500 Days of Summer

OK, so I can't be objective about this movie, I need to set my stall out right from the start. I instantly adored it. Why wouldn't I? Two charming leads, a soundtrack which is easily my iPod on random, and clever visual flourishes which never detract from the movie's honest and humorous presentation of what it is to be in love and have your heart broken ... this movie has every ingredient I desire to win my praise.

This refreshing subversion of the rom com stars Zooey Deschanel as the titular Summer, who breaks Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character Tom's heart after they meet  at work. Summer is a Ringo Starr loving, sixties haircut wearing girl who doesn't believe in love; Tom is an idealistic, eighties indie-loving trained architect who writes messages for greetings cards. We see their relationship scrambled over the 500 days they were together, scenes often cleverly juxtaposed or replayed with some tableaus meaning the opposite of what we'd first inferred.

When Harry Met Sally in reverse, the movie has all the fizz and spark of that film even though the relationship featured is ending. A droll opening and narratorial voice set a witty tone which never abates and is complemented by moments of sheer joy (the dance to Hall & Oates' 'You Make My Dreams' sums up the euphoria of a first night with someone), soul and sadness. As my friend commented as we left the cinema, the misery is never at the expense of a belief in love and fate, as the upbeat ending serves to remind us. Sure, Summer actually seems like a bit of a bitch and I'm guessing at least one of the writers has had a pretty bad experience ... Why? Check out the authors note in the opening credits: 'The following is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Especially you Jenny Beckman. Bitch.' But the casting of Deschanel helps us to like Summer even though she breaks Tom's heart. Yes, Deschanel's doll like cutseyness occasionally grates and there's no attempt to give her much internal life, but generally she's as appealing as you would expect her to be - Summer gets away with much more than if another actress had taken on the role. And she gets to sing! Plus, on a sartorial note, I loved every single item of clothing she wears (could she be shaping up to be this generation's Diane Keaton? I've certainly read reviews comparing 500 Days to Annie Hall and heartily endorse this view). I've not seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt in much, but after this I will keep my eyes open for future projects - he has a lively on-screen presence and is equally as likeable as Tom, demonstrating excellent comic timing. Thinking of the male-female dynamic more widely, I also enjoyed seeing a movie in which it was the female character who was the cynic about romance and the pair were incredibly believable as an item. The script is full of wit and makes much of this fact:

Summer: We've been like Sid and Nancy for months now.
Tom: Summer, Sid stabbed Nancy, seven times with a kitchen knife, I mean we have some disagreements but I hardly think I'm Sid Vicious.
Summer: No, I'm Sid.
Tom: Oh, so I'm Nancy...

The laughs are light and frequent and moments of sadness all too easy to empathise with; accompanied by a soundtrack which includes everything from The Smiths and Mumm-Ra to Regina Spektor and Simon & Garfunkel, this movie is, in my view, perfect. Fresh, playful and well executed, 500 Days does what Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist tried to do and gets there less self consciously. This is is a story for men and womenfolk of my generation and is one of the most easy to relate to films I've seen in a very long time. Loved.

Comments

[Lou]

I'm sure that's exactly what the makers of Police Academy said..

[Lindsey]

But Lou, if it's a good formula why change it?!

[Lou]

Maybe I've seen too many indie movies, but doesn't this feel a bit like Indie Romance VII: Return of the Quirk? It's all so familiar: the hipster thrift store clothes, the just-so soundtrack, an unfamiliar look at a familiar city, Zooey Deschanel...

I'll get my coat..

[Sarah Brett]

Excellent review, and I love the poster you found :)
I've just written mine up - I meant to use the Sid and Nancy quote too but forgot, it's a cracking quote :D
I think we should watch this again when it comes out on DVD (I assume you'll be buying it!)