Speaking Parts *** (1989, Michael McManus, Arsinée Khanjian, Gabrielle Rose) – Classic Movie Review 11,184

‘Love – Passion – Obsession’ – Speaking Parts (1989), a film by Atom Egoyan… 

The celebrated Canadian Armenian writer/ producer/ director Atom Egoyan’s 1989 Canadian romantic drama film Speaking Parts stars Michael McManus, Arsinée Khanjian and Gabrielle Rose.

Khanjian plays laundry lady Lisa, who is obsessed with co-worker struggling wannabee actor Lance (McManus), who ignores and avoids her. The actor is working as a hotel custodian, but that is a front for his real job as a gigolo, hired out by his supervisor. Lance then starts a strange relationship with Clara (Rose), a screenwriter who hires him to play the lead in a TV movie based on the true story of her deceased brother.

Arty Canadian director Atom Egoyan focuses on three lonely people in Toronto in his stylised and clever (perhaps too clever) satire on the video age.

It is certainly sleekly shot, well acted, and thoughtful adult entertainment, but is there anything left when the puzzle is solved?

Also in the cast are Tony Nardi, David Hemblen, Patricia Collins, Gerard Parkes, Jackie Samuda, Peter Krantz, Patrick Tierney, Robert Dodds and Leszek Lis.

Speaking Parts is directed by Atom Egoyan, runs 93 minutes, is made by Academy Pictures and Ego Film Arts, is released by Recorded Releasing, Film Four International and Artificial Eye (2013) (UK), is written by Atom Egoyan, is shot by Paul Sarossy, is produced by Atom Egoyan, is scored by Mychael Danna, and designed by Linda Del Rosario.

Arsinée Khanjian is married to Atom Egoyan.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,184

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