Romance is one theme that is consistently used in every possible form of storytelling. From tales of love told by young girls during a spring evening gathering or great plays that endure the test of time becoming classic examples of literature. Most typically romantic themes are present either as lighthearted comedy or emotionally intense tragedies. The story that is all too often left untold is the one most relatable to the regular human beings in the audience; the life cycle of a relationship. A few years ago there was a little Independent movie, ‘Flannel Pajamas’ that proceeded to examine this subject and it succeeded extremely well. Fortunately this topic is sufficiently complex that subsequent filmmakers have more than enough material for additional movies. Carrying on with the exploration of one of the most fundamental aspects of our humanity is a recent gem; ‘Blue Valentine’. This is just the kind of movie that justifies the need for independent film. A movie like this lacks the action or controversy that is required to get a project through the mainstream studio system. This film is exceptional in its craftsmanship affording the audience a remarkably sensitive portrait of a young couple navigating the difficult waters of their relationship. Every aspect of this story has a consistent sense of honesty; an unvarnished look at a man and woman as they fall in and eventually out of love. There is such a remarkable truthfulness to this film that at times it is difficult to watch. As imperfect human beings we all have some part of our relationships that we regret and this film holds many of these same foibles up to the light of scrutiny. As with any real relationship there are times in this film that will inspire laughter while others will result in tears welling up in our eyes. Both ends of the emotional spectrum well represented and frankly exhibited. This is the type of cinema that you don’t watch; you experience it. It is one of the best I have seen so far this year and I am certain it will endure the test of time.

Derek Cianfrance is a dedicated filmmaker who has been working on his career since he entered his teens. He has studied under some of the best Indy films has to offer and now he is diligently establishing his of stylistic mark on the cinematic community. Part of his training was spending time becoming proficient as a cinematographer and editor. In this case it represented an ideal post graduate course in filmmaking giving Cianfrance the experience and tools necessary to bring a project like this to life. His prior experience appears to have given him an eye for what amounts to a visually stunning work. It is so reassuring to watch a film of substance that depends on a carefully constructed story replete with relatable situations populated by faithfully developed characters. A film that eschews high octane action or totally dependent on computer driven special effects replacing such popular gimmicks with an undeniable sense of humanity is exceptionally rare but well represented here. This romance is not some three act play where the Hollywood happy ending is ensured. Unlike the standard rom-com no fantasy fueled coincidence brings the couple apart nor does an easily surmountable plot device pulling them apart to insert second act tension. The people shown here are fallible, acting on transient feelings that wax and wane not according to a well worn script.

The film transitions between two critical periods in the lives of a young couple; Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams). The movie details the purity of falling in love contrasting it with the inherent hardship of watching love fades as the relationship disintegrates. The old phrase that opposites attract may be true initially but does not always provide a truly solid foundation. Dean is a high school dropout working for a small moving company in New York City. Cindy is in college studying pre-med while living with her parents and helping to care for her elderly grandmother. One motivation subtly injected here is the unhappiness that Cindy experiences in her situation. It leaves her vulnerable, susceptible to change. They fall passionately in love and within a few weeks are married. Cindy is pregnant by her previous boyfriend but Dean accepts the child, Frankie, agreeing to raise her as his own. Dean has an altercation with the child’s father, Bobby (Mike Vogel) further demonstrating the tension inherent in the situation. Dean is shown as a thoughtful individual, one who takes time to decorate the room of an elderly veteran after moving his meager belongings to a nursing home.

All too often films that play with the linearity of the time line fall apart unable to maintain the narrative. In this case though Cianfrance carefully and skillfully blurs the lines between past and present in a way that brings to mind cherished memories of the first blush of love gives way to the reality of a relationship entered into too quickly in the heat of passion and need for companionship. So much of the reason this film works so astonishingly well is the casting. Both of the young stars began their careers in television series but lately have been making the independent film community sit up and notice. Gosling began as Young Hercules but here gives a strongly vibrant and emotional performance. He played Dean with compassion that is not frequently seen on the screen. Hollywood casts men in roles of unbelievable macho roles but Gosling is unafraid of letting the audience seen deeper into what he is capable of providing. Like the surprisingly touching role he created in ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ Gosling proves a real man can be tender and loving even if the situation is bound to end sadly. I remember Williams from her role in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ but that vehicle only afforded the slightest glimpse of the emotional depths she has at her command. Here she built upon the praise worthy performance she gave in another relationship driven piece, ‘Incendiary’. Williams has transformed herself from little Jen Lindley into one of the best actresses plying their craft today. Simply put this film is something special.