Film Review: Three to Tango (1999)
In 1990s, decade characterised by increased “political correctness”, wider acceptance of what was then euphemistically called “alternative lifestyles” allowed Hollywood to spice up content of their romantic comedies and even use them as “high concepts”. An example can be found in Three to Tango, 1999 film directed by Damon Santostefano. The plot begins when young Chicago architect Oscar Novak (played by Matthew Perry), together with his business partner Peter Steinberg (played by Oliver Platt) competes for lucrative building project financed by wealthy tycoon Charles Newman (played by Dylan MacDermott). Peter happens to be gay and Newman assumes that he and Oscar are lovers. He asks Oscar to help him in delicate personal matter. Newman, although married, is in a long-term extramarital relationship with artist Amy Post (played by Neve Campbell). Recently he wasn’t able to meet her as often as he would, so he is increasingly jealous of Kevin Cartwright (played by Cylk Cozart) football star who spends increasing amounts of time in Amy’s company, Oscar is tasked to befriend with Amy and keep tabs on her, while his alleged homosexuality would prevent him to succumb to beautiful artist’s charms. Oscar, determined to win contract at all cost, agrees but it soon appears that the charade is difficult to maintain when he, rather predictably, falls in love with Amy.
Producers of Three to Tango have put real effort to win favour of influential film critic Roger Ebert. The plot was set in Ebert’s native Chicago and the main star was Neve Campbell, young actress heavily praised in Ebert’s reviews. Ebert, despite that, wrote negative review and box office results were disappointing too. This could be explained with script by Rodny Patrick Vaccaro that doesn’t offer anything original other than “high concept” of heterosexual man having to pretend to be gay. In everything else, Three to Tango looks like uninspired variation ofn the themes explored by Mrs. Doubtfire few years earlier. Most of the jokes aren’t particularly funny or original and they often look like those used in similarly-themed In & Out few years earlier. The ending also look quite uninspired. What makes Three to Tango somewhat watchable is the cast. While Matthew Perry doesn’t look particularly impressive in his attempt to escape clutches of his role in Friends, Dylan MacDermott is much more effective in the role of villain. Neve Campbell is interesting in the role of the artist and even plays a little bit with implied lesbian context of her character, apparently spoofing her famous role in Wild Things. Graeme Revell’s somewhat anachronistic music soundtrack, together with unusual production design makes, at times, Three to Tango look and sound unusual. This, however, isn’t enough for this film to be recommended for audience with something better to do.
RATING: 3/10 (+)
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