The Notebook
June 24th, 2005 by park
I am not one for watching what are commonly known as “chick flicks”. Usually I end up dismissing them as a waste of my time, as they mostly want you to cry, or make you just feel bad for even talking to women. Until now.
Last night, I watched “The Notebook”. Wow is the only word to tell you how good this film is. I won’t even bother with my usual breakdown of what makes it good or bad by virtue of the mechanics of the film. But let me tell you this much, it is beautiful. They render scenes that are at the same time poingent and touching. The non-verbal communication that is delivered in this film is completely underrated. Nicholas Sparks’ novel has been adapted in what I can only call the most gorgeous telling of a simple and true love story.
The story synopsis is very simple. An older man is reading a story to a woman who lives in a retirement home. His goal seems to be to just help her make it through another day. Apparently he has been doing this for some time. But to what end?
The story he is telling her is in a book he has with him. It is the story of Noah and Allie, two kids who meet one summer while Allie is with her family on vacation. Her social standing is significantly higher than his, and her parents threaten to put it to an end. Her father demands she stop seeing him, and her mother takes steps to insure it.
Years later, they run into one another again, and Allie must decide if her social standing and obligations are more important than her personal feelings.
The intervening time, and the tale it tells is surprising and touching. And it is delivered in a way that gets under your skin. Trust me here, I am the biggest curmudgeon in the world. I hate everything, and this movie got to me.
For performances, I cannot find fault. Everyone falls into place, and the little things are what bring it home. Watch James Garner’s face, and his hands. He is obviously saying something more with his body language than he says with his words. You will take one look at Gena Rowlands and know she is a lost woman before anyone says a word. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams connect in a way on screen you hardly see anymore.
The movie is not just magic for its script, but the direction, timing, and even the music is incredibly rendered to amazing effect. The drama seeks to draw you in with tension and interpersonal journey. And Nick Cassavetes delivers here on every level.
Here is my final review for this film, go get it. Buy it, hell buy a copy for every woman you know. It’s just that good. And most definately watch it with your girlfriend, she might just be nicer to you.
Cinematograph (9/10)
Sound (9/10)
General Direction (9/10)
Acting (10/10)
Special Effects (9/10)
Overall (9/10)