcener and her actors Catherine Keener (a regular in the directoru0026#39;s films) and Anne Heche do a superb job in depicting a friendship that is not always about hanging out and partying.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat Holofcener portrays is a bond that has changed throughout the years for these two women but become stronger than before. They are open to each other, honest, judgmental without worrying about hurting each other. Feelings do get hurt but at the same time it is this honesty that is the strength of their relationship and what gets them through the tougher times.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe director has cast Catherine Keener in all her feature films and has done so in distinct roles. In all these films, Keeneru0026#39;s character is searching for satisfaction whether itu0026#39;s in marriage, friendship, human nature. The characters, though similar in many ways, also have distinct qualities especially in the way they cope with their problems and the people surrounding them.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOf course, needless to say, Keener fits all roles to the T, turning in some of her best works. Anne Heche definitely holds her own. Liev Schreiber is adequate. Kevin Corrigan is great. Todd Field does a fine job too.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOn the technical side, itu0026#39;s nothing too flashy. Everything flows smoothly. The score gives it the right level of whimsical touch. The locations are beautiful yet simple.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the end, u0026#39;Walking and Talkingu0026#39; is a universal human story about friendship. Holofcener did a terrific job telling such a story in her first film and she has continued to do so in her following features.”