(500) Days of Summer (Joseph Gordon Levitt and Zooey Deschanel)

[Lazlo]

Teaser trailer here. (http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/500-days-of-summer/teaser-trailer)

Looks incredible.

[megladon8]

Apparently it has some great musical numbers.

I really want to see it, too. Both the leads are wonderful, and seem like such a great pairing.

[Ezee E]

Looks great, but why such a horrible narrator for that preview? I mean, jees.

[DavidSeven]

Yep. Narrator totally kills it.

[Boner M]

Even without the narrator, this movie looks (annoying).

[Derek]

As if the trailer wasn't awful enough, it's from the writing team that's bringing us The Pink Panther 2. Yeah, I'll pass.

[Watashi]

Is that Morgan Freeman?

Looks great though.

[Kurosawa Fan]

If I didn't find Zooey so adorable, I wouldn't be very impressed with that teaser. In other words, I'm still impressed with Zooey.

[number8]

It got a standing ovation at Sundance.

[number8]

Wow, that looks terrible.

That one dance number looks like a Truth ad.

[NickGlass]

Even without the narrator, this movie looks (annoying).

(Truth).

I lost my shit when the narrator revealed that Zooey's character's name is Summer.

[Silencio]

The film was met with a standing ovation at the Eccles theater premiere. Standing-O’s have been happening less and less since I first started coming to the festival in 2004. But after the credits finished rolling up the screen of the Park City High School Auditorium, the 1,270 audience members in attendance were all on their feet, clapping their hands. And the reason why this film got such a great response is because it’s one of those films you instantly fall in love with. Like Juno, Little Miss Sunshine, or Slumdog Millionaire.Uh, is everyone thinking what I'm thinking?

[number8]

Uh, is everyone thinking what I'm thinking?

Yep.

[Boner M]

Let's just start the backlash now so we can move onto more pressing matters come next Oscar season.

[number8]

Let's just start the backlash now so we can move onto more pressing matters come next Oscar season.

What, like how important it is for the maturity of comic book movies to see Watchmen get Best Picture?

[megladon8]

I do admit it's the type of movie that I would think looked "annoying", if it weren't for the two leads.

[megladon8]

Oh, double-rep for anyone who's able to direct me to a good quality copy of the song from the trailer.

[Silencio]

Oh, double-rep for anyone who's able to direct me to a good quality copy of the song from the trailer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylVdBYkg-g4

[megladon8]

Thank you!

*records with Adobe Audition*

[BirdsAteMyFace]

Zooey. Resistance is futile.

[eternity]

From the writers of The Pink Panther 2 comes Garden State 2: Pompouser and Ridonkulouser.

[Watashi]

From the writers of The Pink Panther 2 comes Garden State 2: Pompouser and Ridonkulouser.
I'm surprised you're not all over this.

[Dukefrukem]

Not a bad teaser. I really like Zooey Deschanel..

[number8]

Gah. (Some of) The narration is taken from the actual film. It's narrated like a fairy tale, apparently.

[megladon8]

I'm really surprised by the negative reaction here on MC.

The sense of youthful exhuberence I got from that trailer was incredible. I can't wait.

[Boner M]

The sense of youthful exhuberence I got from that trailer was incredible. I can't wait.
We're too old for that shit.

[DavidSeven]

(Some of) The narration is taken from the actual film.

Sick.

[eternity]

Gah. (Some of) The narration is taken from the actual film. It's narrated like a fairy tale, apparently.

So it's safe to say that I'm getting vibes of Slumdog Millionaire mixed with Vicky Cristina Barcelona, then?

Wats, I know that, but yeah, I think I'm going to hate this.

[Ivan Drago]

Looks great, but why such a horrible narrator for that preview? I mean, jees.

They probably had to pick someone off the street since Don LaFontaine is gone.

Anyway, this movie looks great.


I'm surprised you're not all over this.

I'm surprised he wasn't all over Slumdog Millionaire.

[chrisnu]

This was able to get on my nerves within the first five seconds. An accomplishment.

Hey, the park at 0:29 is in the town where I live. :)

I've got to hand it to Fox Searchlight, they know how to market 'little films that could' very well.

[number8]

Doesn't it just feel like it should already be on Stuff White People Like?

[Boner M]

Doesn't it just feel like it should already be on Stuff White People Like?
Zooey should be on there already, I have to admit.

[Watashi]

The narrator is Leslie Neilson.

[megladon8]

Do you mean the narrator in the actual film?

Because the voice in the trailer is most definitely not Leslie Nielsen.

[eternity]

I'm surprised he wasn't all over Slumdog Millionaire.

I have a low tolerance for crap.

[dreamdead]

This looks like a less aggravating version of Across the Universe. So long as it avoids bad cultural commentary I'll be interested in it.

[Pop Trash]

Zooey and JGL. Can't...resist. I'm mostly just bitter that there isn't a Zooey type in my world that is madly into me.

[The Mike]

Do you mean the narrator in the actual film?

Because the voice in the trailer is most definitely not Leslie Nielsen.
Which Leslie Nielsen are you thinking of? I recognized him before I did Levitt.

I don't know if I can stomach this one. I'd like to for Levitt, but it looks to be for the preppy-emo sect.

[Ezee E]

Which Leslie Nielsen are you thinking of? I recognized him before I did Levitt.

I don't know if I can stomach this one. I'd like to for Levitt, but it looks to be for the preppy-emo sect.
Preppy-emos?

They're crossbreeding?

Dear God.

[The Mike]

Preppy-emos?

They're crossbreeding?

Dear God.
:lol:

Maybe I would have been better off saying it was the 'I'm middle class, but have everything I want, but am still tragically unhappy with life" sect.

[Ezee E]

:lol:

Maybe I would have been better off saying it was the 'I'm middle class, but have everything I want, but am still tragically unhappy with life" sect.
"Your Average White Person"

and that brings us back to Ary's comment.

[The Mike]

"Your Average White Person"

and that brings us back to Ary's comment.

Fair enough. Preppy-emos just sounds fun. :cool:

[megladon8]

Zooey Deschanel = anal girl. (http://www.cinematical.com/2009/01/27/zooey-deschanel-aka-anal-girl/)

[Watashi]

Full trailer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM)

Woah. What happened to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's voice?

[megladon8]

Yuck.

The first one was much better. Now this looks kind of bad.

[Pop Trash]

Full trailer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM)

Woah. What happened to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's voice?

Yeeesh...that looks precious and Sundancey as fuck. Don't know if I can handle it. And yes, I too like The Smiths. Get over it.

[number8]

WHY.

[Boner M]

Just re-title this Sundance Movie and suddenly the spoof genre has redeemed itself.

[Raiders]

I didn't realize "Sundance" had become synonymous with "awful." I'll also be the first to say I liked the trailer and I look forward to seeing the movie. And not just for Zooey. Well, maybe mostly for Zooey.

[eternity]

I hated that first trailer, but this trailer has given me new faith. It could be hipster-y garbage, but it might not. It looks like it has the POTENTIAL to be very special.

[chrisnu]

Just re-title this Sundance Movie and suddenly the spoof genre has redeemed itself.
Fox Searchlight Movie. I'd say that 90% of the movies they release look exactly like this.

[Ivan Drago]

Meeeeeeeeh.

And I would pay money to see a Sundance spoof movie. This trend is getting ridiculous.

[BirdsAteMyFace]

Yeah, still want to see it.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, still want to see it.
Everyone here will still see it as well.

[Mal]

I usually hate seeing "omfg indie" crap like this. I don't like Zooey as an actress. And I prefer my JGL as an alien with the last name Solomon.

Yet I feel like I would make a good attempt to see it upon its release.

*checks self into hospital*

[eternity]

That was quite different than the trailers would ever lead you to expect it was.

[trotchky]

So how would you rate it?

[eternity]

So how would you rate it?

It's a secret until I start the whole ratings prediction thingie.

It's hovering around an 8.5 or a 9. It's got a ton of really great stuff in there, but it isn't without its flaws. I think I need to ponder over a bunch of stuff first and maybe give it a rewatch before I can be definitive on my opinion in any way.

[Grouchy]

Instead of just posting what everyone else is saying, I'm just gonna reveal how much Robert Redford annoys me.

He annoys me. His one moment of glory was as supporting blonde guy for Paul Newman.

[Cult]

Yeeesh...that looks precious and Sundancey as fuck. Don't know if I can handle it. And yes, I too like The Smiths. Get over it.

Don't you know that it's impossible to find an attractive girl who likes The Smiths? It's so unthinkable that it shocked him into silence! She is clearly the perfect woman.

[Watashi]

I don't know of any attractive girl who has good tastes in music.

[Ezee E]

I don't know of any attractive girl who has good tastes in music.

:rolleyes: Get out more.

[Watashi]

:rolleyes: Get out more.
Uh... I do.

[Sven]

Uh... I do.

How 'bout "Change your standards of attraction." Because clearly the fault is in you, not the girls.

[Philosophe_rouge]

I love the Smiths <3

[Watashi]

How 'bout "Change your standards of attraction." Because clearly the fault is in you, not the girls.
Well, I don't have any standards of attraction.

[Watashi]

Well, I don't have any standards of attraction.
Wait... that came out wrong.

[Watashi]

By the way, I have no idea who The Smiths are.

[eternity]

By the way, I have no idea who The Smiths are.I do.


I don't know of any attractive girl who has good tastes in music.
I do.

/douchebag

[Sven]

Well, I don't have any standards of attraction.

So, basically you don't know any girls that have good taste in music?

[Watashi]

So, basically you don't know any girls that have good taste in music?
Take away "music", and "good taste", and also "that", "have", and "in", and you'd be correct.

[eternity]

Take away "music", and "good taste", and also "that", "have", and "in", and you'd be correct.


:rolleyes: Get out more..

[Watashi]

I get out every day.

I do have to check my mail you know.

[transmogrifier]

I don't know of any attractive girl who has good tastes in music.



I do.


??
http://b.getbackimages.com/uri/w514_h676_cfalse_K0424203453/natalie-portman-and-zach-braff-in-garden-state-/image/4/0/6/7/4067225.jpg
??

She doesn't really exist.

[number8]

Haha, The Smiths is good music. You guys kill me sometimes.

[balmakboor]

When you guys are going on about girls, umm, what age girls are you talking about? Or, another way of putting it, are most of you guys like teens and twenties?

Anyway, my daughters are 13 and 17 and they have pretty much shit for taste in music. But when I was visiting Seattle, my nieces aged 15 and 17 rocked. I truly wanted to swipe their ipods.

Of course my taste in music is stuff like Miles Davis, The Mothers of Invention, The Kinks, and Bob Marley. So take my comments about musical taste with a grain of salt.

[eternity]

??
http://b.getbackimages.com/uri/w514_h676_cfalse_K0424203453/natalie-portman-and-zach-braff-in-garden-state-/image/4/0/6/7/4067225.jpg
??

She doesn't really exist.
My vision of attractiveness is obscured, so let that just be thrown out there as a variable.

[Pop Trash]

Yeeesh...that looks precious and Sundancey as fuck. Don't know if I can handle it. And yes, I too like The Smiths. Get over it.

I've changed my mind. The reviews have convinced me to see this. I'll just go in with low expectations.

[Cult]

I know an attractive girl who likes The Smiths...

I love the Smiths <3

I also like them, and I'm no Deschanel, but I'm not some weird, awkward beast either.

[origami_mustache]

This thread and the hispter film thread should just merge together.

[Boner M]

http://www.impawards.com/2005/posters/thumbsucker.jpg

UNIQUE

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee62/nafishasan60/TheChumscrubber2005.jpg

EDGY

http://www.wildaboutmovies.com/images_7/Gigantic.jpg

CREATIVE

http://tf.org/images/covers/tf.org-Charlie-Bartlett-free-2008.jpg

DIFFERENT

http://mooviemart.com/Catalogue/Image_Files/MeAndYouAndEveryoneWeKnow.jpg

SMART

http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2009/03/24/away-we-go-poster.jpg

CHANGE YOUR TYPEFACE

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

[Ezee E]

Of course my taste in music is stuff like Miles Davis, The Mothers of Invention, The Kinks, and Bob Marley. So take my comments about musical taste with a grain of salt.

There's people that don't like Bob Marley?

[eternity]

I've changed my mind. The reviews have convinced me to see this. I'll just go in with low expectations.In many ways, it's kind of the opposite of LMS/Juno/Slumdog with the whole "feel good happiness" angle. The end monologue is a big fuck you to them, really.

I'm just trying to stress this as much as I can beforehand.

[eternity]

There's people that don't like Bob Marley?
According to I Am Legend, yes.

[EvilShoe]

I'm just trying to stress this as much as I can beforehand.
I don't know what we'd do without you, eternity.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I don't know what we'd do without you, eternity.

:lol:

[Llopin]

I've known guys who believe girls have bad taste in music. Which is, by my logical standards, an mostly laughable idea, and rather sexist as well. And for the record, the most avid (good) music fans I've known are precisely girls.

Oh, and fuck The Smiths. I approach very cautiously films which give off cheap pop references just for appeal. I think High Fidelity does it right; I'm afraid this Summer flick maybe does not. Still I'll probably see it, and it better satisfy my pseudo-romantic stumpy self.

[eternity]

I've known guys who believe girls have bad taste in music. Which is, by my logical standards, an mostly laughable idea, and rather sexist as well. And for the record, the most avid (good) music fans I've known are precisely girls.

Oh, and fuck The Smiths. I approach very cautiously films which give off cheap pop references just for appeal. I think High Fidelity does it right; I'm afraid this Summer flick maybe does not. Still I'll probably see it, and it better satisfy my pseudo-romantic stumpy self.It does it fine.

[Ivan Drago]

CHANGE YOUR TYPEFACE

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Wes Anderson, take note. Damn Futura Bold...

[Qrazy]

I've known guys who believe girls have bad taste in music. Which is, by my logical standards, an mostly laughable idea, and rather sexist as well. And for the record, the most avid (good) music fans I've known are precisely girls.

How is this statement any less sexist?

Also, some of my best friends are girls.

[number8]

My view's simpler: everyone but me has terrible taste in music. Except those who have cool taste in music.

[Spaceman Spiff]

My view's simpler: everyone but me has terrible taste in music. Except those who have cool taste in music.

Right on.

[Qrazy]

My view's simpler: everyone but me has terrible taste in music. Except those who have cool taste in music.

I enjoy extending this to film and literature as well. Sometimes other art forms as well but I usually just respect differences of opinion there.

[Llopin]

How is this statement any less sexist?

I don't see any kind of problem with it, since I'm talking about my personal experience. Rambling about how "girls don't have good taste in music" from a general, universal perspective, however, is sexist, since you're limiting women to a determined frame of (bad) taste and/or mind.

[Amnesiac]

Jeffrey Wells thinks Joseph Gordon-Levitt is twitchy:


And I don't want to make too much of this being Gordon-Levitt's first tolerable (i.e., less twitchy and self-consciously tilted) performance. This is a guy who's approached each and every role he's had since Brick with the following mantra/motto: "I am a weird and heavily mannered twitcho with pseudo-Japanese/Hawaiian features, and whatever the role and whatever the plot I am going to work my weird twitchiness into thy character and into the film. Because I want you to constantly consider and meditate upon my fascinating withdrawn-ness and apartness. It's why I became an actor."

So just because Gordon-Levitt has cut back on this tendency isn't necessarily cause for cheering and champagne-popping in the streets. His (500) Days of Summer mantra/motto is/was "okay, maybe I'll give the faintly grinning oddball thing a rest...maybe it's time to switch gears or rotate the tires or use a different grade of gasoline...whatever."

Source (http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/2009/07/twitchhead_meet.php). I haven't really noticed this. The comment about his "pseudo-Japanese/Hawaiian features" was kind of strange, too.

[Raiders]

Why do we give a shit about Jeffrey Wells? He makes Rex Reed look legit.

[Amnesiac]

Why do we give a shit about Jeffrey Wells?

Yeah, I found the blurb I posted amusing is all. Never said it was that big of a 'shit-giving' deal.

[NickGlass]

In many ways, it's kind of the opposite of LMS/Juno/Slumdog with the whole "feel good happiness" angle. The end monologue is a big fuck you to them, really.

I'm just trying to stress this as much as I can beforehand.

The end monologue? You mean the fantastic greeting card one that comes in the penultimate scene, just before the film falls back into philosophically-messy gooey-ness in the final scene?

It's certainly a bit cynical, but damnit if the film didn't become too enchanted with its own affectations. It is, however, a very easy film to experience--it has energy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt-- and it's at its best when toying with the idea of dangerous romantic notions and expectations. I find the film more interesting when I just focus on Tom's perspective, and less when they run through IKEA. It also has the benefit of borrowing some of the richest ideas from the best modern romantic tragicomedies: Annie Hall and Eternal Sunshine.

[Pop Trash]

Well that's good to hear. If Nick Glass doesn't think its a steaming pile, I might actually like it.

[eternity]

The end monologue? You mean the fantastic greeting card one that comes in the penultimate scene, just before the film falls back into philosophically-messy gooey-ness in the final scene?

The Nielsen voiceover.


It's certainly a bit cynical, but damnit if the film didn't become too enchanted with its own affectations. It is, however, a very easy film to experience--it has energy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt-- and it's at its best when toying with the idea of dangerous romantic notions and expectations. I find the film more interesting when I just focus on Tom's perspective, and less when they run through IKEA. It also has the benefit of borrowing some of the richest ideas from the best modern romantic tragicomedies: Annie Hall and Eternal Sunshine.It's true.

[Pop Trash]

Well that's good to hear. If Nick Glass doesn't think its a steaming pile, I might actually like it.

Well it's far from a steaming pile, but damn this movie is frustrating. Seriously, if the movie ended five minutes sooner, it would bounce up to my top five of this year.

That scene in the park is so good and heartbreaking. I just wish the movie had the balls to make that the 500th day of Summer. Then it could have faded to black and, BAM, great, effecting ending. But oh no, they had to tag on the cutesy meeting at the architecture job interview, complete with the "My name is Autumn" line. :|

What I liked about it, or what would have been very good about it, had it stuck its landing, is the impressionistic feeling of being in love vs. being heartbroken. It did both with a show-offy panache that could have been corny but worked for me. I'm mostly talking about the Hall and Oates dance scene and the split-screen reality vs. fantasy scene.

But also, for a movie that is quite stylish and show-offy, two of the simpler, well written dialogue scenes totally worked for me: Both the aforementioned scene in the spoiler tags, and also the scene at the greeting card company around the board table. These scenes worked simply by a meat and potatoes combo of good writing and good acting.

Grrr, this movie was really winning me over. It's just a pity it couldn't end where it should have ended.

[Watashi]

Yeah, the ending is god-awful. Really made me from loving it.

[Pop Trash]

Yeah, the ending is god-awful. Really made me from loving it.

Glad I'm not the only one.

Did you get the Bergman/French New Wave references Wats?

[Watashi]

Glad I'm not the only one.

Did you get the Bergman/French New Wave references Wats?
Of course.

The film couldn't make it more obvious.

[Pop Trash]

Of course.

The film couldn't make it more obvious.

Well yeah, but you can have that superior cinephile feeling of being one the people in the audience that gets that. At least that's how I felt.

[transmogrifier]

Why do we give a shit about Jeffrey Wells? He makes Rex Reed look legit.

Wells is alright.

Anyway, why is the 500 in ( )? My ever watching this movie depends on the answer.

[Pop Trash]

Anyway, why is the 500 in ( )? My ever watching this movie depends on the answer.

(Ya got me man) It's as unnecessary as the final few minutes of the film, so I am going to abstain from using the parentheses (in the title)

[NickGlass]

Well yeah, but you can have that superior cinephile feeling of being one the people in the audience that gets that. At least that's how I felt.

I don't think that's how you should have felt. They were references, not allusions. They were very explicit, and I'm quite sure that the chess scene in The Seventh Seal is recognizable to a majority of people who have ever seen more than two films in a foreign language.

I really enjoyed the theater scene, since Tom is the type to read himself into every piece of art he experiences (it's a cornerstone of his fantasy relationship with Summer), but I don't think it's a cinephile's in-joke. I wouldn't have liked it then.

[Amnesiac]

I got that the first reference felt like a French New Wave film but I couldn't really tell you if it was referencing a specific one or if it was just aping the general ambience.

The next shot with the two faces and the musing on human suffering felt very Bergmanesque and reminded me of that shot from La pointe-courte that I mentioned in my short write-up that may or may not have also appeared in Persona (I think it does).

And I personally found the Seventh Seal reference to be the most obvious in terms of relating back to a specific film.

[eternity]

The ending is hilariously cynical. His whole view on love is shattered and then he finds this sort of remedy in this girl he meets, leaving the audience to assume that he might have found his "true love", and then you find out her name is Autumn, which then implies that this one's gonna end disastrous too.

It's great.

[Benny Profane]

I adored this movie. It's a great examination of the power struggle and inevitable heartbreak of an uneven relationship. It is funny and poignant. I didn't mind the ending at all.

The main thing I found off-putting was the soundtrack. Not that the songs were bad, but their usage. Must every non-dialogue sequence in the film be set to loud pop music? It became kind of annoying. It's what I dislike most about directors like Wes Anderson. Music as a crutch.

[Benny Profane]

Wanted to add that the expectations vs. reality sequence was my favorite moment of the film. I mean, we have all been there, and that was handled so perfectly.

[NickGlass]

Wanted to add that the expectations vs. reality sequence was my favorite moment of the film. I mean, we have all been there, and that was handled so perfectly.

Yes, and, of course, the Hall & Oates segment. It's perfect stylization (and completely nailed by JGL).

[Amnesiac]

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww46/Amnesiac7/500daysofsummer.jpg

There are moments in this film that I found utterly beautiful. A lot of people are going to dismiss such scenes as too treacly and affected, such as the one that dreamily tracks Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel through the starkly white interiors of IKEA. But I found that scene sort of movingly veracious. I mean, take away the joke about the Chinese family near the end of it and it's rather charming and peculiarly moving. The simple idea of finding a poignant moment of understated romance in something as pedestrian as a trip to IKEA, and the sheer playfulness of Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt, came across as very authentic and touching. Of course, you sort of have to accept that Tom and Summer are a little bit more eccentric and bold than most other couples... but the setting, and the simple gesture of their holding hands as the camera tracks behind them, felt really sweet and real. Like Sandler and Mann in Funny People, there's some earnest chemistry between the two leads (although this is made slightly problematic due to Summer's decidedly enigmatic characterization; she's more of an ideal than a person).

As for the rest of the film, it definitely had its ups and downs. The precocious sister was irritating. Tom's friends were horrible and grating, barring one or two instances. You could say that was the point but it's not a very good point is it? I imagine a much leaner and disciplined film that forgoes the lame side characters would feel a little bit more grounded and palatable. It's really too bad there is this lame attempt at pairing Gordon-Levitt with those two intermittently 'humorous' pals. They felt so damn unnecessary and annoying. Sure, it's a film about love, and perhaps there is a place for their disparate views, but perhaps there isn't. Perhaps they hurts the film and fill it with irritating scenes that don't seem to have an ounce of truth in them (the bit where one of the friends inquires about whether or not Tom has gotten oral from Summer seemed bizarre and out of place, and kind of forced, as if someone thought this is what guys would be talking about and that's exactly how they would be about it). So, yeah -- I felt like the sister and Tom's friends were the most significantly false notes in the entire film.

And I do feel like the movie should have ended after the conversation on the bench. I know that there is still some quirky and subversive cynicism to be found in the 'twist' at the end of the film, but it's still a touch too twee. The same goes for Gordon-Levitt talking to himself in front of the mirror before sleeping with Summer and a few other instances in the film where the exuberance and quirkiness got out of hand. The movie has the spirit of a child at times and this doesn't totally fail (the joyous musical number that Gordon-Levitt leads with magnetic aplomb was great) but the more somber and despairing moments were pulled off with much more grace and sincerity. For instance, the golden hues of the sequence on the train were perfectly paired with Tom's wistful and romantic idealism. The expectations-vs-reality segment was similarly great. Gordon-Levitt's character projecting himself into arthouse cinema was also fantastic.

Great film, worn down by some false notes, but elevated by some really great and resonating ones, and falling just short of an ending that could have hit a lot harder.

[Benny Profane]

[IMG]I mean, take away the joke about the Chinese family near the end of it and it's rather charming and peculiarly moving.

Why take it away? It contributed just as much to the scene as the other parts. It made Summer laugh/feel good and that was Tom's whole motivation.

[Amnesiac]

I thought it was kind of lame and stupid and contrived, regardless of intention. And who cares if they are Chinese?

[Benny Profane]

And who cares if they are Chinese?

Just you, apparently.

[Amnesiac]

lol, I don't understand why this exchange couldn't have continued in a much more civil way before randomly denigrating into terse and condescending nonsense. But, okay, I'll concede: I'm somehow the only one who has a problem with the weird throw-in of the Chinese family. Cool.

[Benny Profane]

lol, I don't understand why this exchange couldn't have continued in a much more civil way before randomly denigrating into terse and condescending nonsense. But, okay, I'll concede: I'm somehow the only one who has a problem with the weird throw-in of the Chinese family. Cool.

The fact that he called people by their ethnicity makes you feel uncomfortable, even though there's no reason it should have. Glad you can admit it.

[Amnesiac]

I felt it was unnecessary to call them out on their ethnicity? It felt like a lame non-sequitur that focused on ethnicity for laughs (which I think is stupid) and you're getting red in the face over my opinion? I mean, what's the problem with it? I see you're trying to twist my opinion into something it isn't to serve your bitter ends but, well, that's just what that is. And, better yet, what's your problem? Chip on the shoulder, much?

[NickGlass]

The fact that he called people by their ethnicity makes you feel uncomfortable, even though there's no reason it should have. Glad you can admit it.

It's PC education. I initially winced at the line as well.

[Benny Profane]

I felt it was unnecessary to call them out on their ethnicity? It felt like a lame non-sequitur that focused on ethnicity for laughs (which I think is stupid) and you're getting red in the face over my opinion? I mean, what's the problem with it? I see you're trying to twist my opinion into something it isn't to serve your bitter ends but, well, that's just what that is. And, better yet, what's your problem? Chip on the shoulder, much?


There was no "focus" on ethnicity for laughs. Chinese people should not be offended in any way by that scene. There are no bitter ends, and no chip on the shoulder, just pointing out how stupid it sounds to criticize that "joke" because you are worried that someone's feelings would be hurt.

[Amnesiac]

There are no bitter ends, and no chip on the shoulder, just pointing out how stupid it sounds to criticize that "joke" because you are worried that someone's feelings would be hurt.

Speaking as someone who is on the receiving end of your sharpness, I think the chip on the shoulder might just exist but who knows? Anyways, I never said anything about anybody's feelings being hurt. When did I say that? It just felt superfluous. Unnecessary. Lame. Why even mention the fact that they are Chinese? Did that make it somehow more random and quirky? I just found it to be a strange and kind of a stupid thing to say. It's unfortunate that this opinion got you so visibly upset, though. Genuinely sorry about inadvertently stepping on your toes and incurring this wrath.

[Benny Profane]

I never said anything about anybody's feelings being hurt, though. When did I say that?

It's pretty obvious, as Nick alluded to.

[Amnesiac]

What? Read my post above. This isn't about righting wrongs, necessarily, it's about a stupid and superfluous comment that I felt does nothing for the scene and comes across as curious and grating. It doesn't destroy the movie, though. I get you liked it and you're defending what you feel is an empty criticism but I hope you understand that I'm not saying that this one oddity destroyed the entire film.

Also, you can tell me what I was going for with my comment and declare it unequivocally for me if it makes you feel better, but that's not quite it. This coming from the guy who said the comment, but what do I know, right? :)

[Benny Profane]

Read my post above. This isn't about righting wrongs, necessarily, it's about a stupid and superfluous comment that does nothing for the scene.



There was a family in "their" bathroom. They happened to be Chinese. Tom pointed it out and it made summer laugh. It does a LOT for the scene, actually. If they weren't Chinese, but were white (or pick your ethnicity) would you have a problem with him saying anything?

[Amnesiac]

It does a LOT for the scene, actually.

I totally disagree and find the ferocity of this part of your post kind of funny. The scene did a lot, the comment was lame and unneeded.


It
If they weren't Chinese, but were white (or pick your ethnicity) would you have a problem with him saying anything?

Obviously I would, especially since my criticism is based on the superfluity of the comment, despite your attempt at framing my comments within an entirely different (and more convenient, for your end) argument.

[Benny Profane]

I totally disagree and find the ferocity of this comment kind of funny.



Obviously I would.

Ferocity? Are you that thin-skinned?

Why would you have a problem with him saying something?

[Benny Profane]

What is superfluous about pointing out that there are people watching them make out? They are pretending they are in some private space. It fits in perfectly.

[Amnesiac]

Ferocity? Are you that thin-skinned?

You seem to be getting really upset about this is all. That was a playful exaggeration. I just don't understand why you couldn't have started this on more civil terms to begin with instead of diving into this with such attitude.



Why would you have a problem with him saying something?

How many times do I have to say 'lame', 'superfluous' or 'unnecessary' in this thread? I didn't think it had to be said, I found it curious, and it broke up the pacing of the scene for me a bit and made me think: 'Okay, why did he have to point that out? Does that make it more funny? Because it didn't... for me'.

[Amnesiac]

What is superfluous about pointing out that there are people watching them make out?

I'm losing faith in this discussion. This isn't even what I was criticizing. You keep trying to change what I'm saying into something simpler and more easily refutable.

Just agree to disagree and take a breather. You're being kind of unpleasant.

[Benny Profane]

How many times do I have to say 'lame', 'superfluous' or 'unnecessary' in this thread? I didn't think it had to be said, I found it curious, and it broke up the pacing of the scene for me a bit and made me think: 'Okay, why did he have to point that out? Does that make it more funny? Because it didn't... for me'.


Because they are pretending to be in a private bedroom. I can't believe I even have to explain this.

[Amnesiac]

Because they are pretending to be in a private bedroom. I can't believe I even have to explain this.

I can't believe you're missing the fact that I have no problem with them pointing out there is a family in 'their' bathroom. That part is charming and quaint and fine. I never said I had a problem with that. This should be clear, I think. It's the mention of their ethnicity that seems unnecessary to me. This should be especially clear, I think. Not necessarily insulting or offensive, but curiously superfluous.

[Benny Profane]

I can't believe you're missing the fact that I have no problem with them pointing out there is a family in 'their' bathroom. That part is charming and quaint and fine. I never said I had a problem with that. This should be clear, I think. It's the mention of their ethnicity that seems unnecessary to me. This should be especially clear, I think. Not necessarily insulting or offensive, but curiously superfluous.

Curiously superfluous? We must hang out around totally different types of people, because where I'm from strangers get described their ethnicity all the time. Like if I was bumped into by a Chinese guy on the sidewalk, and I was telling the story later, I would definitely say "a Chinese guy bumped into me on the sidewalk" and there would be nothing strange or curious about it. Where I'm from.

[Amnesiac]

Where I'm from.

Alright.

[NickGlass]

1st draft


TOM looks up from kissing SUMMER to see a family of blacks in the IKEA bathroom

TOM
There's a black family in our bathroom.

SUMMER giggles.

2nd draft


TOM looks up from kissing SUMMER to see a family of blacks African-Americans in the IKEA bathroom

TOM
There's an African-American family in our bathroom.

SUMMER giggles.

3rd draft


TOM looks up from kissing SUMMER to see a family in the IKEA bathroom

TOM
There's an family in our bathroom.

SUMMER giggles.

(Too boring/not quirky enough)

Final draft


TOM looks up from kissing SUMMER to see an Asian family in the IKEA bathroom

TOM
There's a Chinese family in our bathroom.

SUMMER giggles.

[Pop Trash]

That was good Nick. I have a fun game: rate/rank the following cute indie movies: Garden State/Little Miss Sunshine/Juno/500 Days of Summer.

7/10
1. 500 Days of Summer
2. Juno
3. Garden State

6/10
4. Little Miss Sunshine

[Sycophant]

I thought I was gonna be able to just skip this thing, but I'm now thinking I'll go see it this weekend.

[NickGlass]

I have a fun game: rate/rank the following cute indie movies: Garden State/Little Miss Sunshine/Juno/500 Days of Summer.


Ugh, I'm so bored with comparing these. Let's just say (500) Days of Summer was the only one I could tolerate, let alone enjoy or find insight within.

[Pop Trash]

Ugh, I'm so bored with comparing these. Let's just say (500) Days of Summer was the only one I could tolerate, let alone enjoy or find insight within.

FINE! Be a grumpypants.

[Ezee E]

Seeing this on Friday.

[Mal]

Flawed. But I loved it.

[Sycophant]

Haven't seen it yet, but I think I get the parentheses, though they're still slightly gratuitous.

[dreamdead]

Really enjoyed this one, though I can see the flaws inherent to it. Occasionally the film gets too cloying and meta-filmic, via the annoying precocious sister and two nerdy best friends. But when it's on, the film's study of the internal dynamics of trust, honesty, and romantic yearning within the relationship are all well-handled, especially for a mainstream Hollywood release. All the business of the Expectations/Reality binary are incredibly heartbreaking and true to life, and the film successfully balances pathos and humor well, even if that ending is a little too cloying. Nonetheless, it's a film I would happily watch time and again, I think, much like the best romantic comedies (Punch-Drunk Love, Annie Hall, Eternal Sunshine, etc...).

[trotchky]

1. Garden State
2. 500 Days of Summer
3. Little Miss Sunshine
4. Juno

this was cute. the split screen shots were great.

[Ezee E]

Loved it, and while I initially didn't like the ending for its semi-attempt at making it seem like "she's the one" or "here we go again," it just matches perfectly with the two philosophies of love that both characters had. The expectations versus reality is one of the better sequences I've seen in quite some time as well.

This and Two Lovers at the top of my 2009 list is pretty funny.

[chrisnu]

Yes, and, of course, the Hall & Oates segment. It's perfect stylization (and completely nailed by JGL).
Those were my two favorite sequences as well, in addition to the final conversation.

Saw this on a whim, and it was a lot better than I thought it would be. I think the trailer was quite deceiving; I don't think it was desperately trying to be culturally relevant. I could've done without Tom's buddies who were primarily used as punchlines (even though we gained some insight into their view of love in the interview segment). I was most intrigued by the idea that a relationship shouldn't automatically be devalued by its transience. Summer knew that. The ending bugged me quite a bit upon first glance, but thinking about it with that idea in mind (which I think Tom picked up on), I think Tom may have different expectations.

Found this on YouTube. It's pretty neat.

Why Don't You Let Me Stay Here? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17KUOQOlt8E)


Hall & Oates Sequence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2seAJsrtIbQ)

:)

[trotchky]

this movie is "sitting" very "well" "with me."

[Fezzik]

I caught this yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. Levitt really continues to impress me as an actor and I felt he carried the film effortlessly.

As for the "chinese" family line, I kinda agree with where Nick Glass was going.

The word "chinese" actually made that line sound better. Cadence? Meter? I dunno.

But it wouldn't have sounded as funny without the word there. I'm not saying specifically the word "chinese" but something w/ 2 syllables. Chinese works just as well as anything else.

Also agreed on the Hall & Oates segment and the reality vs expectations segment being the best of the lot. They really get into Tom's head about what he dreams life should (or eventually will) be like.

As someone whose been involved with a girl like Summer, the movie hit a bit too close to home for me, especially the scenes overlooking the Continental hotel. When I lived in So Cal, I had a park I liked to go to that overlooked one of the plazas near downtown. Used to take her there too.

In fact, Summer was so like my ex in so many ways, I wonder if Mark Webb happened to have a run in with her as well :)

The opening "dedication" had me in stitches.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Good, but too cutesy for me. I enjoyed the non-linear narrative, thought there were some very inventive techniques (especially reality vs. expectations), and I really enjoyed how the film concluded (aside from the "Autumn" bit; that's the type of "cute" I found obnoxious). That said, I didn't care for Gordon-Levitt's character, and in a film that is this intimate with one character, that hurt the emotional impact of the latter days of their relationship. Also, at the time, the opening statement was funny, but looking back I found it immature and unnecessary. It's established that Zooey wasn't a bad person, that she found love with someone else unexpectedly (and her line about being sure with him about the one thing she was never sure about with Tom was great), but the writer is apparently still bitter, which makes the end result of the film feel disingenuous.

Despite that the film had charm, and Zooey was radiant. It had some decent laughs along the way. It's something I found enjoyable once but wouldn't want to revisit any time soon.

[Boner M]

Voiceover sucked, too much indie rock (c'mon, every girl loves The Smiths; Summer should've been into grindcore), and the film auditions several perfectly bittersweet possible conclusions, only to end on the kind of generically euphoric meet-cute moment that belongs in a film that the authoritative voiceover insists we're not watching. That said, JGL really anchors the film and gives it so much gravitas that a Zach Braff or Adam Brody could never have managed, dammit he's good. Zooey's acting is quickly becoming akin to watching this (http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/191/cutesmile2.gif) repeatedly, although it works for her character, I guess.

[balmakboor]

I guess I never chimed in. I enjoyed this a lot. The shifting around in time worked really well and I loved the device of the number graphic helping us keep our bearings. Sometimes I wish directors like Nic Roeg would've helped us out in such fashion. And the split screen -- expectation vs. reality -- party scene was one of the best uses of split screen I've ever seen.

[dreamdead]

Yeah, that ending (or lack of deciding where is in point of fact the place of ending it) is partly why I suspect my rating will lower to a more reasonable 6.5/7 by the end of the year. I like its ebullience, however artificial, in the Hall and Oates number, even if it likely belongs in a different film (does that mean JGL was a virgin till Summer... seems unlikely, no?). Though Deschanel is better used than in other recent films, there's the sense that her interiority has been divested, an occurrence which yielded more interesting dynamics in ESotSM as Clementine got chances to express her thought processes, which Summer doesn't get the chance here.

And damn, do I hate the fact that the screenwriters had to include the two friends and the younger sister. So cloying, and such a detriment to what might have been a much stronger film.

[Boner M]

And damn, do I hate the fact that the screenwriters had to include the two friends and the younger sister. So cloying, and such a detriment to what might have been a much stronger film.
The younger sister was unfortunate, especially since she's quickly introduced after the opening voiceover promises we're going to be watching an Unconventional Movie, but I didn't have a problem with the two best friends. At least it's a cliche that bears some resemblance to reality.

[eternity]

Voiceover sucked, too much indie rock (c'mon, every girl loves The Smiths; Summer should've been into grindcore), and the film auditions several perfectly bittersweet possible conclusions, only to end on the kind of generically euphoric meet-cute moment that belongs in a film that the authoritative voiceover insists we're not watching. That said, JGL really anchors the film and gives it so much gravitas that a Zach Braff or Adam Brody could never have managed, dammit he's good. Zooey's acting is quickly becoming akin to watching this (http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/191/cutesmile2.gif) repeatedly, although it works for her character, I guess.
I probably know three females who even knew who The Smiths were before this movie. And that ending is awesomely mean-spirited. Don't know why people aren't seeing that.

[Boner M]

And that ending is awesomely mean-spirited. Don't know why people aren't seeing that.Expound.

[Pop Trash]

The younger sister was unfortunate, especially since she's quickly introduced after the opening voiceover promises we're going to be watching an Unconventional Movie, but I didn't have a problem with the two best friends. At least it's a cliche that bears some resemblance to reality.

I agree that the overly precocious little sister seemed more unrealistic than the two buds from work. Plus, I don't know anyone that is that chummy with their little sister, especially that many years apart. I know I wasn't.

I basically agree with everything else you said Boner, although I would give it 3 stars personally. Hell I'd give it 3.5 stars if it ended where it should have ended.

[Bosco B Thug]

(500) Days of Summer is a movie made out of musings and good points. And it's a movie that thinks it can make a movie solely out of musings and good points, and clever observations. That's why the film is told in bits and pieces, because of its such strong belief in its vision of a film so slickly packaged, it can be built upon its writer-director's probably-somewhere-out-there-in-list-form series of musings and good, lucid points, clever observations and cinematic ways to recreate the experience of the modern love affair and long relationship.

There's that moment in the film where Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a breakdown in a company meeting and gets on a soapbox about greeting cards. It's one of those "Wonderful Points" the film has to make, and it makes sure to make it. But in making itself (or its character) so convinced about this mildly revealing (if pretty obvious) epiphany, I remember it just made me uncomfortable and think, "This movie is yelling at someone... I hope it's not me."

Anyway, the film is all about the folly of romantics in a world that fosters growth and opportunities. It was likable, romantic, entertaining, and thankfully often very perceptive, with a good knack for melancholy. All very slickly packaged, but what can you do?

[Fezzik]

I probably know three females who even knew who The Smiths were before this movie. And that ending is awesomely mean-spirited. Don't know why people aren't seeing that.

I actually agree with E. on this one.

Throughout that final voiceover, JGL's character is talking about how's he's finally realized that these little coincidences are just that. He realizes that they don't have cosmic signifigance, etc...

so what happens? After his relationship with Summer is finally put to bed, the first time he gets up the nerve to ask a young woman out...

...he's immediately smacked in the face with something that is a STARK coincidence, and impossible for someone just now trying to come to grips with coincidence to completely ignore.

It's like giving a recently rehabbed alcoholic a beer and saying "I know you said you don't drink anymore, but hey...you sure about that?"

[Ivan Drago]

I actually agree with E. on this one.

Throughout that final voiceover, JGL's character is talking about how's he's finally realized that these little coincidences are just that. He realizes that they don't have cosmic signifigance, etc...

What coincidences? I'm trying to remember but drawing a blank.

[Fezzik]

What coincidences? I'm trying to remember but drawing a blank.

The name of the girl he met at the interview was named Autumn.

[Ivan Drago]

The name of the girl he met at the interview was named Autumn.

Oh I remember that. I was asking about the coincidences between him and Summer.

[Fezzik]

Oh I remember that. I was asking about the coincidences between him and Summer.

Oh, sorry. Well, between him and Summer specifically, I dont even remember, but in the voice over at the end (or another one near it) the character mentions that he learned to realize that the little things that happen, just happen, that not everything has cosmic significance or is a sign, etc.

Early on in the movie, he had a tendency to attach some grand scheme to everything that happened. He said, at the end, that he realized that was naive and misguided...

Then he met...her.

[Ezee E]

Liked this significantly less the second time around. Zooey's character is really kind of bland. She may say things or do things at the right time, but it all seems like it's the "expectations" part of a person. As if the screenwriter was simply writing his favorite memories, with no real personality.

Also. She was once called "Anal Girl" for being very clean and organized. However, when she shows off her house, it's very dirty. Doesn't seem right.

[eternity]

Also. She was once called "Anal Girl" for being very clean and organized. However, when she shows off her house, it's very dirty. Doesn't seem right.
Benefit of the Doubt: She was clean and organized. Now she's not. Quite the dynamic character we've got here.

Likelihood: They just wanted to make the anal girl joke.

[Ezee E]

Definitely the likelihood. Otherwise, she never really showed anything dynamic as far as changing goes except that she's apparently free-spirited.

[megladon8]

I really enjoyed this one.

I liked both JGL and Deschanel a lot, and I found it striking how well they played their parts, with Tom believably completely in love with Summer, and Summer obviously very fond of Tom but...just not quite in love.

I adored the musical number. Well, the dancing along to "You Make My Dreams Come True". Such a great, funny, fun moment.

I was a little worried that this was going to be one of those "indie" movies that uses an overabundance of quirkiness to pretend it's smart and different, but no, it actually was smart and different.

Thanks so much for getting this one for me, Jen!

[Spinal]

Apologies for bumping a thread for a movie I'm sure few people have thought about in the last year and a half. But I think people are kind of missing the point of the ending.

It's not important whether it's happy or sad. It's not important whether he lives happily ever after. The point is that, although that thing we call love has enormous power while we are under its influence, it is largely situational. It is not something that happens in a predetermined moment of magic. When we allow ourselves to open up to someone else, it can happen any number of times in our lives. The decision to be with someone long-term then is (or should be) a matter of other factors that lie outside of that initial attraction. Are we compatible? Do we meet each other's needs? Do we have the same life goals? Etc. Some might feel that this is anti-romantic or cynical. But, I believe (and I think the film believes) that recognizing this can give someone more control over their life.

Had the film ended with their goodbye, the whole structure of the film becomes something else. The 500 days are not how long Zooey's character is in his life. The 500 days are how long their love possesses his mind. This is a case where I think people sometimes want a downbeat ending just because it feels somehow more authentic.

I had other issues with the film, namely that it wasn't funny enough, but I think the ending is the right one.

[Boner M]

But... she was named 'Autumn'!!

[Spinal]

But... she was named 'Autumn'!!

fHvf20Y6eoM

[Irish]

I had other issues with the film, namely that it wasn't funny enough, but I think the ending is the right one.

Don't make me post a long tirade about this movie. ;-)

The ending isn't a problem because of the movie's view of love. The movie's ending is a problem because the guy is a lapdog and the girl is a twit and nobody cares what happens to them. They come off more as carefully crafted archtypes, full of one-off wit and ironic poses, and not as people.

I did like your post though. Thoughtful stuff.

[BuffaloWilder]

I've thought about this movie a lot recently because, in my last real relationship, I was Tom. And, she was Summer. And, literally everything that happened in the film happened to us, almost right down to the dialogue between the two of them. At times, it was almost scary.

This is a great film.

[Spinal]

And, literally everything that happened in the film happened to us ...

"She took a giant shit on my face. Literally."
"Literally?"
"Well, no, not literally. That's disgusting."

[Ezee E]

Nicely written Spinal. You're thoughts on movies have been very well-written and thought out as of late.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Nicely written Spinal. You're thoughts on movies have been very well-written and thought out as of late.

As opposed to earlier when you were complete shit at it.

[Spinal]

Don't call it a comeback.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Don't call it a comeback.

Keep in mind, I was simply finishing E's thought-process.


I think you suck at it even now.

[Ezee E]

As opposed to earlier when you were complete shit at it.
:lol:

Possibly. I never really noticed until recently.

[Raiders]

Spinal's writing is good; it is his actual opinions that frequently suck. Sadly, this is merely lipstick on a pig.

[Watashi]

Spinal > Raiders

It's true.

[MadMan]

I'm still not sure how to properly review this movie, even though I should find a way considering how high my rating for it was. Anyways JGL needs to be in a musical, and I think the ending is really funny but not a particularly happy ending for rather obvious reasons. More bittersweet, actually.

[Ezee E]

Spinal's writing is good; it is his actual opinions that frequently suck. Sadly, this is merely lipstick on a pig.
I can get down with that. :lol:

[Raiders]

Spinal > Raiders

It's true.

I like almost every single Pixar film more than Spinal, so this math is clearly broken.

[BuffaloWilder]

"She took a giant shit on my face. Literally."
"Literally?"
"Well, no, not literally. That's disgusting."

No, but she did ask me to pee on her face, once. So, y'know :P

I did not, by the way.

[Spinal]

No, but she did ask me to pee on her face, once. So, y'know :P

I did not, by the way.

It will be interesting to see where this thread goes from here.