- Sensibility: The nature of some of the early parts of Dean and Cindy's relationship is perhaps a bit too cinematic/perfect, but this plays brilliantly with the darkness embodied by the end of
relationship.
- Cinematography: The framing, sets, shot choices, costumiung, and lighting are all excellent. Color is used magnificently throughout the film to embody the state of Dean and Cindy's relationship.
The editing is pristine, highlighting the flow of the relationship from the beginning and from the end simultaneously.
- Energy: Heartwarming and tragic and romantic and dark. The film is a masterful rollercoaster of emotion.
- Narrative: Great back-and-forth narrative. Dialogue writing is excellent. The relationship is both idiosyncratic and universally applicable. Beautifully sad story.
- T-Points: The film received five bonus points: one for a great opening sequence between Dean and Frankie, one for a great scene where the soon-to-be couple meets on a bus,
one for a very brutal scene in a motel room, one for an excellently choreographed argument in a medical office, and one for the bittersweet, melancholic, elegaic end sequence. Ryan Gosling
and Michelle Williams paired so well in this film and put on career defining performances. I'm surprised they didn't have more films together after this.
I watch this movie annually because there is something really beautiful about it. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams put on an incredibly nuanced, sometimes loud, somtimes subtle
performance that is breathtaking.
Number of Watches: 5+
