It's Valentines Day, and love is in the air. Matt and I decided to each put together a top ten list of our favorite love stories on film. Maybe you should choose one of these and snuggle up to that special someone tonight. We must warn you that there may be spoilers in the written descriptions so if you haven't seen any of these movies and wish to, then you might just want to check out the trailers. There's a movie here for everyone, trust me. Feel free to leave a comment letting us know what yours might be.
Jay's Picks:
Annie Hall
Directed by Woody Allen
Starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton
"I thought of that old joke, y'know, the, this... this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, "Doc, uh, my brother's crazy; he thinks he's a chicken." And, uh, the doctor says, "Well, why don't you turn him in?" The guy says, "I would, but I need the eggs." Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships; y'know, they're totally irrational, and crazy, and absurd, and... but, uh, I guess we keep goin' through it because, uh, most of us... need the eggs."
Widely considered to be Woody Allen's best film, 1977's Annie Hall was based partially on his on-again off-again relationship with Diane Keaton, who just happens to play the title character based on her. The movie remains one of my favorite reflections on how two people meet, fall in love, and eventually out grow each other, which happens so often with couples. It contains some of Allen's best and funniest dialogue with the filmmaker really coming into his own delivering so many memorable scenes. It remains to this day one of the best explorations of how to play with narrative by employing various techniques like breaking the fourth wall. Keaton is so brilliant in it and she won the Oscar for Best Actress for essentially playing herself, and the movie won Best Picture.
If you only see one Woody Allen movie, this is the one.
The Apartment
Directed by Billy Wilder
Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray
"Ya know, I used to live like Robinson Crusoe; I mean, shipwrecked among 8 million people. And then one day I saw a footprint in the sand, and there you were."
Billy Wilder followed up the smashing success of Some Like it Hot with what I believe is his best film - 1960's, The Apartment. Jack Lemmon defines the lovable loser as working-class schlub, C.C. "Bud" Baxter and Shirley MacLaine is the forlorn elevator girl who is sleeping with his married boss, Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). This film was surprisingly dark and realistic for a era where the romantic comedies mostly centered around wealthy people and had happy endings. The Apartment concerns itself with more than just romance as its two main characters have already tasted the struggles of adult life. Throw in Fran's suicide attempt and Baxter's nursing her back to health and you have a movie that was far ahead of its time. An ambiguous ending leaves the viewer with no clear answers as to wether these two end up together, but by then it is clear that was never the point. Instead we are left with the hope that through the connection they've made with each other, Baxter and Fran have recognized the changes they need to make with themselves in order to move forward and find happiness.
Before Sunset
Directed by Richard Linklater
Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
"Jesse: Oh, God, why didn't we exchange phone numbers and stuff? Why didn't we do that?
Celine: Because we were young and stupid.
Jesse: Do you think we still are?
Celine: I guess when you're young, you just believe there'll be many people with whom you'll connect with. Later in life, you realize it only happens a few times."
The second film in Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy, which also includes 1995's Before Sunrise and 2013's Before Midnight, is a brilliantly written rumination on unfulfilled dreams and the possibility of second chances. Linklater reunites his two star-crossed lovers, Jesse and Celine nearly ten years after they parted on that train platform in Vienna, promising to meet there again in six months. Well, that meeting never happened and the divergent paths they each take lead them on paths that, now in their 30's, now find them unhappy and reminiscing on what might have been. Like its predecessor, Before Sunset, is all about the dialogue and pacing. Jesse and Celine share with each other what's become of their lives and by the end of the film manage to recapture what made them connect so well all those years ago when they were young and naïve. It is a fantastic love story, made stronger by the fact that both actors helped write it. Don't watch it without watching the first film, though, or its meaning will be lost on you.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Directed by Michel Gondry
Starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Kirstin Dunst and Mark Ruffalo
"Mierzwiak! Please let me keep this memory, just this one."
Michel Gondry directs this terrific movie from a script by Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation), about a man named Joel Barish (Jim Carrey in his finest, most subdued role) who, upon discovering his ex-girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet), has done the same, goes to have his memories of her erased by a new procedure practiced by a doctor and his dubious group of assistants. The story of Joel's and Clementine's turbulent relationship is played out through his memories while he is unconscious and the procedure slowly erases each moment as we experience it. The movie works on so many levels for me. It has such a random and almost confusing narrative structure as time jumps back and forth in his mind. By the time we get to the end of his recollections and to the moment the two of them met, we share in Joel's desperation to not forget and to hang on to everything that he loved about this woman and their time together. Visually the movie is so striking and abstract, using lighting and elaborate set pieces to define his fracturing memories. Gondry's picture is a love story for a new generation and I think in the years to come will be known for its artistic depiction of the pain of lost love and the need to remember it.
The Last of the Mohicans
Directed by Michael Mann
Starring Daniel Day Lewis and Madeleine Stowe
"No, you submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive... You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you."
If you're looking for a classic love story set against the backstory of an historical epic then Michael Mann's adaptation of the classic James Fenimore Cooper novel should be right up your alley. Daniel Day Lewis plays the enigmatic Hawkeye, half white, half Mohican who falls is love with Cora Munroe, the daughter of a prominent colonel in the British army, played by Madeleine Stowe. Their love story plays out against the backdrop of the French and Indian War. An underappreciated epic of the 1990's that would pre-date such blockbusters like Braveheart and Gladiator, Last of the Mohicans is the epitome of sweeping romance coupled with expertly filmed battle scenes. Just as touching is the quiet love that blooms between Hawkeye's brother, Uncas (Eric Schweig) and Cora's younger sister, Alice (Jodhi May). The depth of their connection is revealed in the film's gripping final moments on the side of cliff in the scenic Appalachians. Why hasn't Michael Mann made another historical period piece? I don't know, but this is one of the best movies of a terrific career.
Let the Right One In
Directed by Tomas Alfredson
Starring Kare Hedebrant and Lina Leandersson
"Eli: Oskar... Do you like me?
Oskar: Yeah, a lot.
Eli: If I wasn't a girl... would you like me anyway?
When I thought about this list I wanted to try and make sure that I explored various genres and not restrict myself to what most consider the "normal" love story. Let the Right One In is certainly not what one would consider a typical romantic movie. But that doesn't make it any less meaningful or even heartwarming in its own darkly bloodthirsty way. The relationship at the core of the film involves a young boy named Oskar (Kare Hedebrant) and the girl, Eli (fantastic Lina Leandersson), who lives in the apartment next to him who happens to be a vampire. Oskar is a troubled boy, constantly bullied at school and his connection to Eli is both sweet and terrifying. The movie is a moving coming-of-age story, melded with the tried-and-true tropes of gothic horror. It remains for me, one of the best defined, most original love stories in cinema. Filmed in Swedish with subtitles, it would be remade later into an American version simply titled Let Me In that is also very good, but I prefer this original.
Once
Directed by John Carney
Starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
"Girl: How come you don't play during daytime? I see you here everyday.
Guy: During the daytime, people would want to hear songs that they know, just songs that they recognize. I play these songs at night or I wouldn't make any money. People wouldn't listen.
Girl: I listen."
Another atypical romantic movie, Once is more about a singular connection made between a man and a woman through their shared love of music. First off, it is one of the best movie musicals of the last twenty years, boasting brilliant songs written and performed by the actors themselves, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. He is a Dublin busker ,wasting his life for pocket change. She is a immigrant flower girl who lives with her mom and young daughter. They meet when she hears him playing and is drawn to the beauty of his music. The main song of the film, "Falling Slowly" won the Oscar for best song, the year Once came out. The emotions these two feel come pouring out in song after beautiful song. What I love most about this movie was its message of how we can find our way and be inspired to change the direction of our lives by the bonds we forge with special people we meet along the way. It can be more than simply romantic love that drives us - something deeper. These relationships don't come along often. In fact, they may only happen . . . . once.
Say Anything
Directed by Cameron Crowe
Starring John Cusack, Ione Skye and John Mahoney
"She's gone. She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen."
Ok, this may be the most cliché pick on my list, but fuck it, I don't care. I love Say Anything. Cameron Crowe's directorial debut has attained almost mythical status among those of us who grew up in 80's. John Cusak stars in his career-defining role as Lloyd Dobler, an everyman for Generation X, who decides during high school graduation to ask out the class valedictorian, Diane Court, played by the radiant Ione Skye. Despite the protestations of all of his friends who think it will never work because they are too different - Diane a wealthy super-achiever destined for great things - Lloyd an unambitious guy who wants to be a kick boxer - they fall in love. I really like Lloyd's motivational arc in the movie. He dedicates his life to simply loving Diane and declares that as his focus in life. Some may call it naïve and unrealistic, but in a world where most are judged on how they succeed in life by what careers they pursue it is refreshing to see Lloyd's sense of accomplishment in simply being a good man to the woman he loves.
Up
Directed by Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson
Starring Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai and Christopher Plummer
You might be wondering, hey, Up is not a romantic movie - and you'd be dead wrong. There is more emotion and gut-wrenching heartache in the ten minute prologue to this film then most full-length features can muster. Carl (Ed Asner) and Ellie's life together is simple and full of love. After she is gone, the majority of the plot details Carl's fulfillment of the promise of adventure he made to his late wife all those years ago. Though the romance was in Carl's past, it is his love for Ellie that drives the entire plot forward. Through the course of this quest to move his house to the wilds of South America, he meets Russell (Jordan Nagai) a boy scout stowaway, who inadvertently helps Carl love again. Up is Pixar at its best. It is a story about cherishing those we love after they've gone, and learning how to keep on living instead of hiding within ourselves.
Vertigo
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak
Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak
"Couldn't you like me, just me the way I am? When we first started out, it was so good; w-we had fun. And... and then you started in on the clothes. Well, I'll wear the darn clothes if you want me to, if, if you'll just, just like me."
Obsession, fear, grief and yes, uncontrollable passion are all main themes of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece of doomed love . . . . Vertigo. One of my absolute favorite films of all time (this won't be the last time you see me write about it), it is the story of John "Scottie" Ferguson (Jimmy Stewart in his finest role), a San Francisco detective forced to retire after he discovers that he suffers from acrophobia, an acute fear of heights. Hired to follow the wife of an old classmate, who has begun to wander around the city aimlessly, he soon becomes dangerously obsessed with her. This was Hitchcock's most personal and revealing film. The love story between Scottie and Madeline/Judy (Kim Novak) is both tragic and disturbing. Its creepiness lies in his uncontrollable need to resurrect the dead through the reshaping of a woman who just happens to look just like his dead lover. He truly is cinema's great "victim of love".
Matt's Picks:
(500) Days of Summer
Directed by Marc Webb
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Chloe Grace Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Clark Gregg
At the beginning of this 2009 indie hit, the narrator warns the audience this movie "is not a love story," but, rather, "a story of boy meets girl." Nevertheless, love is featured prominently, focusing on the origins and expectations of love. Tom (Gordon-Levitt), a greeting card writer, has been bombarded his entire life by love via pop culture and has thus built high expectations of love. This all is evidenced when Tom falls in love with the new girl (pun intended) at his work, Summer (Deschanel). Even though Summer admits up front that she does not believe in love, Tom just chalks it up to thinking she hasn't met the right guy yet.
This film is probably more of a coming-of-age story rather than a romantic comedy; there certainly are plenty of comedic moments but the ideas represented here are dramatic and, at times, heartbreaking. I think the best thing about this movie is that it shows how most of us, at least one time in our lives, hold a romantic interest -- and love -- up on a pedestal; we fall in love with the idea of falling in love -- or fall in love with a certain person because of how they make us feel. We often forget that the object of our affection is just a person -- just like us. While we might hold them in high esteem, they still make mistakes, are uncertain, and fallible -- and, sometimes, they don't adore us in the same way we do with them. I liked how screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber utilize different techniques -- from a slideshow and narration to a musical dance number -- to tell their tale of being (sometimes) cruelly educated in the workings of love.
Casablanca
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, and
Peter Lorre
Yes, it's at the top of most critics' lists. And there's good reason. Casablanca -- made during the beginning of World War II, based on the American play Everybody Comes to Rick's -- not only addresses the real-life Nazi threat at the time, but highlights one of the greatest love stories conveyed to celluloid. American expatriate and brooding nightclub and gambling den owner Rick Blaine (Bogart) runs the best bar in Casablanca, Morocco, while also providing doctored visas to immigrants desperate to escape the newly Nazi-occupied Europe. When a small-time crook Ugarte (Lorre) tells Rick he has obtained "letters of transit" which allow the bearer to travel freely around Nazi-controlled Europe and to neutral Portugal, Rick becomes interested but not willing to pay the price. Rick is a hard-boiled man, who strictly stays out of other people's affairs, not getting emotional and only choosing money over sentimentality when it comes to giving favors. Then, one day, Rick's one true love Ilsa (Bergman) enters the bar with her fiancé Victor Laszlo (Henreid), a renowned fugitive Czech Resistence leader who needs the "letters of transit" to escape to America to continue his work.
Rick's predicament presented in the film presents a moral question that some in love will have to question: would you be truly be willing to sacrifice for the person you love? I thought Rick's "big picture" thinking is very profound and makes this not your run-of-the-mill romance film. Aristotle's "big picture" teaching is best used in the film regarding Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman; especially when Bogart tells Bergman that, "The problems of two people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world." The audience is meant to feel it's something of a tragedy that the Bogart and Bergman characters' love has to take a backseat to the larger picture, but those characters know that what the Bergman character (and Victor Lazlo) is doing is far more important than a relationship; we aren't meant to have any doubt that the claims of the larger picture should trump their personal concerns. The core of the film's central love theme is that truly loving a person is doing what's best for them -- even at your own expense. Blaine knows that helping Laszlo get to America is not only what's best for the world, but also what's best for Ilsa -- even if it breaks Blaine's heart.
Directed by Nicholas Stoller
Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, and Bill Hader
From the more rom-com (romantic comedy) genre comes this 2008 hit which was written by lead actor Jason Segel, loosely based on his real-life break-up with Freaks and Geeks co-star Linda Cardellini. Segel puts his comedy and musical talent to great use as Peter Bretter, a TV show composer and struggling musical composer who is dumped by his girlfriend, the star of said TV show, Sarah Marshall (Bell). To get her out of his head, he takes an exotic vacation to Hawaii ... only to coincidentally (truly) run into Marshall and her new boyfriend -- rock star Aldous Snow (Brand) -- at the same hotel where he is staying. Fortunately, for Peter, he meets the hotel concierge, Rachel (Kunis), and starts to change his ways as well as his views on his life.
There are plenty of rom-coms that I could admit to enjoying -- even though I'm not the biggest fan of the genre -- but this one struck a chord with me, first, because it's written from a man's point-of-view after being dumped (something with which I can definitely relate); and, second, the crude-yet-heartwarming humor in the story. I finally found a guy of my generation's take on romance and heartbreak, which made it very relatable. One of the techniques I especially thought was cool was how Segel's character would break into these memory flashes of the times he had with Sarah; the cinematic-style flashbacks are the same way most people drudge up their memories (a technique most recently used in Spike Jonze's brilliant Her). Well, I do, anyways. The way that Peter inadvertently transforms himself upon meeting Rachel. One of the things I liked most about the film is how Peter is confronted by Sarah about how he never wanted to do anything, making Peter recognize that he's not completely innocent -- and Sarah is not completely evil or wrong -- when it comes to their break-up.
There are plenty of rom-coms that I could admit to enjoying -- even though I'm not the biggest fan of the genre -- but this one struck a chord with me, first, because it's written from a man's point-of-view after being dumped (something with which I can definitely relate); and, second, the crude-yet-heartwarming humor in the story. I finally found a guy of my generation's take on romance and heartbreak, which made it very relatable. One of the techniques I especially thought was cool was how Segel's character would break into these memory flashes of the times he had with Sarah; the cinematic-style flashbacks are the same way most people drudge up their memories (a technique most recently used in Spike Jonze's brilliant Her). Well, I do, anyways. The way that Peter inadvertently transforms himself upon meeting Rachel. One of the things I liked most about the film is how Peter is confronted by Sarah about how he never wanted to do anything, making Peter recognize that he's not completely innocent -- and Sarah is not completely evil or wrong -- when it comes to their break-up.
High Fidelity
Directed by Stephen Frears
Starring John Cusack, Iben Hjejle, Jack Black, Todd Louiso, Lisa Bonet, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joan Cusack, and Tim Robbins
OK. Definitely not as good as the Nick Hornby book with which the movie is based. But not many adaptations are as good. Nevertheless, this film is a rom-com (romantic comedy) from the man's viewpoint, and there are plenty of pop culture references thrown in (especially in the book), as well as a cameo from "The Boss" himself, Bruce Springsteen. What more could you need? The story centers around music store owner Rob (Cusack) who runs an independent CD/record shop and spends most of the day making "Top 5" lists with his co-workers Barry (Black) and Dick (Louiso). At the beginning of the film, we witness the break-up between Rob and his longtime girlfriend Laura (Hjejle). In the midst of his moping malaise, Rob decides to re-visit his top 5 breakups, and ask his former girlfriends what went wrong in the relationship so he can get a better understanding of why things didn't work out with Laura.
Reading this book was probably one of the quickest reads I've ever had. The story's abundance of pop culture references (films, books, TV) and Hornby's musings on relationships between men and women are so relatable to me. In the film, most of these musings and references are still adapted, but seeing the characters come to life is a fan's delight. The best thing about this film is that it shows what sometimes happens after the rom-com ending. This shows a couple in the middle of their relationship when it seems like it has nowhere else to go. But, don't worry. It's not as gloomy as it seems. Laughter ensues -- and a damn great soundtrack! "Hey, I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I'm certainly not the dumbest. I mean, I've read books like The Unbearable Lightness of Being and Love in the Time of Cholera, and I think I've understood them. They're about girls, right? Just kidding."
Marty
Directed by Delbert Mann
Starring Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Esther Minciotti, Joe Mantell, Frank Sutton, and Karen Steele
This 1955 Academy Award winner for Best Picture still resonates today. Marty Piletti (played by one of my favorite actors, Ernest Borgnine) is a nice guy who does everything right. He's a loyal, reliable friend; a loving, helpful son; and a shy, awkward "gentle giant." His mom (Minciotti) pushes Marty to meet a nice woman so he can get married, settle down and have some kids; but after a bad blind date, he is feeling dejected ... until he is paid by another guy to take home the guy's date, Clara -- a woman (Blair) considered homely. The two hit it off and spark up a cute, loving romance. However, things go a bit awry for Marty when his friends and family -- due to their own selfish reasons -- start not liking or approving of Clara or his relationship with her.
The thing I liked most about this film when I first watched it when I was 14-years-old was the fact that Marty didn't look like the usual leading man found in most romance movies. He is the epitome of a nice guy and the one time he meets a woman whom he loves, his family and friends don't approve of her, and not because she is a bad person or negative influence ... but rather only because of their insecurities and doubts. In the end, Marty does what any self-respecting man would do, and I've always admired the character and the movie for that. Plus, the chemistry between Borgnine and Blair feels so real, honest, and endearing.
Music From Another Room
Directed by Charlie Peters
Starring Jude Law, Gretchen Mol, Brenda Blethyn, Jennifer Tilly, Jon Tenney, and Martha Plimpton
This underrated 1998 romantic dramedy (drama-comedy) was probably the least noticed film of that year ... which is a shame seeing how it's a great love story. In the film, Danny (Law) has loved Anna (Mol) all her life -- seeing how he witnessed and helped deliver her when she was born. After living abroad for 25 years, he returns to the town where Anna and her family live. He reacquaints himself with them and his love for Anna flourishes even more -- even though Anna is too busy to fall in love and doesn't quite believe in it. She believes in practicality and responsibility .. which is why she is engaged to Eric (Tenney).
There's just something about this film that draws the viewer in. The characters are a bit dysfunctional (some more so than others!) and the romance between Law and Mol is not that one-dimensional. This is not your typical "boy-meets-girl, boy-gets-girl, boy-does-something-to-piss-off-girl, boy-and-girl-make-up" film. The film follows variances of love represented through Anna's family, but it is the overall story that leaves the viewer with just a good, warm feeling.
Once
Directed by John Carney
Starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Set in Dublin, Ireland, Once is the tale of a guy (Hansard) who's a vacuum repairman at his father's shop by day and a guitarist/busker by afternoons and evenings, trying his best to support his widowed father and get over a break-up with his long-time girlfriend. One night, while performing one of his outstanding, passionate songs ("Say It To Me Now"), he's tipped by and meets a Czech girl (Irglova), who's amazed by his song and becomes somewhat of a fan. The next day, when bringing the guy her vacuum to repair, we learn that the girl is somewhat of a musician herself - she was trained by her father to be a damn good pianist. Shortly after, the two stop by a music shop where the girl plays piano for him and he soon is taking out one of his original songs for them to both sing. What follows is a simplistic-yet-magical scene set to a beautifully haunting song, "Falling Slowly," where these characters bond. Without mincing words, this song is absolutely beautiful and brilliant! And it's a good precursor of what to expect from this film. With many critics describing this movie as a musical, or as director John Carney described it: a "video album," it's easy to agree because the film's music is featured so prominently and is played to help form and mold the characters. At times, Once feels a bit like an epic music video, but with much more feeling and story. Each time a song comes on, you feel more drawn to these characters, their lives and the connection they have. If you don't like the music, then there's something seriously wrong with your taste and you should probably start reevaluating what you consider to be good, real music.
Some of my favorite moments from the film are, of course, the musical scenes. Scenes which particularly stand out is when Hansard composes and sings "Lies" while watching old home movie footage of him and his girlfriend, and when first singing "Falling Slowly" with Irglova. The film does not end the way most would think -- especially if you are thinking of a "Hollywood ending" -- but it's a sweet ending, nonetheless. I've had a relationship like the one featured in the film. I won't disclose any more of the film or the several scenes I loved as I'm afraid that may take away from the visceral, feel-good emotions they invoke. All I will say is that Once is one of the best, innovative films I've seen in a long time. It's emotionally honest, the music is better than anything you'll hear on mainstream contemporary radio, and it'll leave you feeling both inspired and rejuvenated. This is not merely a film to see; it's a film to experience! There're so many emotions and memories that surface after viewing this film and that's the sign of a great movie!
Some of my favorite moments from the film are, of course, the musical scenes. Scenes which particularly stand out is when Hansard composes and sings "Lies" while watching old home movie footage of him and his girlfriend, and when first singing "Falling Slowly" with Irglova. The film does not end the way most would think -- especially if you are thinking of a "Hollywood ending" -- but it's a sweet ending, nonetheless. I've had a relationship like the one featured in the film. I won't disclose any more of the film or the several scenes I loved as I'm afraid that may take away from the visceral, feel-good emotions they invoke. All I will say is that Once is one of the best, innovative films I've seen in a long time. It's emotionally honest, the music is better than anything you'll hear on mainstream contemporary radio, and it'll leave you feeling both inspired and rejuvenated. This is not merely a film to see; it's a film to experience! There're so many emotions and memories that surface after viewing this film and that's the sign of a great movie!
Ruby Sparks
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
Starring Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Chris Messina, Annette Bening, Elliott Gould, and Antonio Banderas
A really refreshing, original story from writer/co-star Zoe Kazan (who is the granddaughter of famous director Elia Kazan) and directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) about a young one-hit-wonder novelist, Calvin (the always-great Paul Dano), who has come into a bit of writer's block. Then, upon his therapist's request, he simply starts writing about whatever he likes and soon starts writing of the woman of his literal dreams. And, one day, she's alive ... in his house ... in his life. Calvin soon discovers that his new girlfriend, Ruby (Kazan), can and will do anything he writes of her to do. Dano and Kazan have great chemistry together -- maybe that's because they are a couple in real life! And the writing is what impressed me the most! Kazan has proven that she is truly one of the greatest writing talents of today's Hollywood screenwriters; I can't wait to see her next film!
While the premise of the film seems like any man's "dream come true," turns into a serious study of what really matters in a relationship.What starts off as somewhat of a romantic comedy-type of film soon turns into a serious study about the horrors that can become of having control over someone you truly love ... and of how free will is a beautiful thing. If a person could have someone fall in love with them who they were crazy about, then it would get boring pretty quickly. That's why someone tends to fall in love with someone who challenges them -- in a good way. This also explains why a guy/girl will not date someone who will do anything for them and/or always agree with them. A great film all around!
Say Anything ...
Directed by Cameron Crowe
Starring John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Lili Taylor, Amy Brooks, and Loren Dean
This film is most likely to be one of the greatest love stories of my generation! Writer/director Cameron Crowe's directorial debut (he had a previous writing credit for Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which was based on his book he had researched) features the loveable everyman Lloyd Dobler (Cusack), whom everyone loves; and it's easy to see why from Cusack's likeable acting -- he's that guy in school that everyone (no matter what clique they were in) liked just because they thought he was cool and easygoing. Dobler decides on high school graduation day to go against the advice of his friends and ask "brainy-yet-beautiful" Diane Court (Skye) out on a date. After an awkwardly funny phone call, Diane agrees to go out with Lloyd to a graduation party, where she gets to mingle with her classmates for the first time and has fun. Skye's Diane character had pretty much every guy who's watched this film fall in love with her. And you can't help but root for Lloyd as his love for Diane grows but faces the obstacle of her overprotective father (Mahoney), who has some legal troubles.
I will proudly admit that upon watching this film for the first time, I fell in love with Ione Skye's character. Crowe is very talented when it comes to writing a man and woman's relationship with his own distinct style (see Singles, Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, Elizabethtown and We Bought a Zoo), and his humor of various relationships within an ensemble cast always shine (i.e,, when Lloyd is dumped by Diane and goes to his guy friends for advice and sympathy). Plus, the soundtrack kicks ass (Aerosmith, Living Colour, Cheap Trick, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Depeche Mode, Fishbone, The Replacements, Soundgarden, and Peter Gabriel)! One of my most favorite scenes has to be the graduation party and the next morning, as well as the aforementioned scene when Lloyd hangs out with the guys. Still one of the best romance movies ever!
Twice Upon a Yesterday
Directed by Maria Ripoll
Starring Douglas Henshall, Lena Headey, Penelope Cruz, Mark Strong, and Elizabeth McGovern
Before she was the cold, bitchy Cersei Lannister on HBO's Game of Thrones, Lena Headey co-starred in this gem from 1998, which was given a small release -- originally named The Man with Rain in His Shoes -- and very underrated. Scottish actor Douglas Henshall stars as struggling actor Victor Bukowski, who is dumped by his long-time girlfriend Sylvia (Headey) for being unfaithful. One night, in a drunken stupor, Victor meets two garbagemen who give him the chance to relive the previous day over again. He does not have the affair and makes himself to be a better boyfriend to Sylvia. Unfortunately, Sylvia is drawn to another man (Strong) and Victor has to abruptly move on with his life. He meets struggling writer Louise (Cruz) and starts to improve his life.
This tale proves that sometimes things are meant to be ... no matter what you do; things happen for a reason. I don't want to give too much away about this charming movie with a slight magical twist. But it's definitely earned its place on this list because neither character is "the bad one" -- the film has more respect for its characters than assigning such a narrow stereotype. A great film and great story; it should've gained more recognition among the film community.
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