Blue Valentine Review

Title: Blue ValentineMPAA Rating: RDirector: Derek Cianfrance

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle WilliamsRuntime: 1 hour 54 minutes

What It Is: Married couple Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams in an Oscar-nominated performance) used to be what many strive for, young carefree and in love. However, since then their lives together have seen a downward spiral of apathy. They care less about themselves than they do one another and their only true connect is the couple's daughter Frankie. We not only get a look at the skeleton that used to be their relationship, but what life was like before they knew one another, and how they became a couple.

What We Think: When you view this film I’m going to warn you that you aren’t in for a traditional boy meets girl story. This is a real, raw look at a fractured relationship between two people that used to be somewhat in love. It’s brutal, honest, and beautiful all at the same time. Cianfrance’s direction may seem heavy-handed at times, but makes one feel like a fly on the wall. As if their inner demons are a secret meant only to be whispered between them. The cinematography changes with the tide of the characters often times getting as gritty as the situations. When it comes to soundtracks this one kicks some ass. Featuring music only by Grizzly Bear, as well as a song sung by Gosling called ironically enough “You Always Hurt the One’s You Love”.

Our Grade: A, At times it seemed almost like the director was lost, as some scenes seem to be ill-fitting and others feel incomplete. The film also lacks some balance making the ending a giant head scratcher. Regardless of these things the film's beauty and performances make up for quite a bit, leaving you with a feeling like you just saw someone air their dirty laundry. It may not be the most pleasant of tales, but it’s as close to real as you’ll see in Hollywood.