Institute History
Description
Jake Biggs (Eric Stoltz) is a young playwright obsessed with telling the story of his childhood neglect. He thinks he is madly in love with Joanne White (Mary-Louise Parker), an aspiring artist. After graduating from college, the couple move into a house in what seems to be a logical place, their college town. Only the cozy comforts of college seem to disintegrate as Jake and Joanne begin to focus on their careers. Of course they have no idea if they even want to do what they’re doing, but they have a sneaking suspicion they’d better do something. They’re romance begins to unravel when Jake moves to New York to produce his first off-Broadway play, and Joanne finds spiritual and career guidance from her boss at an art gallery.
Interesting is Algrant’s approach to the very different qualities that distinguish male and female maturation. Jake and Joanne are exactly the same age and share common experiences, but they grow in their own ways. Jake likes being the king of smaller hills, and Joanne sees little reason to climb anything but a mountain. Still, their relationship remains thoughtful and honest, and both actors are a pleasure to watch.