The basic impression is that this movie is simply 2 hours of naval-gazing, but I enjoyed it pretty much. (not so much as Being John Malcovich).
The media tends to emphasize the clever plot, but the most impressive thing that struck me was… Chris Cooper‘s acting(I really think the academy award went to the right person) and “collision” scene. For the former, Nicholas Cage also did a fine acting (and he deserves the academy nomination I think) and this made an interesting contrast between Chris Cooper. No matter how good Nicholas Cage’s acting is, what I felt is he was still “Nicholas Cage”. The way he talks, shouts, cries, whines…everything is within the prescribed image of him, though in a very sophisticated manner. Chris Cooper on the other hand, changed his image totally different from the former roles which made him famous. I saw a totally diffrent guy from the gay father in American Beauty or the cold-hearted spy agent in The Bourne Identity. It would be meanless to point out which acting style is superior, simply Chris Cooper’s approach looks more valuable since it is much fewer than Nicholas Cage’s approach.
The latter was the most realistic and dry scene I have ever seen. As if it was taken by some real victim’s hand camera at the crash’s moment. Although violent, it was watchable thanks to the sudden and dry approach. I tend to cover my eyes when there is too much expectation built up for blood scene.

This conversation caught me in the very deep level. (not literally correct, but politically correct, I guess)
Donald ” I loved her”.
Charlie ” But she laughed at and left you”
Donald ” I know. But my love is mine. Nobody can take that away off me, even she. It’s her business. You are what you love, not what loves you.”

*This movie is not about love