Finally, A Man's Chick Flick

It is clearly not the best Indie film of all time because of all time greats such as Reservoir Dogs, Mean Streets, and The Terminator. However, (500) Days of Summer is special and demands its own respect. If this film is not the best, then it has to be one of the most cherished Indie films of all time.

            It delivers a clichéd message: a break up, it the most unique way possible. It is the story of Tom Hanksian(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his relationship with Summer(Zooey Deschanel).

            The movie tells the story in incorrect order to draw a parallel to how most people recall relationships. People never remember the entire relationship in a correct sequence. People tend to start at the end, then go to the beginning, and switch between the good and bad moments. After going through the entire relationship once, a person would typically fail to see when it was “the start of the end” or “why it went bad.” (500) Days of Summer truly capture the realistic part of human behavior in this situation, which is brilliant.

            This movie is entirely driven by the two characters in the relationship, Summer and Tom. The strength and flaws of each character was highlighted with the riveting performances of Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt.

            Deschanel was able to portray a sweet, smart, beautiful, witty, honest, and true person. She is knows what she wants, and Tom is not part of her marriage plans. The way she acts makes men want to be in a long, fruitful relationship with her. Men believe it is not fair or right for her not to give them a chance, but conversely men respect her decision. However, what truly cements her great performance is not defining her character, but creating that aura of mysteriousness that captivates Tom and the rest of the audience.

            Her type of character is not a new phenomenon that breaks barriers, but the way she is presented; her character is so intriguing that the audience is forced to watch her. Combined with Tom’s beliefs in love, the audience futilely wants them to end up together, but the audience knows deep down it will not and cannot happen.

            Tom is a believable, real, likeable, hopeful, and easily disappointed. Gordon-Livett gives a stellar performance as the “true romantic,” the type of guy most men suppress into their sub conscious. However, his character makes most men want to cheer for him, for his happiness.

            The way in which the film was told, and the characters are truly what make the movie great. Of course the editing, directing, soundtrack, and writing was superb, however, what truly made me appreciate the film is the story-telling and the characters.

So, is this one of the best movies ever? NO, it