There are times when the entire world seems to be against you, and if this happens to a moment when the world is against you being in love with someone it makes life that much more agonizingly cruel. These same people, at most turns every bit as rational and reasonable as any person, will do things completely against their character. And they will do these things for love. So it is with the love story you have between Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) in THE NOTEBOOK (Nick Cassavetes, New Line, 2004). Theirs is a simple love story, often similar to a modern day Romeo and Juliet. And with this film you get exactly that. Simple and predictable, nothing earth shattering.
The narrative for the film is rather predictable, from the incessant clues placed within the narrative to overtly placed iconography throughout the films production design (seriously, did they have to make every thing worn by McAdams and Rowlands red to beat into us that they were the same character?) The story follows the basic tenets of the traditional love story. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, love brings them together again (usually against all odds). The problem for me with this film is that this narrative is forced upon us, and we are severely manipulated into feeling. Compare the narrative of this film to the brilliantly refreshing one offered in 500 DAYS OF SUMMER (Marc Webb, Fox Searchlight, 2009). THE NOTEBOOK doesn't even come close in regard to Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber's amazingly updated take on the classic mythology of the genre.
What is amazing in this film is the job put forth by it's cast. Ryan Gosling has so much talent, and plays characters with such unusual mannerisms and intensity that every time he is on the screen he places you on the edge of your seat, prepared for anything. To me, he is what Brad Pitt used to be, back before he became BRAD PITT. With a huge 2011 my hope for Gosling is that he doesn't become too big of a star and lose all the quirkiness and likability which helps to make him so endearing.
His co-star in the film actually manages to steal the film out from under him. Rachel McAdams plays Allie Hamilton with such energy, vitality and just the right amount of uncertainty that it is easy to see her sitting in her dressing room, rehearsing, trying to decide if she wants Noah (Gosling) or Lon (played with oozing charm by James Marsden). Her performance as Allie, particularly as she decides between the two men, is the singular moment where the narrative leaves it's predictable shell.
It was also really great to see two veteran actors giving heartfelt performances, and Gena Rowlands and James Garner really help propel the film. Long a favorite of mine, James Garner offers up a portrayal that seemingly adds to what Gosling accomplishes.
And Rowlands is very good as the dementia stricken older Allie, floating in and out of a reality that no longer exists for her character. Their touching end is a deft touch and honestly a neat little spin on the Romeo and Juliet ending.
Formally the film is done quite well. The set design allows you to float back to a charming south and the directors decision to fill his screen with rich and bold colors throughout give the film added depth and dimension. The score is rather complementary and obviously adds emotional tone and weight.
My problem with this film probably lies in the fact that I waited eight years after it's release to see it. Years of hearing fans talk about it's emotional weight and the film itself becoming a signpost for being the ultimate "chick flick" built it up within my mind before the film has even started. As I watched I steadily prepared myself for something drastically sad to happen, and when that event never materialized there was an obvious disappointment. Also, ultimately the film will be completely forgotten within weeks. There is no iconic scene, no memorable lines or scores. Think of the great love story films over the years. You remember the end to CASABLANCA, the theme from LOVE STORY, even the haunting score and cinematography to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. This film just falls a little short, for me.
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