Blue Valentine

Directed By: Derek Cianfrance

Written By: Derek Cianfrance, Joey Curtis & Cami Delavigne

Starring:

Ryan Gosling

Michelle Williams

John Doman

Mike Vogel

 

Blue Valentine is Derek Cianfrance’s romantic film chartering the relationship of Cindy and Dean. The film cuts back and forth between the present day when they are unhappy and the past when they were madly in love.The past scenes when they meet and fall hopelessly in love are touching and heartwarming to say the least.

 

Dean works in a moving company, moving furniture for the likes of an old man who moves into a retirement home. Cindy is in medical school, with hopes of becoming a doctor. She spends her time looking after her grandmother, who lives in a retirement home. It is here that a chance meeting between the two where sparks fly, well for Dean at least, Cindy is not quite impressed at first.

 

The present day scenes are much more dull and depressing. Dean has lost his good looks, he enjoys the occasional drink but he’s not a drunk. Basically he’s your typical lazy husband. Cindy, now tired of Dean and their marriage is almost at the end of her tether. In the middle of the two is their daughter Frankie.

 

Out of the two times, I would say my favourite parts are the past because each scene is memorable, upbeat and exciting. My favourite scene is when Dean sings and Cindy tap-dances in front of a store. The looks of surprise and awe on their faces perfectly embody their relationship at the time.

 

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, both executive producers, have sublime chemistry on-screen as the happy couple and the dysfunctional husband and wife. Michelle Williams was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe deservedly. Ryan Gosling was nominated for a Golden Globe however I feel he also deserved a second Oscar nod. Both are brilliant in every aspect and time of their characters. Their best scene is during the past when they are both on the subway, comforting each other.

 

Derek Cianfrance does a good job directing this film. His style of using a shaky camera during intense scenes is used to good effect.

 

Earlier, in my review of Her I said that it was my favourite romantic film ever, well not anymore. Blue Valentine can be extremely fun to watch and happy and then can be beautifully depressing and sorrowful. It has the perfect balance of both. It is most definitely my favourite romantic film ever.

 

10/10 – Michael

N/A – Cody

100%

 

Clerks.

Directed By: Kevin Smith

Written By: Kevin Smith

Starring:

Brian O’Halloran

Jeff Anderson

Marilyn Ghigliotti

Jason Mewes

Kevin Smith

Lisa Spoonhauer

I wasn’t even supposed to be here today – Dante

This job would be great if it wasn’t for the fucking customers – Randal

Clerks is Kevin Smiths rollicking directorial debut, this is the movie that launched his career and kick started the Viewaskewnivese.

It Follows the story of Dante Hicks (O’Halloran) who is asked to go into work on his day off. While there he passes the time by playing hockey on the store roof, mulling over life and conversing with best friend Randal (Anderson).

Made on a shoestring budget and film mostly at night at the store Kevin Smith worked in at the time, this film still manages to be just as good as any movie with a Hollywood budget.

The movie is humorous most of the way through due to some hilarious conversations mainly between Dante and Randal (which shows of Kevin Smith’s talent for comedic dialogue) but the movie does have serious moments that are fused into the movie between the comedy.

The movie is splendidly written and directed by Smith who seemed to be adept in his first role as a writer/director.

From “milkmaids” and hockey on the roof to conversations on if there were independent contractors working on the second death star when it blew up, this film is a very impressive comedy

This cult favourite is a must watch for any comedy movie fans

 

8/10 – Cody

N/A – Michael

80%