Conclusions.
New York woke at dawn, and the press did not delay. From every latitude, several reviews were gathered about this latest project. By way of conclusion, it was a great success for all those involved, who watched from afar as another film began to reinforce the collective atmosphere of success surrounding Billy's image.
No failures.
Roger Goodking.
"Her appeal is as old as love and as new as the Internet (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"
Clarie Janet Maslin
The New York Times
"Winona plays her role with an effortless, believable ease, carrying a fresh air, little anxiety, and enormous chemistry with Billy Carson. She gives us, for the third time, a romantic performance—this time from a mature angle, without short-term ambitions—the chemistry of a businessman who falls in love with a woman who despises him because of circumstances."
Morrison O'Sullivan
The Washington Post
"The leads of Nora Ephron's new romantic comedy spend so much time connected to their online inboxes or ordering coffee that the film ends up feeling like an advertisement for AOL or Starbucks. Where are the striking moments, the declarations of love we saw in Mrs. Ephron's other films?"
Lucia Reginal Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
"If only for offering hope to millions of email writers, this tribute to modern love in New York deserves high marks. It is delicate around the edges in its own way, a leap from zero to ten in Billy's performance, playing a character he is not—or has not been—far more controlled, energetic yet restrained… it is the moderation of a new role that lends a delicate aroma to Kathleen's version."
Lael Loewenstein
Variety
"A successful romantic comedy about dating whose appeal lies in its charming stars."
Ruthe Stein
SFGate
"Every time the film is about to suffocate under its own cleverness, it is revived by its exceedingly charming—let's just say adorable—stars."
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
"Billy and Winona were cast for two reasons: both instantly win our sympathy and, as they have already shown in their recent collaborations (…), they work well together (…) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)."
…
They were blunt, each in their own way. It is worth saying that he won by a wide margin in yet another of those roles—slow-burning ones that seem to mark Billy as a man destined for love stories. His freshness, his manner, gradually refined him and led him not to miss the mark, at least when it came to choosing romantic roles.
-I have a meeting with Tim Burton,- Billy whispered to Winona, who opened her eyes like two stars.
Both were reviewing writing notes at a long dining table. Billy was working, Monica was working, and the distance stretched out with each of their projects, which had to stand up to their responsibilities.
-I know what it's for; they stole the role from me,- Winona replied, having lost the part to a young woman who had redefined cinema in her own way.
-In fact, a young actress who's very fashionable landed it,- Billy answered. -Any advice? I don't know Burton or his preferences, and I'm afraid I don't know how to present myself. I've only sponsored some of his projects.-
-Mmm, difficult,- the girl whispered. It's fair to say she knows the work well. But she also knows it's almost a matter of taste—choosing something and then committing to roles is nearly how he always works, like a child redefining his ideas and staying completely away from that hard, difficult side of producing. Yet children's stories are born from that expectation: a sum of many roles in the hands of good actors who make each performance bear fruit with their friendly, rich way of acting.
-I'm afraid, then, the best thing is for you to take the role, even if he sent you an invitation. It must be coming from production. Your role is as defining as you're willing to accept it,- she replied with a trace of insecurity, though her determined black eyes offered tender, benevolent support for what he needed to do.
…
A Paramount Pictures production stood to one side. Billy had become the general rule for this studio, which had already seen how the young man worked. Methodical—perhaps an aggressive word. But when he commits to acting, and he does, his only concern is the friction of perfection between the role and his performance.
-You seem to have that handsome-boy scene,- Tim Burton remarked, having Billy sent to makeup while he slicked his hair back. Pomade, black clothes, mascara, and a touch of that gothic look that fascinated Tim so much.
-Can you act detached from reality?- Tim Burton asked.
Billy did so, performing a few vague gestures of someone who seemed not to understand the truths of the world—a disconnection. His face relaxed, lifting into a kind of innocence he felt was the norm for the role, drawn by the basic premise that even when he chose to ignore things, he would not grasp many expressions. Yet this contrasted with the intelligence of a detective who seemed to know the world's mysteries. That was why fame seemed to fit Billy—slowly, seductively.
They handed him a script, blank save for a few lines, and he delivered them with restraint, already aware of the image expected. A blend of childhood and age—a man with that endearing way of doing things found only in people of certain ages—with enough space for naturalness and an actor's devotion. Winning the role was easy.
-Very good,- Tim whispered, and to everyone's surprise, Billy nodded, taking a long breath. Many films to deliver, many projects at hand. The best thing was not to worry.
...