Synopsis: In (500) Days of Summer, Tom is stunned when his girlfriend dumps him and looks back on their 500 days together to try and figure out what went wrong.
Release Date: July 17, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Romance, Drama
Film Review
Production
“This is not a love story.” From that opening line you realize (500) Days of Summer is going to be something different, and it fulfills its promise. With a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, being that the film is told from the male point of view, it is more an introspective piece about relationships. The ones we treasure and the ones we may never understand, but how each individually exists for a reason in our life.
This is not a story about finding love, it is about realizing that love may come and go, but take comfort in what you have been given and in the excitement of what may come. For any individual who has ever questioned what went wrong, had their heart stomped upon, felt there was no escape from the pain, (500) Days of Summer is the movie you need to watch. It has a magical way of delivering hope, and healing past trauma, that is so rarely seen in cinema. The film offers a wonderful break from the cliche of romance on screen and the expectations set up for relationships. It strips away the rose-colored glasses often worn in matters of the heart, leaving the main character (Tom) and the viewer bare and open to receive the truth.
Score and Soundtrack
This soundtrack is well worth checking out.
Directing
Marc Webb has achieved something almost indescribable with (500) Days of Summer. It is perfection. The pacing is sublime, the actors timing and tone spot on; every element of the film is done so well you are suspended in the story for its entirety. Not only does he achieve the male point of view, and does it without machismo but with pure emotion, he also veered away from the over the top love tone.
Instead, the atmosphere throughout (500) Days of Summer is one of two people who are smitten with each other; it is light and playful. Making it all the more based in reality. It is obvious that his impeccable direction and attention to detail make the excellence of the movie possible.
Chemistry
Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) are absolutely splendid together. Whether they are experiencing a happy moment or in full-blown arguing mode the chemistry between them is undeniable. These are two people who click on-screen at every turn.
Musical Numbers
There may only be one musical number in (500) Days of Summer but it is incredibly fun to experience. Coming off of a splendid date with Summer, Tom is full of so much happiness he breaks into song. With him leading the way, and a song that is perfectly suited for the occasion, he recruits the people on the street for this impromptu musical escapade. You may even find yourself tapping your feet where you sit as the mood of the scene is infectious.
Comedy Factor
Relationships are a prime target for comedy. (500) Days of Summer uses everything in this realm to its full advantage. You get just the right amount of funny, sarcasm, and all-out humor throughout.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Marc Webb
- Screenwriters: Steven J. Wolfe, Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber
- Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom), Zooey Deschanel (Summer)
- Editor: Alan Edward Ball
- Cinematographer: Eric Steelberg
- Production Designer(s): Laura Fox
- Country Of Origin: USA
