(500) Days of Summer

I have to write about this movie. You might not want to read this if you plan on seeing it.

I saw it on Saturday evening in Portland and it's been stuck in my head ever since. Those of you who know me well know that I have somewhat of an aversion to theaters, since I worry about people in the theater talking, using cellphones etc... or I worry about the screen being too small and the volume too low. I went to this on an impulse and had a couple of hours to kill before meeting up with Binh and Mackenzie for dinner. I really didn't know what the movie was going to be about, but I knew it starred Zooey Deschanel. And those of you who know me well also know what a big fan I am of her =)

While this film may be labeled as a romantic comedy, it is smarter than most and definitely not a "chick flick". (500) Days defies normal genre conventions (as many great movies do). The audience for this film, I believe, will similarly defy one target audience. The theater was filled with all types - young, old, men, women, gay, straight, and when it ended everyone had a big smile on their face. The vibe during the movie was also great. Completeley engaged, the intelligent audience laughed at all the right times and was altogether silent the rest of the time.

I'm not going to write a long in-depth review because, well, first of all, I haven't got all my thoughts organized on it and there's too much I want to say. I can say this, though - this was one of the most enjoyable movie experiences I've ever had. I wouldn't say this is necessarily one of the best movies ever, but it was the right time and place and the movie is damn good. I really connected to the main character and through this movie I re-experienced many of the emotions I have felt in past relationships. It was wrenching and utterly engaging. As I was watching there were times when I felt the movie was made just for me. Even many of the pop culture references, such as to the author Alain de Botton (whom I've tried to get others to read), the allusions to many other classic and familiar films, and the shots one has to take before doing karaoke in public spoke directly to my experiences.

Aesthetically, not only is Zooey remarkably beautiful, but the director, Marc Webb, employs a number of creative techniques that make the movie more than a simple narrative storytelling. In addition to pleasing visual surprises, the plot and ultimate resolution are also surprising. Deschanel nails the "girl who breaks your heart" so much so that many of the feelings I haven't felt in a really long time came flooding back. I found myself drawn to her like a moth to light (just as Tom, the protagonist is) while at the same time hating her for not fully engaging or giving herself over to him (just as Tom, the protagonist does). I hope she finally gets her due from critics and moviemakers as a true talent. We all know her as the cute sister in Almost Famous, but see All the Real Girls for her first great role (and a seriously good film). The great acting (on Joseph Gordon Levitt's part as well) and artful direction allow this film to navigate between the lighthearted, the slapstick, the fantastical, and honest emotional groundedness like so few movies have been able to.

The movie is not without its flaws or occasional indulgences, but I can't wait to see it again even though I know I will be sad a second time around. I think movies that provide us with an experience are the ones that stand out and the ones we want to keep living. Like Eternal Sunshine and All the Real Girls, the movie forces us to consider (and hopefully feel) how life affirming, real, and indispensable painful experiences with love can be.

Not for the emotionally cynical. For everyone else. 4.5 out of 5 stars.