Blue Valentine (2010)

There are two words that could describe the independent "Blue Valentine": "love" and "deterioration". Connecting the dots we will end up having the "deterioration of love". How does it happen? 

This dark drama is one of the most intimate pieces of cinema ever made. It has a great deal of emotion and honesty. Taking a close look to it, we actually realise that when falling in love we seem to have the answers, but then, when falling out of love we only have unanswered questions. It's the path love stories go through, in some people evolve together, and in most they come apart.

Cynthia (Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling) beautifully portray the theme of young vs. adult love. How scintillating the beginning of a relationship is and how frustratingly heavy it ends. The middle part of it is what sets this movie apart. Because there is none. We sit in front of the screen trying to gasp what destroyed the kindness and admiration towards each other. Weariness? Unfulfilled career plans? High expectations? Inability to feel love?

Those who have seen the movie know that these are the reasons she, and not him, is to blame for. Because, like the director stated, it's the image of a man. A man with his efforts to win the girl that is different, with his deep love, his desire to change his life for her and to be the best there is, just for her. We never really understand what is going on in their minds, but we see him at least trying to get close to her.

There is a lot to say about "Blue Valentine", but to wrap it up, this movie is one of the few really honest love stories on screen, with great performances and tightly framed cinematography giving it a deep feeling of authenticity. And yes, there is no answer to the first question. There are rarely answers.

Here you can find a much more detailed review and, if you want to watch another independent romance, a lighter one, watch "(500) Days of Summer", it's adorable.