I’ve never been a big fan of romances because all too often they fall victim to clichés and stereotypes in the worst ways. Whether it’s the all-too-perfect mushy dialogue or the highly unlikely turn of romantic events, romance films rely on women’s lack of caring about these things in order to see a love story play out that they wish were their own. Often times this brings big bucks too. The Notebook was a very popular and very successful romance film a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised to see how unlike other romances it was.
For starters, this film doesn’t focus explicitly on the couple’s time together. Most of the film covers their time apart and the issues they faced during this time. They coped with the separation and even had come to terms with it when their lives were suddenly and unexpectedly thrown back together. Their reunion is anything but harmonious and that’s what is so remarkable about this film. It is one of the few honest portrayals of love I’ve seen outside of a traditional drama.
The Notebook shows both sides of love. There are the romantic and thoughtful moments we’re accustomed to seeing, but there are also dark places that love can lead us: obsession, denial, despair. Granted, not all of these moments are deftly acted by such the film’s young stars, but they get it right more often than not, so kudos to Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. The passion they display is one of a kind and the freewheeling, playful side of love they show is actually done right for a change.
But the story doesn’t just exist in the defining moments of their youthful love. As with real life, the story goes on. The real story is a mix of joy and sadness and is so different from anything I’ve seen before in the genre. Author Nicholas Sparks understands that happy endings aren’t real endings, which I appreciate.
One thing I definitely enjoyed (especially coming off the previous review) was the fact all the clothing looked like the characters actually wore it. Everything seemed real: the clothes, the sets, everything. I liked the choices for on-location shots and the filmmakers didn’t overdo it on the music either. Nothing too sappy or melodramatic. It was all pretty well in line.
There’s really not a whole lot more I can say or get into without giving away much about the film (which I am not in the business of doing). The only other thing I can say is that the older actors in the film did an impeccable job and were just as good, if not better, of conveying a deep-seated love that solid movies are built around.
The Notebook is a solid film and I definitely recommend it, if you are into the romantic side of the movie spectrum. Good stuff here.
I’ve never been a big fan of romances because all too often they fall victim to clichés and stereotypes in the worst ways. Whether it’s the all-too-perfect mushy dialogue or the highly unlikely turn of romantic events, romance films rely on women’s lack of caring about these things in order to see a love story play out that they wish were their own. Often times this brings big bucks too. The Notebook was a very popular and very successful romance film a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised to see how unlike other romances it was.
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