(500) Days of Summer: The Review
There's something so thrilling about the prospect of an inventive and original film hitting movie theaters during a time of tired sequels and lackluster comedies. And as the lights dimmed and the first scene was revealed, it was obvious that (500) Days of Summer was this type of film--and so much more.
The novelty that this film carries is endless, beginning with the script. Writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber create pure and original dialogues that you watch with a stew of jealousy. As the story unravels about a boy named Tom who falls in love with a girl and figuratively dies on impact, you sit in your seat just wishing you had thought of it first. Fitting of the title, the story spans over 500 days of Tom's love, laughter, tears, and confusion with a girl named Summer. But don't expect it to take place chronologically. No, it switches back and forth from the highs and lows of their relationship: from the euphoric couple on Day 32 to the stormy destruction Day on 288. This film was what many wished from the film Revolutionary Road--to properly catalogue the demise of a relationship from the early happy moments to the later not-so-happy ones.
And you couldn't have asked for two more qualified actors to portray Tom and Summer. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has gone somewhere few child actors go--film success in adulthood. He is the king of indie films, with memorable roles in films like Havoc and The Lookout. And he continues his streak with (500) Days of Summer. Gordon-Levitt successfully captured the rose-colored innocence of Tom, whose character whole-heartedly believes in fate and that one true love. Through Tom's blissful stroll/musical number through the park (a cartoon bird is involved, natch) and his depressed state amongst black and white penciled environment, Gordon-Levitt presents a lovable and real character that you root for.
Zooey Deschanel is a breath of fresh and beautiful air. With her innocent appeal and quirky wardrobe, Deschanel perfectly captures the lust and appeal Summer has over Tom. And for audiences, it is easy to see why Tom succumbs to her will. The camera desperately loves her. With her smooth as silk voice, dark cascading hair, and quirky style, Deschanel has this classic Hollywood look that has been missing for decades. Not to mention she is also a very talented singer and songwriter (if you haven't heard her avant-garde voice, not to worry. She belts out karaoke in the film). She is a rare beauty whose beautiful blue eyes will grace silver screens for years to come.
The dark horse of the film is Tom's geeky best friend McKenzie. Actor Geoffrey Arend was well cast in this film. His mix of quirkiness and addiction to karaoke comes off as lovable and entertaining. Most of the film's laughs come from Arend.
Another shining star is the director, Marc Webb. This is his first big venture (he previously has directed music videos) and it was a big success. For a film that could have come off as trying too hard, he brings it down a notch and makes it lovable and real. He successfully nurtured a chemistry between Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel and gave them characters traits that define human connection. Their mannerisms and actions encapsulate what any lover would do in their position. From his camera close-ups of Summer's eyes to his slow deconstruction of Tom, Webb creates a film of utter beauty.
All in all, (500) Days of Summer is not one to miss. On rare occasions do films like this strike a chord with both the romantic and skeptics. And this film does so in the most original way. You will never want Summer to be over.
Here are some clips from the film to whet your appetite:
Here is another bonus: Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and director Marc Webb teamed up again for a She & Him music video, which is Deschanel and boyfriend M. Ward's band. It's cute and quirky. Check it out...
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