The Notebook (2004)
The Cast
Ryan Gosling .... Noah Calhoun
Rachel McAdams .... Allie Hamilton
James Garner .... Duke
Gena Rowlands .... Allie Calhoun
James Marsden .... Lon Hammond
Sam Shepard .... Frank Calhoun
David Thornton .... John Hamilton
Joan Allen .... Anne Hamilton
Man, does Nick Cassavetes know how to direct a powerful romance movie. First he directs She's So Lovely, one of my favourite off-beat "made for each other" romance movies, now this one. Bastard! Movies like this just kill me.
First of all, the movie is so achingly beautifully shot, it's heart-wrenching. From the opening shots of a sunset over a lake, to the absolute goregous rainstorm that is showcased on the poster, Cassavetes shot a stunning movie. Or his cameramen, cinematographer, whatever. No more wrath from the MightyGodKing please. I'm too... emotional now.
Gosling & McAdams (you might remember her as a Mean Girl) are picture perfect as the two young summer lovers, like Montagues & Capulets, they appear to be destined for tragedy. McAdams in particular is radiant, with a laugh that sounds so real & a smile that weakens your knees. Gosling plays it cool, sheepish almost, 'cause he's got true love on his side (you think this happens every day?). James Marsden stars as Cyclops, whoops, sorry, he won't be doing that anymore. He's the man Allie's parents (Allen & Thornton) love for their daughter, so you pretty much know what's going to happen to him.
If the story was directed by someone else, it would've been predictable schlock. Under Cassavetes masterful directorshipness (?), it's one of the most romantic movies I think I've ever watched (alone I might add.. dammit), & had this tough guy a bit misty-eyed. As it stands, it's still slightly predictable, but you'll love it for that. Easily 5 outta 5 & all you people that have people this Valentine's Day, I hate you. Or envy you. Whatever. You suck.
Roger Ebert's review of The Notebook (2004)