Writer-director Cholodenko has a terrific eye for capturing L.A. on screen, from the tricky geography to the laid-back lifestyle and cut-throat business culture. She also has a great ear for natural dialog that makes the film snap and spark as the characters interact in unusually realistic ways ... although like many films, they just refuse to really talk to each other until the histrionic finale! McDormand once again creates an unforgettable character in Jane, a woman without any real hang-ups, although we see the carefree mask slip at a couple of key moments. She shines in every scene, and makes the film hers alone, even though it's really about Sam and Alex. Bale is always compelling, and his interaction with the tempting McElhone is fascinating; while the rather bland Beckinsale gives her best-yet performance as a young woman struggling (and failing) to maintain self-control. While the plot itself is fairly standard East versus West Coast stuff, there's a rawness to the character interaction that makes the film well worth seeing. And it's full of wonderful throwaway moments that say much more than anything else in here.