Review of Blue Valentine (2010) by Carlos F — 14 Jan 2014

The happier parts of the film intentionally (or maybe unintentionally?) depict two individuals who spark quick chemistry but are subtly incompatible. Dean is comfortable as a man with work but ultimately no career aspirations, while Cindy is in college, on-track to becoming a doctor. Add to this an unplanned pregnancy that Dean did not father, and you'd think the relationship would quickly lose steam. But Dean is a starry-eyed romantic, and Cindy, with all that's occurring to her, is in a very sensitive state of existence. The cards for an unfounded marriage are quickly laid out, and the decent to break-up is put on full display.

Full-display may not be the best choice of words; for one, the film is not solely about the disillusionment, but rather a contrast that depicts both the rise and fall of the relationship. Additionally, said downfall is captured over the span of just a few days...

The heart-breaking agony is felt nonetheless, though, built on the overwhelming feeling that the relationship has been long-wrecked. The wonderful performances by Gosling and Williams really capture the notion: their weathered looks, coupled with their characters' awkward interactions and full-blown arguments, throw a heap of heartache at the viewer. Not surprisingly, this is the film's greatest strengths: two amazing central acts that present a marriage in utter disarray. It's hella heavy, but that's the great thing about it...even if that means putting your heart through the ringer. [01.14.14].