Hunting Lane Films, Silverwood Films
Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman, Jen Jones, Faith Wladyka, Ben Shenkman, Maryann Plunkett
Blue Valentine is an unflinching story of love and hate. Once they were crazy in love with each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling) have now grown far apart. Cindy is bored with her life and dreaming of something better, and Dean is very lonely wondering where Cindy has gone. Not to say it’s not his fault, as he can be mean and violent, but truly wonders why she doesn’t want him anymore.
The story is a gritty, down to the bone look at why people once in love are so far apart. Dean is childish which drives Cindy nuts, and she is cold and aloof. This story is told in two parts that intertwine. One part is when they met and fell in love, and the other is years later when things have gotten about as bad as they can.
I don’t think the story judges them, but looks at what is really going on without holding back. It’s not a pretty story, but it is poignant and cuts right to the chase. The characters seem very real and the actors do a great job. The dreary area of rural Pennsylvania is right on, and very familiar to me. A lot of people are struggling through the same kinds of problems, and maybe looking closely at their situation is useful to help us work out our own issues, whatever they are. It’s an interesting character study and worthwhile if you are interested in a down to earth family tragedy film. It’s not a feel good film by any means, but it’s real life unadorned. I wanted these two to work it out, but perhaps it’s just too much to overcome.
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Movie Review - Blue Valentine (2010) {R},
