Blue Valentine

About two years ago, a film called Blue Valentine came out in selected theaters. At the time I never heard of it before, only knew Ryan Gosling was in it. So inevitably I had to go see it. I assumed it would be a sappy romantic comedy that was similar to the notebook. Wow was I wrong. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams relationship is nothing like Noah and Allie from the Notebook. Blue Valentine begins with Dean and Cindy; an older married couple with a young daughter. The family dog is missing, and Cindy is so agitated and distant from Dean it’s sad to watch. They find the dog dead on the side of the road, which is a clear symbol to the death of their love as well.  However, after this scene establishing their failed marriage, the film shifts back and forth to when they first met and how they got to where they are now. 

The one word I can use to describe this film that makes it different then any other movie about a failing relationship is the rawness. This film is up close and personal to say the least. The emotion in their eyes and worn faces shows the extreme difference in time in their relationship. The sex scenes are even long and semi uncomfortable at times. However this plays into the rawness and is what makes this film so different. 

Blue Valentine is definitely not something to watch with your lover/boyfriend/girlfriend, it’s more of a movie to see alone or with friends. It’s a pretty sad reminder that not all love lasts forever, and most people fall out of love eventually. The truthfulness in this film is something not a lot of people can handle. My favorite scene is in the beginning of their relationship when Ryan Gosling plays the ukelele for her and sings “You Always Hurt the Ones you Love” and Michelle Williams tap dances. They look so young and carefree it’s a harsh contrast to them years later, married with a kid. I posted a link of the song but unfortunately couldn't find one of the scene. But that is him singing and playing ukele. If you’re not a big fan of the Notebook then you should check this movie out. 

Moonrise Kingdom

In my small suburban town in New Jersey, there is a theatre that plays only low budget films; the movies that wouldn’t exactly be a blockbuster hit. This past summer I saw a lot of great independent films there: To Rome with Love, Friends with Kids, etc. But one movie I saw I am still thinking about today. And that movie is Moonrise Kingdom. I did go into this movie a little biased since I love Wes Anderson and the cast also drew me in; Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand. The movie blew me away, it exceeded my expectations. It takes place in 1965 and stayed authentic to it’s time throughout the whole movie. The costuming was detailed, and the soundtrack was flawless. The island that the characters lived on was beautifully designed and it didn’t confuse me at all, and made sense location wise. 

Moonrise Kingdom is about two preteens who fall in love with each other via snail mail and attempt to runaway together. Their romance is only one aspect of this plot, with the chaos of the dysfunctional adults handling the situation making up much of the story. (Bill Murray of course played his usual depressing, alcoholic character who is the father of Suzy.)  Sam, the male protagonist is an orphaned boy scout living on an island with his troop for the summer. Although his romance with Suzy was adorable, I wasn’t too fond of Sam. It’s usually very hard for me to enjoy a movie when I can’t sympathize or relate to the main character however, the other characters made up for his lack of connection. 

Basically, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but the hilarious quirky characters make this movie very enjoyable.