Note to self: Steer clear of movies that are based on Nicholas Sparks’s novels.
“If you’re a bird I’m a bird.” (awwww *rolls eyes*)
The Notebook has been hailed by moviegoers, both male and female, as one of the most romantic and moving films of recent years and given the thumbs up by the czar of movie reviews, Roger Ebert. Still, I never considered watching it because I was turned off by its mainstream appeal.
It had none of the qualities I desire–zany couples, seemingly unromantic circumstances, and a hint of darkness. Instead, this film is laden with all the trappings of a stereotypical tearjerker. He can’t be with her because she lives in a mansion and he has dirty nails. Boo hoo hoo.
But yes, it is the story of star-crossed lovers, and I saw it on sale at Target… I decided to give it a try, thinking that this would be a case of when a stellar cast saved an unoriginal plot. Sadly, I was wrong.
A masterful storyteller makes the same old story interesting and new. This cannot be said for The Notebook.
Instead of invoking empathy, James Garner’s chronological narration reminds more of a voiceover for a History Channel program. “And then, they fell in love. And then, he joined the military.” Not in those exact words, but that’s how it felt to me.
And though Ryan Gosling is an undeniably talented actor, I like him much better as a villain than a Romeo. I usually like dark, brooding types, but Gosling creeps me out more than intrigues….something about those manic expressions… I learned from IMDB that Gosling wore brown color contacts because Garner has brown eyes, but changing the color of his eyes cannot help to rid them of that devlish gleam, better suited to rakes, murderers, and psychopaths.
Just the fact that Nick Cassavetes calls this the worst film that he directed says a lot.
I was similarly not moved by another Sparks’ novel movie adaptation, A Walk to Remember. I’m still not sure if the saccharine storylines didn’t do it for me or if it was the directors’ interpretations of these tragic love stories that did it. In either case, Nights in Rodanthe is not on my to-see list.
Cathy said,
November 4, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I love the opening quote about the bird. It is kind of sappy. I like the tone of your piece – casual yet confident and informed. I’m jealous of anyone who sees lots of movies because I never do. Thanks for the useful information.
Henry said,
November 5, 2009 at 8:16 pm
You’re right about Gosling. He used to creep me out when he was on The Mickey Mouse Club back in the late 80s/early 90s.
Susan said,
November 17, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I didn’t know that the director thought it was his worst movie… interesting. I liked this movie as a guilty pleasure, but i definitely agree it can’t hold a candle as one of the “most romantic and moving films of recent years.”
I enjoy your take on all of the movies so far! I will definitely take your advice when it comes to picking my next flick to watch.