dramas usually bore me to show the tribulations of a marriage, unless they have a "hook" strong narrative that transcends the tragic but predictable process of "indifference." Also, being happily single, I find it hard to identify with these fictional couples, especially when performed by "stars" impossible to make them as real people. So I had low expectations for Sad Valentine , despite the good reviews it has received (including an Oscar nomination for Best Actress to Michelle Williams), it seemed exactly that: a movie with no other argument that the failure of a romantic partner. But writer-director Derek Cianfrance, along with the daring cast, evoking strong emotions get even with my reservations I found the film fascinating, honest and disturbing. The couple in question consists of Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams), married for several years, with an adorable daughter named Frankie (Faith Wladyka). But the years have been responsible for eroding the love you felt before, and now his modest middle class life, their financial problems and its plain boredom makes the relationship intolerable, but not enough to do something drastic about it. And so the old trick of jumping in time to witness various stages in the relationship, see how he started dating his eventual marriage and repetitive existence that led to marital indifference.
In a way, the absence of a "hook" narrative is what gives strength to Sad Valentine ... there is no infidelity (as in Far From Heaven ), no dark social resentment (as in Revolutionary Road), or a midlife crisis (as in American Beauty ). And not even appear to have hatred and violence (at least physically) between the couple. In other words, no malicious villains or helpless victims (well, except for small Frankie), only passive sacrifices on the altar of routine wear and finally extinguished until the most intense romantic enthusiasm. Sad Valentine points out the fallacy of that feeling, and how easy it is to go with it without questioning the other factors that will eventually define the relationship.
At its most mundane Sad Valentine looks excellent leadership from Cianfrance, whose previous career making documentaries obviously honed his dramatic perception, then easily zoom in sordid detail key moments in the emotional journey of the characters. And of course your address is superbly supported by the performances of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling, two great actors whose filmography reveals a rare respective interest in challenging roles and deep, just as those required Sad Valentine. Their work is perfect, where it should be subtle and intense which most affects the viewer. At the same time avoid being a "duel of proceedings", for all their effort is dedicated to the success of the narrative and the honesty of his feelings. Indeed, the sex scene so caused controversy is not as shocking as I expected, even remotely "sexy" because its purpose is to illustrate the transformation of passion to apathy, even in the carnal aspect of marriage.
So I can recommend Sad Valentine as a devastating marital drama, certainly depressing and bleak but somehow inspiring because it celebrates the fact, instead of wallowing in more commercial and accessible romantic cliches we see so often in movies. Having said that, I repeat that there is really a "story" beyond the collapse of marriage, so the two hours of the film might seem boring to those who do not appreciate the work of the actors or the director analytical technique. In any case, I think Sad Valentine value as sober and powerful antidote to the romantic comedies that infest modern cinema, based on the fantasy of "happily ever after." And hopefully the world works, but experience seems to indicate otherwise.
Rating: 9
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