500 DAYS OF SUMMER (REVIEW)
Heartbreak
is rarely enjoyable and right from the opening narration, there is a feeling of
dread that looms over this film.
Tom is a greeting card writer
who is more than animated when it comes to finding true love. But in a flash,
he is about to become suddenly infatuated. Summer is the new office girl who finds
Tom charming, funny and best of all, different. Over the course of 500 days, the
duo finds common ground on many things. One major hurdle that arises is that Summer
does not believe in love at all. She may enjoy intimacy or spending time with
someone she cares about, but unlike Tom, she doesn't view companionship as destined
or fated.
The framework of boy meets girl is told out of sequence
revisiting significant and memorable moments, good and bad, within their 500 day
relationship that turns traditional storytelling on its head. It works and the
movie is an insightful delight, sincere in every aspect of expressing real emotions,
while its mainly told from the guy's point of view, also rare for a romance.
Joseph
Gordon-Levitt is very good as Tom, giving him a likable presence and an embodiment
of compromise - even when he is being treated terribly. The wonderful Zooey Deschanel
is spontaneous and moving as Summer, her melancholy approach is temperamental
and full of misplaced emotions. Most of the time, she really doesn't know what
to do when it comes to Tom being the self absorbed person she is. Give Deschanel
an Oscar for this role - she is really that good, a feat of superior acting.
Its
not all bad however. Some of the 500 days featured are funny and quite enjoyable.
Hearts flutter and some of the scenes contain super romantic lines which would
be a winner on Valentines Day. The pair seem right for each other a majority of
the time, even if it's an illusion at best.
500 days Of Summer
is the ups, downs and confusions of modern love within a generation Y facade,
although it is also reminiscent of Woody Allen's film Annie Hall, a worthy companion
piece. The soundtrack is a mixed one playing a big part itself. Songs from The
Smiths, Regina Spektor and even Hall & Oates give some scenes instant adversity.
More
of an anti-date movie, you may want to think twice before taking your partner
to see this. However, I believe it is one of the best films this year. For the
record, I saw it alone.
Shane A. Bassett
