Two Lovers is a 2008 American romantic drama film, taking its inspiration from Fyodor Dostoyevskys short story White Nights, which had already been turned into a filmtimes, first by Luchino Visconti Le Notti Bianche 1957. The movie is directed by James Gray and stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Vinessa Shaw. It is set in the largely Russian Jewish neighborhood Brighton Beach in New York City, as was Grays first movie Little Odessa. Two Lovers premiered in competition at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival in May. The movie is Grays third to enter the competition at this festival. It was released on February 13, 2009.
His parents tell him that a potential business partner and his family are invited for dinner that night and ask him to be present. When they arrive, Leonard finds that he had been set up with the other familys daughter, Sandra Shaw. She inquires about his interest in photography and notices a photo of a girl above his headboard. He explains he had been engaged to the girl for several years, but the relationship was broken off when it turned out both he and his fiance carried the gene for TaySachs disease, which results in diseased children who generally dont live beyond age 12, so they would be unable to have healthy children.Leonard meets a new neighbor, Michelle Paltrow, and is immediately attracted to her, choosing to ignore that she has a drug usage problem. He learns that she is dating a married partner in her law firm, Ronald Koteas. At her request, Leonard agrees to meet Ronald and Michelle for dinner at a restaurant. The couple leave him later that evening, as they have plans to attend the Metropolitan Opera. Leonard returns home upset, but to his surprise, Sandra arrives, sent over by Leonards parents. She is under the impression that Leonard wanted her to come by, but realizes by his surprised look, that she was set up. She apologizes for the misunderstanding and says that if he isnt interested, a lot of other guys are. Leonard says that he likes her, and they kiss and eventually make love, and with time, his relationship with Sandra deepens. ........
Source: Wikipedia