Review of Blue Valentine (2010) by John S — 04 Nov 2013

I always know that a movie is effective if I find myself thinking about it later, and this movie haunted me for days. This is a story of a couple's rise and fall. The story is told on two timelines, so you watch the two falling in love while you are watching them fall apart.

And both characters are so utterly sympathetic that it rips your heart out. The movie is so well composed, it was a nice change to see a movie that used the non-linear format effectively, and not just to make a boring story seem more original.

What makes this film truly original is that so much of it is unscripted, which must be why it seems so real. The story is great, the direction is great, the style is great, but the real standout is the acting.

Gosling and Williams are both spectacular. You absolutely believe everything they are going through, and it seems so natural that you almost feel like you are eavesdropping on their private lives (the only thing unnatural about this movie is Ryan Gosling's hairline.

.. no way he'd look like that after only 5 years!). Both of these characters are people you know, and more importantly, people you've been. Which is why the film is so poignant. This movie is about all of us.

.. anyone who has been in love or has had a relationship crumble, or both. If you haven't heard of or seen this movie, SEE IT. It's truly stellar in every way. Easily one of the best films of 2010, if not THE best (and 2010 was a strong year for film).