Commentary on religious, class or regional imprisonment

On the surface, I can see why movie-goers and critics didn't embrace this movie. It's dark and somber, troubled love triangle/love story and a protagonist that doesn't ingratiate much sympathy-or at the very least, understanding (what's the prob, Joaq?...lol). But if one digs deeper and appreciates thought-provoking and challenging cinema, Two Lovers is a flawed masterpiece of great power and is shockingly under-rated.

One possible analysis and message of the film is its commentary on Jewish, or religious self hatred and Leonard's longing to get away from his upbringing and background if not his entire identity in the form of WASP Paltrow, who works in Manhattan. Included in this might also be Leonard's longing to break free from his perceived life imprisonment of class (upper-middle class yet very hard working-running a dry cleaning business) and region, Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, and the possibility he will die there. This feeling of being trapped and suffocated might be reasons behind his psychological state in addition to his fiance leaving him.