2. Blue Valentine
The next entry on this list is much more somber, but no less important or true to life. In fact, my initial reaction was to suggest that if the Before characters had gotten married and realized they werent perfect together, Blue Valentine could represent the end of their relationship. This film got some press because the MPAA threatened to slap it with an NC-17 rating due to some sex scenes (including cunnilligus). Thats a whole other ridiculous issue, and this isnt the time to expand on that, but thank goodness Harvey Weinstein stepped up and persuaded the MPAA to rate it R. That way more people could see it and focus on the important pieces of the story, which surprise, surprise are not the sex scenes but the development of the relationship between Michelle Williamss and Ryan Goslings characters. Blue Valentine charts a relationship between a working class couple over several years. We get to see both the very sweet beginnings of Dean and Cindys love and its ultimate dissolution. And thats an important piece of this story and really of my whole article. Sometimes love ends or changes. The more Hollywood pushes us to believe in a happily ever after world the more were going to be disillusioned by the realities of life. Part of what makes Before Sunset (and if early reviews are to be believed, Before Midnight too) so good is that its not all whispering sweet nothings. Its discussing politics and perspectives and what might have been and at times they ruffle each others feathers. That sort of set up is on full display in Blue Valentine. Dean is a house painter who has a beer at eight in the morning as his daughter and wife are going off to school and work. Cindy thinks he could be making more of himself. Raise your hands right now if youve ever been in a relationship where your partner thought you could be more ambitious. They set up a romantic getaway to rekindle their passion, and yet the realities of life get in the way. I may not fit into the exact same mold as Dean and Cindy, but its not much of a stretch to imagine things turning out a little differently for me and I hear myself saying those words, having those arguments.