I could have selected the best film love stories of all time for this post. But, no, I decided not to do the obvious for Valentine's Day. Instead, I've selected 3 very frustrating love stories. If you're yearning for films with happy endings, these aren't for you.
Of Human Bondage is a film adapted from the Somerset Maugham novel. It features Bette Davis in an early film role. You're going to absolutely hate her. And Ashley Wilkes, the love smitten guy that you just want to kick. Can't he see that she's just not into him?
And if that wasn't frustrating enough for you, try Brief Encounter, the Noel Coward story, filmed by David Lean. With a score of Rachmaninoff music as a backdrop to these two star crossed lovers, the English tea room where they meet, and oh, that friend that messes everything up - this is a film that shouldn't be missed. It's a definite classic.
The third frustrating love story is a more recent film, one that I just love and hope that you will too. It's the 2009 film 500 Days of Summer starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. It's a little on the cheesy side, but so well done.
Fellow members of the North County Film Club have suggested some other films that fit the category of love stories that don't end well:
Truly, Madly, Deeply
Lady Hawk
Serenity
Dr. Horrible
She Devil
Now you have a pretty nice list of non-love stories to watch on Valentine's Day and throughout the month of February. What's your favorite non-love story?
Oh, I've never seen the first two films. Both look good! Is that the same Ashley Wilkes from "Gone with the Wind?" That poor name sure gets a bad rap for a cowardly man.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of, "Gone with the Wind" is a pretty tragic love story. And what about "Brokeback Mountain?" So sad!
Yes, it's one and the same Ashley Wilkes. He fits both parts so perfectly cause he's just so darn vulnerable.
DeleteYes GWTW would have been a good choice, but I feel that everyone has seen that one and I try for films that are a little more obscure. I think you'll like Brief Encounter, it's so well done with great dialogue, very realistic.
Of Human Bondage is one of my favorite books, but the film is a tad overacted. No one could be as mean as Bette in real life.
The Wuss in Of Human Bondage and GWTW is Leslie Howard. Vulnerable? He's a fish being reeled in. But the movies, great choices. I especially like 500 Days. It is an awful circumstance when only half of a couple is in love and the other half is in nice.
ReplyDeleteI want to see 500 Days part two. There's a nice spark at the end of the film. Will Gordon-Leavitt be saved?