In a raw and emotionally explosive look at a dying marriage, Blue Valentine, two hearts are dissected piece by piece. It’s a romance that borders on normalcy and horror.
Blue Valentine lives in the intense chemistry between Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. As steady, determined Cindy and romantic, aimless Dean, the two take awesome risks to ignite the love story at the heart of their present-day, sad relationship. At various points in time, Gosling almost leaps off a bridge, and Williams bares all making love to a man she no longer loves.
Unfortunately, Derek Cianfrance’s direction and the film’s editing sometimes muddle the story.
With stunning realism, Blue Valentine suffers from frequent flashbacks that have become overused in American films. Its soundtrack relies too heavily on the overt lyrics and Gosling’s Tiny Tim-like ukulele solo of You Always Hurt the One You Love.
The story jolts back and forth from the couple’s darkening present to its innocent, carefree beginnings. The present is torture at times, especially during a scene in an outer space-themed motel room with a revolving bed.
Dean’s genesis as a mean alcoholic is never fully developed. We see that he has been a mover and house painter. He says he is now happy being a stay-at-home dad.
Cindy holds a steady, professional job as a nurse in an OB/GYN practice. The questionable paternity of their daughter Frankie (wonderful Faith Wladyka) seems to touch a nerve in Dean’s inherently self-destructive personality.
We learn that Cindy’s father (John Doman) bullied his family (no explanation given), and that she has a history of choosing abusive boyfriends.
In an impromptu scene, Dean perches precariously atop a safety fence on the Brooklyn Bridge, threatening to jump if Cindy doesn’t reveal a secret. His immaturity, when contrasted with the great rapport he has later with daughter Frankie, is painful to watch.
Gosling is potent in a violent scene trashing the doctor’s office where Cindy works. In his own pitiful way, he intuits the truth about Cindy’s opportunity for advancement and the doctor’s feelings for her.
Explicit sexuality runs the gamut from joyful to sad to hurtful. The stars employ their bodies to evoke sweetness and brutal honestly.
This may be the best performance of Williams' career as valiant Cindy. Williams (Brokeback Mountain) and Gosling (Lars and the Real Girl) both gained 15 pounds to portray present-day husband and wife.
Dampened by intrusive flashbacks, the conclusion struggles to tie the story together. It’s clear that Cindy has grown over time. Dean lives in the past.
If you like Blue Valentine, you might enjoy: Two Lovers; Crazy Heart; Up in the Air; The Town.
Blue Valentine 2010 / R / 2 hours
Cast Overview: Michelle Williams, Ryan Gosling, John Doman, Faith Wladyka, Mike Vogel
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Genres: Indie Drama, Indie Romance
Recent Comments