I've watched this movie twice before I dared comment. I'm beginning to wonder if there are two versions of it floating around. The one I've seen both times centers on a little nebishy 80 year old guy named Max, who blunders somewhat ineffectually through life, while attractive younger women (not young, just younger than he) who seem to find him irresistible. Barbara Hershey is gorgeous, the Latina maid, the widow, Ethel. What the hell do they SEE in this old man? He's no great wit or charmer and he sure ain't good looking. So there's this credibility gap right at the core of the film. It's a nice fantasy to have - that when you reach a certain age, women will flock to you simply because you're alive and (presumably) available. But it undermines the film. This probably worked better as a book, allowing the reader to cast the various roles.
Maybe this was a great story and it's just the casting that undermines it. In any case, the pacing and understated style will make this film toxic for anyone under 50.
Maybe this was a great story and it's just the casting that undermines it. In any case, the pacing and understated style will make this film toxic for anyone under 50.