How You Look To Me

How You Look To Me is an awe-inspiring and touching movie that debuted in 2005. The film boasts a compelling ensemble of actors including Frank Langella, known for his commanding screen presence and unforgettable acting skills. Playing alongside him is the steal-your-heart-away actress Laura Allen and the well-respected Bruce Marshall Romans, who work together to create a beautifully layered and profound story about self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to face the unknown.

The narrative unfurls in the timeless, elegant environs of Kentucky's romantic horse country, framed by the captivating beauty of rolling green fields, noble thoroughbreds, and majestic age-old mansions. The film introduces us to "Happy" (Bruce Marshall Romans), a charming, small-town southern lad who has recently graduated from college with a degree in English. After graduation, he finds himself at a crossroads in life, unsure of his path forward and feeling increasingly unsettled by his own uncertainty.

Frank Langella plays Professor “Fritz” Farley, a charismatic yet enigmatic character who becomes an influential figure in Happy’s life. A local legend and talk of the town, Professor Farley is a distinguished English lecturer, seemingly content with living a reclusive life in his archaic mansion. However, amidst the dust and echoes of his solitary life, Professor Farley carries within him a wealth of wisdom, life experiences and understanding, particularly regarding the works of the literary world.

Happy stumbles upon a part-time job as a caretaker at Professor Farley's sprawling mansion, where he is inadvertently pulled into the world of the elderly professor. Happy's routine interaction with Professor Farley while maneuvering through the old man's peculiar habits and eccentricities, gradually evolves into a profound mentor-mentee relationship, transgressing their significant age difference.

Inadvertently, the once distant Professor Farley becomes a guiding light for Happy, pushing him to embrace his aspirations, fortify his confidence, and breaking free from the cocoon of uncertainty that has been holding him back. The unconventional bond forged between the two paves the way to many insightful discussions, particularly focusing on literary masters and their perceptive understanding of the human condition.

Yet Happy's soul-searching journey doesn't end there. His life takes another unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a stunningly beautiful woman named Susan (Laura Allen). A free-spirited artist, Susan carries an enchanting aura that bewitches Happy from the very first encounter. However, beneath her radiant smile lurks traces of a painful past, stirring deep emotions within Happy which he can barely comprehend.

As their relationship unfolds, Happy encounters a potent mix of diverse emotions — infatuation, love, confusion, and uncertainty — experiences that reflect the universal yet complex dimensions of human relationships. His bond with Susan introduces him to a world beyond books, to genuine human emotions which can't be taught, only felt.

The beauty of How You Look To Me lies in its quiet simplicity. The director adeptly intertwines ordinary lives with intellectual pursuits, highlighting the intrinsic bond between the two. Professor Farley's intricate musings on literary classics infused with the youthful interpretations of Happy, and the unexpected romantic interludes offer a rich, wholesome cinematic experience.

Performances by the cast are highly commendable, with Langella, Allen, and Romans seeming to inhabit their characters fully. Frank Langella, in particular, portrays Professor Farley with an arresting authenticity, breathing life into the enigmatic character. Farley's eccentricities and solitude are palpable, his intellect is formidable, and his sensitivity, endearing.

Laura Allen portrays the spontaneous Susan with an alluring naivety and vulnerability. However, she also brings to the screen an unyielding resilience hidden beneath her character's delicate exterior. Bruce Marshall Romans brings his all to the role of Happy, as he tackles an array of emotions from confusion to joy to love through the course of the movie. Romane's portrayal of Happy’s intellectual curiosity, his vulnerable years of young adulthood and his growing wisdom is deeply relatable.

The cinematography is par excellence, abundantly showcasing the lush Kentucky landscapes. Topped with a soul-stirring musical score, the film transcends ordinary cinema and ventures into ambient poetry territory.

In essence, How You Look To Me is an evocative cinematic tapestry that celebrates human connection, the pursuit of knowledge, and the trials and tribulations of youth. It beautifully captures the essence of transition, impermanence, and the courage to navigate the uncharted terrains of life. It's a true gem for cinema lovers who appreciate the fusion of intellectual discussions, life’s eccentricities, and heart-melting romance.