Words and Pictures ***½ (PG-13) Just as a Superman needs a Lex Luthor to motivate his peak performance, this intelligent dramedy shows how dissipated English teacher Clive Owen needs the arrival of a dispirited art instructor (Juliette Binoche) to revive his former talents for writing and inspiring his teenaged charges at a private academy for privileged progeny. The yin and yang of their seemingly silly debate over the superior firepower of words vs. pictures similarly kindles renewed creative energy for Binoche’s character.
The latter is mostly struggling to overcome debilitating rheumatoid arthritis that has stalled her promising career as a painter. Owen’s muse went silent years before, leaving him boozy, surly and barely able to show up for his classes. He’s on the verge of being canned when the wit and charm of Binoche’s banter start reminding him of the joy he used to feel from his work and subject. The sparks that fly are more intellectual than sexual, yet effective in bringing out each other’s best, and infecting their classes with the desire to excel in both art forms.
Both stars seem constitutionally incapable of either landing in a bad movie, or allowing a potential dud to wind up as one. Their performances are, as ever, top of the line, individually and as sparring partners who help each other purge their respective devils. Eventually. The script features some witty and insightful dialog, but drags in one significant respect. Owen’s slide to the bottom is too long and irritating, costing a chunk of the empathy viewers need to keep rooting for his character’s redemption.
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Even so, there’s an undeniably refreshing quality about a tale based on a clash between attractive peers that doesn’t depend on their youth or the will-they/won’t-they part of the plot for its success. Grown-ups welcome. (6/6/14)