The film may create an impression of a typical romance film - a boy falls in love with a girl, attempts to woo her, wins her, loses her and then finds his way - but the telling makes it quite unique and a film that one enjoys thoroughly.
The title is an important element since it lets you know that it's about '500 Days', but what you don't get till you watch the film is that the girl's name is 'Summer'. This is the story of a writer of greeting cards who studied architecture and falls in love instantly with his new colleague, who reciprocates and they get into a relationship.
She makes a pact that they shall not 'label' their relation and see how it goes. The man agrees but as their scene gets stronger he wants a committed answer. This brings-in a rift, as Summer gets distant and eventually a split. The man, shattered, now has to figure out on how to deal with his life.
The most interesting thing the film does is to play with the sequence of this relationship. The film opens with a number and like a casino slot game it rolls - forward or backward - showcasing that particular day in the life of this man.
As such the film flows with flash-forwards and flash-backs. It keeps jumping from one scene to another in a non-linear fashion. The story flows very smoothly since you visit the entire film through the man's point of view.
What makes the film a great watch is that you are immersed in the life of this normal guy and love his relationship - the two make a great pair. The pivot of the turnaround is the unsure nature of Summer; it's like in a real life - one goes around and yet feels that something is missing. Then...just switches off and ends the relationship.
This works and in a way doesn't. Deliberately you are never taken inside the mind of Summer for long; it's the man's story all the way - how he falls in love, gets her, has great fun, gets more involved, differences appear and how he reacts and responds.
The film starts with a fast momentum and as it delves more into his state of depression it slows down but the pacing keeps you in the grip. It's a romantic comedy and the humor keeps coming at you all the time, which makes the ride pretty enjoyable.
There are times when you feel the film is being stretched a bit, when you feel the film tries to get extra cute but with a romantic couple that looks very good together and other lovable characters you have a good time at this one.
Rating ***
[Max Rating ****]
[Viewed on Mac at Chembur on 18th March, 2010]
No comments:
Post a Comment