Playing by Heart

1998

Playing by Heart

Critics Consensus

It's overly talky, but Playing By Heart benefits from witty insights into modern relationships and strong performances from an esteemed cast.

60%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 53

79%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 20,080
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Movie Info

This film weaves together interlocking stories about finding love in Los Angeles. The film's theme is spoken by young club-hopper Joan. Taken by the mysterious Keenan, she tells him that "talking about love" is like "dancing about architecture," meaning speech is not the medium to express the details of love.

Cast

Gillian Anderson
as Meredith
Sean Connery
as Paul
Ellen Burstyn
as Mildred
Gena Rowlands
as Hannah
Angelina Jolie
as Joan
Anthony Edwards
as Roger
Ryan Phillippe
as Keenan
Dennis Quaid
as Hugh
Jay Mohr
as Mark
Jon Stewart
as Trent
Madeleine Stowe
as Gracie
Matt Malloy
as Desk Clerk
Christian Mills
as Phillip
Kellie Waymire
as Jane
Patricia Clarkson
as Allison
April Grace
as Valery
Tim Halligan
as Director, Cook Show
Michael Emerson
as Bosco
Nastassja Kinski
as Melanie
John Patrick White
as Pete
Alec Mapa
as Lana
Jeremy Sisto
as Malcolm
David Clennon
as Martin
Amanda Peet
as Amber
David Ferguson
as Drag Queen
Joel McCrary
as Bartender, Drag Bar
Worthie Meacham
as 2nd Drag Queen Performer
Michael Buchman Silver
as Max
Hal Landon Jr.
as Actor `Commissioner'
Marc Allen Lewis
as Actor `Harpagon'
Ron Boussom
as Actor `Jacques'
Daniel Chodos
as Actor `Anselme'
Mark Lewis
as Waiter
Jim Abele
as Doctor
Chris Conner
as Harry
Marcus Printop
as Trumpet Player
Larry Antonio
as Bass Player
Tom Chuchvara
as Drummer
Robert English
as Saxophonist
Ryo Okumuto
as Pianist
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News & Interviews for Playing by Heart

Definitive Gillian Anderson Roles As Animated GIFs
Bruckheimer Talks "Pirates 3" and "National Treasure 2"
Sean Connery Earns AFI’s Highest Honor
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Critic Reviews for Playing by Heart

All Critics (53) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (32) | Rotten (21)

  • Carroll's characters spend so much time talking, albeit intelligently, that the connections they make seem peculiarly synthetic.

    Mar 26, 2009

    Lael Loewenstein

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • This charming romantic comedy with a Los Angeles setting cuts between seemingly unconnected miniplots the way some Robert Altman movies do.

    Jun 3, 2006 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • All of these characters are more interesting when things are going badly for them than when the tide has turned, and Carroll's determination to make the final reel an extended bout of audience tummy tickling is disappointingly conventional.

    Jun 3, 2006 | Full Review…

    Derek Adams

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • If Playing by Heart is the kind of film that used to be known as a "woman's picture," it certainly provides more emotional nourishment than most other mainstream movies generate these days.

    Feb 14, 2001 | Full Review…

    Kevin Thomas

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • The movie is consistently well-acted and features a gallery of characters so affable that it's difficult to actively dislike any of them, or, for that matter, the film as a whole.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    James Berardinelli

    ReelViews
    Top Critic

  • For all its artificiality, Playing by Heart percolates with an earnest charm.

    Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/4

    Stephen Holden

    New York Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (53)

Audience Reviews for Playing by Heart

  • Aug 22, 2014
    A passable yet rather predictable romantic drama that, despite a top-notch cast, seems more interested in its element of surprise at the end, reducing all the complexity of its situations and themes to a happy ending where everything works out and is wrapped up in easy fashion.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 30, 2013
    A delightful little film with an A-list roster of stars and a convoluted tale of relationships, beginning and ending and at a crossroads. I found myself caring about these characters, every one of them damaged goods in some way, but all of them looking for someone to love and to be loved by. A little bit schmaltzy at times, but its heart is in the right place and I dug it.
    Mark A Super Reviewer
  • Aug 20, 2012
    Play by Heart is a fairly entertaining and unconventional romantic comedy. The film follows several people throughout L.A., and the various kinds and stages of relationships that they're in. The cast is surprisingly good and includes Angelina Jolie, Ryan Phillippe, Gillian Anderson, Madeleine Stowe, and Sean Connery. The story is well written for the most part and has some interesting things to say about people and relationships. However, it takes on a few too many characters and forces itself a bit. While it has some issues, Play by Heart is a unique and entertaining film that has a good message.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Mar 03, 2011
    I'm a bit confused as to why "Playing By Heart" has faded into oblivion since it debuted in 1998. First off, the cast is impeccable. "Playing By Heart" should be remembered for getting some of contemporary cinema's finest actors on screen together. Gillian Anderson, Angelina Jolie, Madeleine Stowe, Ellen Burstyn, Sean Connery, Anthony Edwards, Dennis Quaid, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Phillippe, Jay Mohr and Jon Stewart (yes, THAT Jon Stewart, who is shockingly great here) are all terrific. There is not a single weak spot in the ensemble. What's funny is that the actors are all so good that it almost seems like they are daring each other to top the next. Jolie, in an early performance, steals the whole picture, though. If this was not a showcase for what was to come, I don't know what is. The story is something we have seen before, mostly from the likes of Robert Altman, but none of it is ever trite or offensive. It's all played out with such grace and nuance that even it's somewhat conventional ending is welcomed. If you like movies about a group of interconnected people working through their lives and dealing with love and making connections (admittedly my favorite genre), then "Playing By Heart" is for you. I also recommend it on the merits of that incredible cast and the endlessly enticing dialogue. It all makes for a magical, resonant and sweet picture about the many sides of love.
    Steven C Super Reviewer
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