Review of Love Story (2011) by Jack W — 03 Oct 2010

Simple and powerful, this film proves that it isn't hard to make a great, enduring film. The story is so simple yet is imbued with layer upon layer of subtext. There is the love story between Jenny and Oliver of course, but then the story between Oliver and his father.

There is also a generational bridge being addressed as well as commentary on social movements of the time and the not so obvious shift occurring within filmmaking. Quite simply this film is outstanding and it is easy to see why it was the sixth highest grossing film ever (when released) and why it can be called the film that saved Paramount.

The writing is at times sappy and the score does it's best to pull at your heartstrings but it is the performances that make this film go. Ray Milland represents so much and in such little screen time shines supremely.

Hiller chose to linger on his face at the end of his scenes and the world worn, weary look Milland portrays is amazing. Yet it is the performances of Macgraw and o'Neal and the chemistry between the two that just stands out.

Lastly, the direction of Hiller is to be praised. The choices he made, from score to cinematography to thematic all worked. A true classic!