(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
Length: 95 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language




Movies are an amazing thing: they can allow us to connect with a piece of art in such a short time period, at a very intense level. While many have certain songs that remind them of moments in their lives, movies allow someone to empathize with the images and sounds that result in an immediate emotional response that can have lasting implications. This intense connection can be felt immediately or even sometimes afterwords, and is often hard to truly vocalize. (500) Days of Summer takes what many would consider another romantic comedy and creates a redefining film that breaks the surface level in order to provide an in depth look at the new generation of lovers. My generation, the sons and daughters of hippies, yuppies, feminists, and Vietnam vets: we are the broken generation, born of divorce and resistance to the standards predefined throughout the American culture.

(500) Days of Summer pairs two of the most talented young actors in the film today. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) plays Tom, a greeting card writer, and Summer, the titular object of Tom's affection, is played by the "queen of indie damaged chicks" Zooey Deschanel (Your Highness, Yes Man). In an interesting twist, (500) Days of Summer becomes the Memento of the romantic comedy drama as the film unfolds in a sporadic jump throughout the five hundred days of the relationship between Tom and Summer, showing the first kiss, to the first time they ever make love, all the way to the heartbreaking end of their relationship. That's right kids, know going in, this isn't your typical romantic comedy; the guy doesn't get the girl. Instead, the greatness of this film is not the relationship but the commentary on today's love.

Today's love? What does that even mean?!?! Well consider the state of marriage and relationships today: almost 50% of marriages end in divorce; most children grow up in a "broken home" with one predominant parent; women have striven for more independence and control leading to a more powerful role in relationships; and men have become a more docile partner seeking companionship more than many women do. Admit it, guys, how many times have you heard, "I want to keep this casual. Let's just be friends," only to have her then act like she is dating you. (500) Days of Summer captures this shift in society to perfection, showcasing the independence of the modern female in relationships while allowing the often hormonal male to show his more emotional side. While very beautiful and tragic, Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel's chemistry is hard to deny. I found myself laughing along with the audience at the pure joy and hilarity the couple enjoys, while clinching my teeth in horror at the way Summer plays Tom's emotions.

Though focusing more on the Generation X couple, the film also showcases the modern Millennials/Generation Y'ers. As the voice of reason, Tom's pre-pubescent teenage sister represents the speed at which children begin to understand and develop adult connections and thought processes. With access to the internet, the young children are more knowledgeable and experienced than any other generation.

This film will revolutionize the romantic comedy, redefining the tried-and-true formula by injecting more realism and modernity into a tired, stale, and predictable genre. Beyond the deeper analysis, Webb has succeeded in creating a movie enjoyable on all levels. Surface dwellers will enjoy a funny, intelligent, beautiful, and tragic film that never goes over the top but allows the audience to build an intense connection, all while allowing the harshest of movie critics to dig into the layers that compose this modern masterpiece. Woody Allen's 1977 classic Annie Hall is often thought of as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, despite its quirky, unorthodox delivery. You can now safely add (500) Days of Summer to the list of instant masterpieces that should be viewed, enjoyed, and discussed for generations to come.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Paul: "Have you slept together? Hanjob, blowjob, any job?"
Tom: "I'm still unemployed."