Ray Meets Helen (2018)

Separately, two people who don't know each other stumble across money that doesn't belong to them. A down on his luck ex-boxer (Keith Carradine) turned insurance investigator and a lonely woman (Sondra Locke) struggling with financial problems. The money gives them the opportunity to reinvent themselves so when they meet for the first time, they are ready for a romantic relationship. Written and directed by Alan Rudolph. As a director, Rudolph is an erratic film maker. His quirky and unconventional style focuses on romantic relationships with eccentric characters in anomalous circumstances. At his best, the results can be delightful if plaintive gems like CHOOSE ME or SONGWRITER. At his worst, self indulgent and pretentious film making like WELCOME TO L.A. and TROUBLE IN MIND. This one is a mixture of both leaning to self indulgence and a sour ending. The film gets off to a shaky start and leaves us disconcerted until Ray and Helen finally meet and suddenly it turns into a wistful romance that can't seem to find its rhythm. This was Locke's first film as an actress in 17 years and she died shortly after the film was released theatrically. While it was nice to see her in a major role after so many years, her performance is handicapped by an inexpressive face which looks to be the result of plastic surgery (she was 72 but looks to be in her 40s). With Jennifer Tilly, Samantha Mathis, Keith David, Kim Wayans, Jack Noseworthy and Cynda Williams.