"i have to sing stupid."

I finally got to see Blue Valentine a few weeks back. It took forever for it to come to a local theater, but after all of the critic acclaim and award season buzz (not to mention Ryan Gosling), I was anxious to see it.

The tagline on the movie poster claims this is "a love story," and that it is -- a story that has a beginning and an end. The film juxtaposes a couple at the beginning and end of their relationship, from the early days of courtship to their crumbling marriage with little explanation as to what happens between. The scenes jump back and forth much like they do in (500) Days of Summer.

If you've read reviews that call it a depressing movie, they're right. It is. It's difficult to watch a couple fall apart that was so clearly and honestly in love, but that's what so great about it -- it's so raw. You literally feel everything these characters are going through, and with such weighty material, that's no easy feat. Both Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling are amazing in this. I don't understand how he didn't get nominated for an Oscar (she did).

Disregard all of the controversy surrounding the "steamy sex scenes" and debate on a possible NC-17 rating (it really isn't that bad -- but I will say: Ryan, you are gifted). Everything is so intimate in the film, even the shots, often extreme close ups. It's not for everyone, but it is an honest and gritty look at the progression of love. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you liked Revolutionary Road. Overall Rating: A-.