Modern Hollywood is obsessed with youth, and its products are primarily directed towards younger audiences. Older people tend to stay away from theaters these days, so older characters don't often appear in films, at least not as protagonists. One of the rare modern Hollywood films that utilizes older talents in main roles is Twilight, a 1998 film noir directed by Robert Benton.
The protagonist of the film is Harry Ross (played by Paul Newman), a former policeman, private detective, and alcoholic. Despite the weight of years on his shoulders, he successfully brings back 17-year-old runaway Mel Ames (played by Reese Witherspoon) to her parents Jack (played by Gene Hackman) and Catherine (played by Susan Sarandon), two wealthy Hollywood actors. The Ameses are so grateful to Harry that they invite him to stay in their house and assist them with occasional tasks. Two years later, Jack, who is battling cancer, asks Harry to deliver an envelope to a specific address. What starts as a routine errand turns into a criminal case when Harry encounters a mortally wounded policeman. It is revealed that the Ameses are victims of blackmail related to a 20-year-old family secret.
The title Twilight suggests that the film deals with individuals grappling with the harsh reality that their best years are behind them. The cast is predominantly made up of individuals in their 60s, and the characters, including the protagonist, appear preoccupied and traumatized by their mortality, illness, impotence, and other issues that become more pertinent with age. The melancholic tone of the film is accentuated by its Hollywood setting, which creates a stark contrast between the elderly protagonists and a city fixated on youth and beauty. Benton, who has explored these themes before, assembled a talented cast. Newman delivers a captivating performance, showcasing his skill as an actor, much like James Garner in another role as an elderly private investigator. Hackman delivers a solid performance, and Susan Sarandon demonstrates that women in their 50s can also exude allure. Cinematography by Piotr Sobociński and Elmer Bernstein's music further enhance the melancholic atmosphere of Twilight.
Unfortunately, Benton's focus on character study led to a lack of a coherent plot. The script relies on a generic film noir plot – a seemingly intricate web of intrigues, depravity, and dirty secrets that is actually quite easy to decipher well before the predictable ending. Twilight also suffers from an imbalance in casting, with Giancarlo Esposito's comedic relief coming across as more annoying than endearing. However, perhaps the most significant issue with Twilight is a seemingly minor creative decision. The film opens with Reese Witherspoon appearing nude, which detracts from the film's intended focus. Ironically, a film meant to pay tribute to aging Hollywood stars also exposes the pitfalls of young stars on their journey to stardom.
Despite these flaws and its failure to fully realize its potential, Twilight remains an entertaining film that will appeal to viewers, even those who are not die-hard fans of older stars.
Rating: 5/10 (++)
(Note: The original text was posted on the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on June 29, 2004)
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