BY CAMILLE BORODEY, Assistant Scene Editor
Roman Holiday
While visiting Rome on a royal tour, a bored Princess, Ann (Audrey Hepburn in her first major film role) escapes the embassy to experience Rome on her own. While wandering the streets at night, she meets Joe (Gregory Peck), a reporter. Upon realizing Ann’s princess status, Joe promises his editor an interview with Ann, but as Joe and Ann explore the city they fall into a forbidden love.
Annie Hall
It may be inappropriate to discuss Woody Allen due to the recent abuse allegations against him, but this film is one of the greatest romantic comedies ever. Allen plays Alvy, a comedian whose neuroses cause him trouble in love. Alvy recalls his relationship with Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Although the relationship is dandy at first, Alvy becomes annoyed with Annie’s pot-smoking habit and her lack of education, while Annie becomes annoyed by Alvy’s predictable lifestyle. Those wishing for a happy ending may be disappointed, but “Annie Hall” is an excellent analysis of relationships in 1970s New York.
Atonement
In an opulent estate in 1930s England, 13-year-old Briony falsely accuses her sister’s lover, and son of the house servant, of molesting a young girl. Robbie (James MCcavoy) is sent to jail, with a shortened sentence if he agrees to go to war. The rest of the film follows Robbie and Cecelia (Keira Knightly) trying to keep their love together during war times, while Briony regrets her mistake. In her review, Seattle Times film critic Moira Macdonald describes “Atonement” as “a comeback for Brit-lit period films.”
500 Days of Summer
When this movie came out, a number of guy friends described this as a tale of a poor hopeless romantic who gets his heart stomped on by a cold-hearted woman. “Just because she likes the same bizzaro crap you do doesn’t mean she’s your soul mate,” Tom’s sister tells him. This is the real lesson of Marc Webb’s film, which is told in non-linear order, reflecting on the relationship of Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel). As Tom reflects upon the relationship, he begins to realize things were not as perfect as he thought. A lot of romantic comedies portray women as irrational beings who obsess on relationships, but “500 Days” gives a fresh perspective of a man trying to piece together what went wrong.
Never Let Me Go
At a young age, Kathy (Carey Mulligan) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield) know that they are doomed for short lives. This science-fiction drama takes place in an alternate reality of ‘50s and ‘60s England, where a scientific breakthrough allows humans to be cloned and used for their organs. When they hear rumors that couples in love can delay their organ donation, Tommy and Kathy seek a deferral in hopes of getting a year together. Even without spoilers, you can probably already tell that Mark Romenak’s film is a bucket full of tears. The tragic fate of Tommy and Kathy makes you want to grab the one you love and never let go.
Ruby Sparks
A young novelist, Calvin, (Paul Dano) writes a story about his fantasy girlfriend whom he names Ruby (Zoe Kazan, who also wrote the film). One morning he wakes up to find that Ruby has come to life and believes she’s Calvin’s girlfriend. Even better, anything Calvin types on his typewriter, Ruby does. The question begs not only Calvin but also the audience: Is she real? After getting over the shock, Calvin relishes in his new girlfriend. Soon though, Calvin’s fantasy girl turns into a real person with needs outside of the relationship. The lighthearted film takes a dark turn as Ruby acts as a puppet, and Calvin realizes he controls the strings.
Silver Lining’s Playbook
After a stint in a mental hospital, Pat (Bradley Cooper) is determined to get his ex-wife back. Soon he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow with issues of her own. Many complain that Lawrence is too young to play Cooper’s love interest, but her performance is too good to care. Although the film features an excellent performance from Cooper, “Silver Lining’s” is Lawrence’s film. David O. Russell’s film is such an endearing romance because of the characters’ flaws. Pat is a mess of emotions, and Tiffany is no bowl of cherries. This isn’t the story of the perfect couple, but the story of two broken souls being mended.
