Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: DEATH OF A LADIES MAN [Sonoma International Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]

The essence of growing older and self-worth has been a mainstay of cinema but also a vehicle of reflection of both the generation and the view it encompasses. With "Death Of A Ladies' Man", Gabriel Byrne, who himself has traversed, albeit in a different way to say Liam Neeson, the essence of character drama and the darkness that lies underneath. He has found an interesting, yet somewhat abstract role here in a way, because of the reality the character lives in. This man's battle, whether it be teaching his students, looking at his love life, reflecting on family or trying to write a book is built in the idea that memory is fleeting and perspective is only in the eyes of the beholder. The film tries to do this at various times visually but it tries to do it too earnestly so that it falls into melodrama at times. It is not Byrne's fault but that of the script and execution.. There are some beautiful textures through the film, unbalanced at times by certain set pieces that reflect in the psyche that is swirling in his head. This is, of course, elemental in many ways especially given the parts Byrne has played before (The Devil in "End Of Days" comes to mind]. However, it is his family including his son, daughter and his ex wife that are more dynamic parts of the film (especially the daughter).But these relationships are not quite given the depths they should. The title is a reference, quite literally played, of Leonard Cohen's song on the same time. The film primarily takes place in Montreal which is an interesting choice but one never gets a sense of the city (and it has a definite feel). There is also a reflection of Ireland but again that doesn't speak to its reasoning in the plot beyond the fact that Byrne is Irish. One character does try to be his guide but it is never quite apparent what the path is. This is what makes the 3rd act so jarring at times because it doesn't use its progression for a very specific reason. An odd but very pertinent comparison interestingly enough is the season finale of the first season of "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" which understood both its feelings and its satire without making it baseline. This narrative could have learned from that. The potential Byrne saw is understood but the ultimate delivery, though creative, falls short. C

By Tim Wassberg