In the Indie film Union Square, Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino shows her chops once again playing Lucy, a deeply troubled, self-absorbed, erratic and emotional sister to Jenny, played by the stunning and talented Tammy Blanchard. In a powerful cameo, Patti LuPone plays their narcissistic, chain smoking mother.
Mike Doyle (best known as forensics tech Ryan O’Halloran inLaw & Order, SVU) plays Bill, Jenny’s soon-to-be husband. Bill and Jenny’s anally-retentive adherence to routine is thrown into a tizzy when Lucy shows up unannounced and plops down onto their couch and into their lives. Daphne Rubin-Vega (Mimi in Broadway’s Rent) does a fine job as Sara, Lucy’s best friend who comes over for an evening drink-a-logue with Lucy in Jenny and Bill’s living room.
Although the middle drags a bit, the opening has already grabbed you and the last third is worth hanging in there for. Sorvino does a powerful job of crying and laughing as if on a switch. She’s both infuriating and sympathetic as only those prone to nervous breakdowns can be.
Long-time character actor, Michael Rispoli (The Sopranos, Magic City) plays the tender and loyal Nick.
Video: Mira Sorvino talks about playing a bipolar character
Video: Tammy Blanchard talks about her challenging role
Union Square is directed by Nancy Savoca and co-written by Savoca and Mary Tobler.
Opens in New York City July 13, 2012 at the Angelika Film Center, 18 West Houston Street. Rated R. 80 minutes.
Written for the Examiner
