I Can't Think Straight

I Can't Think Straight Sale

Buy I Can't Think Straight. While preparing for her wedding, Tala meets Leyla, a shy Muslim. Although they come from different worlds, the attraction is immediate and Tala must decide whether to stay true to her culture or to her heart. Starring Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth and Nina Wadia.

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I Can't Think Straight Features

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I Can't Think Straight Review


This is the first of 2 collaborations between the same team: writer / director Shamim Sarif, producer (and Sarif's life and business partner) Hanan Kattan, and actors Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth. It's also Sarif's directorial debut.

The story: 4 stars
The film opens in a palatial home in Jordan, where preparations are being made for Tala's wedding. Tala (Lisa Ray) has broken 3 previous engagements, so there's an air of tension / uncertainty, and perhaps a bit of urgency. Tala turns out to be a rebellious free spirit who's strident in her opinions, but unable to commit to any course of action. We then cut to London, where we meet Leyla, a young Indian Muslim woman, daughter of an insurance salesman and a traditional Indian mother. Leyla (Sheetal Sheth) is observant and thoughtful, seeking, and on the verge of finding, her own truth, to which she longs to commit. The two meet in London through Leyla's boyfriend, and the story unfolds.

I would've given the story 3 stars because it's pretty predictable, and honestly I didn't really get what attracted the two main characters to each other - they just seemed to fall in together for no particular reason. Also, most conflicts were glossed over or just magically non-existent. But I upgraded it to 4 stars because it was so refreshing to see these issues in a new (to me) cultural context. I really appreciated that fresh perspective. Also, there's some good humor - I did laugh out loud in places. And, at the end of the day, it's a positive, upbeat lesbian romance.

The film: 3-1/2 stars
This is clearly a directorial debut. There's too much dialogue (telling) and not enough action / acting (showing). The music is good, there are some interesting scenes / shots / cuts, and overall the story does flow. But I thought the acting was a little blunt and stiff in places, and there wasn't a lot of depth. However, I watched the special features and learned about some of the challenges the team faced in producing the film, and I do have to give credit to Sarif: I think she did a great job overcoming those obstacles, particularly since this was her first time out. By the the time I finished with the DVD, I ended up thinking Sarif is a woman to watch - she's going to bring us some great stuff. [I've since watched The World Unseen, which is the second collaboration between the same team, and it was indeed absolutely brilliant! So I'm definitely keeping my eye on Sarif.]

There is a little joke in the film. At the book signing near the end of the film, one of the women who gets her book signed by Leyla asks that the autograph be made out to Amina, and Leyla comments about what a lovely name that is. The woman getting her book signed is played by the director, Sarif, and Amina is the name of the character that Sheetal Sheth will play in their next film, The World Unseen. Cute. A wink and a nod right back at ya, Shamim. :-)

Summary:
Despite some of the rough edges in the film, it's still definitely worth watching. I really enjoyed the glimpse into the personal / familial side of unfamiliar (to me) cultures. And, if you're planning on seeing The World Unseen, which I highly recommend, it's good to see this first. I rented both movies on Netflix, but enjoyed The World Unseen so much I ended up buying the I Can't Think Straight + The World Unseen set. I think there's more great stuff to come from Sarif, hopefully including Sheth and Ray, both of whom are talented and captivatingly gorgeous. So start collecting Sarif now, enjoy watching her work unfold, and BTW support her so she can bring us more. You can buy Cheap I Can't Think Straight online fast and easy, Shop Today!.

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