Ryan Gosling’s breakout role came with the release of the extremely popular, but rather sappy film, The Notebook. Gosling starred next to Rachel McAdams in what is now considered an archetype for cathartic emotional romantic dramas.
In the time since, it seems Gosling has been distancing himself from that role. Half Nelson and Lars and the Real Girl were both wonderfully received, but stood in stark contrast to The Notebook’s happily-ever-after ending.
Gosling’s latest work, Blue Valentine, continues his flirtation with heavy subject matter. He stars across from Michelle Williams in this poignant portrayal of a ruined marriage.
The film opens on the couple in present day as they both go about their lives. Gosling plays Dean, a high school dropout who spends his days drinking and painting houses. His wife Cindy is a nurse and ultrasound technician, dealing with the slightly creepy advances of a doctor at the hospital where she works. They have a daughter, Franky, and while both are capable parents, they are depressed with the monotony of their lives.
There exists an astounding chemistry between Williams and Gosling, and they both deliver outstanding performances regardless of what stage their relationship is in. The movie is worth seeing for their performances alone.
There are plenty of other reasons to watch the film though. Director and writer Derek Cianfrance adeptly frames the relationship, and the film is wonderfully edited and paced. It gracefully moves back and forth from the disappointment of present day to the early joys of their relationship.
Though there are moments of genuine happiness and levity, the movie is overwhelmingly sad. The film so accurately and realistically depicts the slow decay and rust of a once solid and healthy relationship.
The film doesn’t seek to lay blame on either character. There is no overarching social commentary about the difficulties of traversing life with a young child with the current state of the American economy. Instead, it serves as witness to the difficulties of a relationship, to the myriad of factors that can doom one, and the resulting fall-out. And in this regard, the film is absolutely successful. It’s captivating, emotional and absolutely worth watching.