(500) Days of Summer (2009) didn't steer away from the typical "indie" film moments but they made those moments work, it had its quirk but it didn't throw it in your face, and I applaud it for that (especially after Away We Go). This story is about love and all that comes with it, both good and bad. It is a story about failed expectations, and about coming to terms with oneself after those expectations have fallen apart. This is an indi-romantic comedy that steers very closely to the truth and in the end that is where this movie really works.
Joseph Gordon Levitt plays the likable and naive Tom who falls hard for Zoey Deschanel's Summer. Tom believes in love, Summer doesn't, Tom thinks he can win her over, but we find out early on that its not going to happen. We know this information because the film is not narrative and plays around with the timeline using an effective ticker method jumping from one day of their relationship to another.
Not only does the film feel true, it is very funny (funnier than The Hangover). Much of the humor has to do with the great performances from both Levitt and Deschanel. I am an unabashed Joseph Gordon Levitt fan, and he did not disappoint in this film. Both actors did a lot with dialogue that sometimes felt forced and contrived.
Marc Webb's as the first time director made the movie he wanted to make, now I could argue someone else could have done better with the material, but having Webb work his own screenplay gave for a great split screen scene and an amazing soundtrack (if this movie catches on think Garden State numbers on the soundtrack). I look forward to seeing what Webb has coming in the future.
The movie wasn't without its shortcomings and unfortunately they did detract from the overall quality of the film, which is really disappointing because the movie was its faults away from being great. Tom's confidant and expert on women was his little sister, she biked to his apartment or he visited her on the soccer field and they had many heart to hearts. I didn't object to this concept but the dialogue between them was contrived and dabbled into exposition. Another scene that was heavy on the exposition was when Tom confronts his coworkers at his greeting card company, both the job and speech worked a little to conveniently and felt forced. I also wish his friends worked on more levels than just a bouncing board for both Tom and the audience to compare.
Overall (500) Days of Summer is highly entertaining, funny, and a great statement on love, relationships and life. Another few drafts of the screenplay and a more experienced director and this would have been my favorite film of the year.
***1/2
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