As the narrative within 5 to 7 began to unfold, I found myself marveling at the various
aspects of filmmaking: the dialogue written by Victor Levin was snappy and
clever, which he was able to direct magnificently, utilizing the talent of his
actors in a way that made the casting seem inspired. Initially, the only thing
I did not love about Levin’s film was the plot. I have never been completely
sold on the idealized passion of cinematic adultery, and found myself cringing
as the two main characters made their way to the bedroom. It was also in the
bedroom that 5 to 7 eventually won me
over, choosing an old fashioned glamorous approach to the representation of
romance over the indulgence of raw carnal desire. I can’t quite understand how a
film which hardly shows the romantic leads in anything less than undergarments
was given an R-rating, because it is the intentionally mild sentimentality
which causes the film to stand apart from most modern romance.
