My First Mister (5 Stars)

This film is a work of genius. It's hard to understand why it hasn't received the fame it deserves. Read the online reviews. It's highly praised by those who have seen it. Unfortunately very few have seen it. It's a very deeply moving story about a relationship between two outcasts, two people who seem to be opposites, but they have an abject loneliness in common.

Leelee Sobieski plays Jennifer Wilson, a 17-year-old goth girl who spends her time alone in her room reading Anne Rice novels, writing poetry and talking to her dead grandmother. She is given a job in a men's clothing store by Randall Harris, a 49-year-old divorced man who spends his evenings at home reading magazines. Jennifer falls head over heels in love with Randall. Although he resists her romantic advances Randall takes Jennifer into his life, and an affectionate relationship develops.

The film is made very tastefully by Academy Award winning director Christine Lahti. Despite the critical subject matter it avoids anything scandalous. It was the first film I saw starring Leelee Sobieski, and she soon became my favorite actress. I don't know Albert Brooks from other films, but he is perfect for the role of Randall. After I watched the film today I sat crying for a long time. It's a moving film that anyone with any feeling at all for romance should watch.