Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in Blue Valentine, a raw, in-depth look at a couple’s relationship, flashing in between the story of how they first started dating to a current possibly relationship-ending fight.Blue Valentine tries to remain whimsical despite its heavy theme. It is often difficult to watch, but Blue Valentine is totally original from its style to its structure to its honest dialogue.
The film is mostly driven by the amazing performances of its stars. Gosling and Williams are truly broken down in this picture. Choosing which one was better is almost impossible. Michelle Williams is definitely one of the greatest actresses working today, and Gosling is truly proving himself to have the versatility of Christian Bale. The two dominate the film, with supporting characters having very limited roles. This movie is about two people, and the spotlight is on them.
Blue Valentine is styled and shot in such a way that it almost feels like watching a home movie in a dreamy kind of way. The argument-driven plot holds many similarities to Revolutionary Road, but Blue Valentine is much less bitter and much more bittersweet. The pain from the difficult scenes is often lifted with light-hearted scenes of instances when the couple was still young and happy. Gosling is particularly good in scenes where he is showing his characters’ good side, whether he’s raising their child in the present or helping an old man move in the past.
Blue Valentine is an honest look at romance, relationships, and life. In a sea of romantic comedies and dramas, it stands alone as if in a whole new genre. Gosling and Williams give performances that people will remember for the rest of their promising careers. Williams is currently nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the upcoming Academy Awards.
4/5
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