(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
91 Minutes
Floor 3 Pink Zone 791.4372 FIV
The film’s opening narration sets the tone, explaining that ‘this is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story.’ Certainty, (500) Days of Summer cannot be described as typical rom-com, presenting a pragmatic view of relationships highlighting the lows as much as highs of Tom and Summer’s romance. The lead actors, particularly Joseph Gordon-Levitt, deserve much credit in portraying this range. Although the film delves deeper than most ‘rom-coms’ it still brings several laughs; a fine balance of tone means that it should appeal to those wanting a light-hearted comedy as much as it should to viewers wanting more weight in their narrative. This is a feat within itself (although the film’s final scene has split opinion, with some feeling it clashes with the tone of the film).
For some of the most creative editing in contemporary film you should watch (500) Days of Summer. Following the complex relationship between aspiring architect Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and the free-spirited Summer (Zooey Deschanel), the film is presented in a non-linear manner glimpsing at the 500 day relationship in randomised segments. This structure is cleverly guided through a counter-graphic that informs the viewer of the date in the relationship; watch for the changing colours of this graphic (red, green, and black) which hints at the emotions of Tom and Summer in the scene. Along with the interesting narrative structure, split-screens, the breaking of the 4th wall, animation, and a brilliant use of music, these are all used to a captivating effect.
Music plays a noticeable role in the film, the soundtrack has been very well selected (Smiths fans will be happy); the clever alignment of Tom’s movement to Wolfmother’s ‘Vagabond’ is particularly effective. There are other stand-out scenes, notably an amazing dance sequence that homages Disney’s ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ from Song of the South (1946), which acts as a bizarre (but brilliant) expression of Tom’s joy. And there is an incredibly powerful scene towards the end of the film wherein Tom’s expectations and reality are played side-by-side. To describe the sequence further would ruin its effect and reveal too much narrative, but take note of this scene which embodies the clever editing and creative storytelling found throughout (500) Days of Summer.
Why It’s significant?
The film breaks the traditional mould of the rom-com, offering a powerful yet comical narrative with an outstanding use of editing and visual effects.
If You Like This, You May Also Like From The Library:
The Graduate, dir. by Mike Nichols (Embassy Pictures, 1967) – Referenced in (500) Days of Summer this classic presents romance in a similar light, starring Dustin Hoffman and scored by Simon & Garfunkel. (791.4372 GRA)
Annie Hall, dir. by Woody Allen (United Artists, 1977) – Any discussion of rom-coms that ‘break the mould’ will include Annie Hall prominently. The breaking of the 4th wall is particularly noticeable. (791.4372 ANN)
Written by Phil Wintle
