Romancing the Film

A guide to using movies as a tool for love

By: Daniel Albert

What is the quintessential idea of a date? Dinner and a Movie, right? It’s understandable why dinner is part of the equation, but how did movies get such a prime position ? One could speculate at length why the art of film has such a foothold on the dating market, but my personal guess is that movies have always taken us to happier places. Places where the good guy always ends up with the girl; the girl always finds her prince charming; and love always, always, conquers all. Whether it be a romantic comedy, drama, or even an animated fairy tale, movies will always be a sure bet as long as you spend it with that special someone. So as part of this month’s Art & Romance issue we’ve put together a list of both new and old movies that are sure to bring closer than ever, you and your significant other .



In Theaters:

Blue Valentine
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
Opening: December 29th

This tale of love lost and found has battled its way from an NC-17 rating (for one supposedly graphic sex scene) back to an R which means it will be widely available, perhaps even into the month of February. The story is told using past and present instances of romantic memories as a couple struggles during a single night where they try to reconcile their relationship. If you can find it in a theater near you, jump at the chance to see it, as it has garnered a significant amount of awards talk for both Gosling and Williams’ performances.

Waiting for Forever

Starring: Rachel Bilson, Tom Sturridge

Opening: February 4th

The first of our entries in the rom-com category (romantic comedy for those of you not into film jargon) is a Hollywood-set romantic tale of a guy who is content to live his life without a job yet with the love of his life, a young actress. The premise alone should set in motion some pretty interesting laughs, while still keeping a tangible sense of reality in how their relationship plays out. This is considered an indie film, however, so it may not be a good fit for those who’d rather see only A-listers.

Just Go With It
Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston
Opening: February 11th

This is the romantic comedy for those looking for the A-listers. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston bring this story to life of a man who enlists the help of a woman and her kids to land the woman of his dreams. Lemme guess— they’re gonna fall in love instead? Ok so maybe it’s predictable, but I would’ve thought the same thing about 50 First Dates and Sandler was able to pull that one off, so I think we can give this one a chance, even if it’s a slight one.

Gnomeo and Juliet
Starring: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith
Opening: February 11th

The one and only animated feature on our list is a story about two love-struck garden gnomes who become caught up in a feud between neighbors. This clever riff on a Shakespearian classic is perfect for those who’ve already found love (and therefore have to bring their children along on their “date”). Movies like Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon and many others have proven that animated movies can not just be dismissed or you could miss out on good laughs and a touching story.



On DVD or Blu-Ray:

Casablanca
(1943)
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid

Uh, it’s Casablanca! No further explanation needed

Say Anything
(1989)
Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye

For anyone currently courting a significant other— watch this and take notes. Wielded properly, a boombox can become more potent than cupid’s arrow!

Groundhog Day
(1993)
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie McDowell

If you’re going to use comedy as your angle towards romance, go straight to the source. This tale of repetitious love sees Murray courting his love again and again until he gets it completely perfect. What could be more romantic! (and hilarious)

Sideways
(2004)
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church, Sandra Oh, Virginia Madsen

Being a writer myself, I have a soft spot for this tale of a writer turned binger as a bachelor’s weekend in wine country turns into a nightmare in Napa. Equally funny and charming, this movie goes perfect with a nice Merlot.

Garden State
(2004)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Zach Braff, Peter Sarsgaard

Throw together quirky laughs and a heartwarming story about an unlikely pair and you’ll find Garden State. This is a perfect divining rod when it comes to finding out whether or not you and your significant other have a compatible sense of humor.

(500) Days of Summer
(2009)
Starring: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Zooey Daschanel

This refreshingly honest romantic comedy might be good for the couple on the rocks. Although it will force you to take a good look at that special someone, it ultimately offers a message of hope for those hopeless romantics.