Sunday, August 9, 2009

(summer daze)

Truly good film is rare. Truly good film is when you can’t get the characters out of your mind, no matter how hard you try. It's when the emotions you felt lingers for days afterward. Recently I just saw (500) Days of Summer and, I have to say, it was a pretty decent movie. Go on, roll your eyes. I know it has become the Garden State 2.0 in some regards, mostly because hipsters around the world are embracing it. But I really think (500) Days lives up to its hype, and even beyond.

Why? Well, sitting through (500) Days of Summer is a lot like falling in love. At first, it charms you, excites you, and exhilarates you. Then, just as you have invested yourself completely, it rips your heart out. I’m pretty sure I left the theatre murmuring, “ow!” and clutching my chest. I wanted to laugh, cry, and shake my fist at humanity all at once.

Above all, (500) Days was a scary, startling wake-up call. It made me realize I’ve spent the past three years being a Tom. Just because someone likes the “same bizarre crap” as you, doesn’t mean you are soul mates. Even worse still, you can like someone as much you want, but that doesn’t guarantee that they are going to like you back. Love isn't sports. It isn't academics. It doesn't matter how much toil and work you put into pining after someone. There is a point when you have to get over someone, and move on. Maybe (500) Days of Summer was just the push I needed to finally let go of my perspective Summers.

See it. You won’t be disappointed, not if you’ve been at the wrong end of a relationship.

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

Good to see you back on Blogger!

Love isn't sports. It isn't academics. It doesn't matter how much toil and work you put into pining after someone. There is a point when you have to get over someone, and move on.
Wisely said, and well put. It's hard to move on after having liked someone very very much, but in the end it's the best for both parties.

Chris Eff said...

I would never compare this film to Garden State. I didn't particularly care for Garden State. I felt like it was trying too hard to be hip and modern and indie. Trite. This film had a few moments that made me say "oh geez" but overall, I really enjoyed it and I left the theatre much like yourself, feeling slightly broken but satisfied by the experience. Just like a doomed relationship, you accept the pain it caused but resign to take what you can from it and let it occupy a small place in your memory, to be recalled fondly but realistically.