Blue Valentine

In the midst of this tragic story is something poetic, almost inspiring. Like the old song goes, "Sometimes love just ain't enough."

Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams give scorching performances in two parts, depicted throughout the films by flash backs and flash forwards. On the one hand, you have the young, optimistic, flirty lovers ready to take on the world, diving into a life together with reckless abandon. You can see from the get-go that the odds are stacked against them, but their love seems genuine.

On the other hand, you have the couple who has been together for four of five years, and the passion is dying. They are willing to do just about anything to salvage the last piece of their shared life, but even their child isn't enough to keep them together.

This is truly one of those films where most people will either skip altogether, or leave the theatre with a sense of disappointment and abject despondence. The gloom sucks the spirit out of you, and you truly need a couple of hours to decompress.

Gosling is one of my favorite actors around. He makes bold, independent choices and time after time delivers strong, heartfelt performances. There is an eye-raising film called "Crazy, Stupid, Love" coming up this summer which seems to be a comedy where Gosling plays opposite Steve Carell. Should be a good test of his range, although he has proven his ability time and time again.

Michelle Williams has flown under the radar for most of her long career, but her emotions just spew out onto the screen, on both ends of the spectrum. Her daring choices and fearless performances catapult her onto a short-list of dynamic actresses of her generation.

The catalyst is the chemistry. There is a natural feel to Dean and Cindy's relationship that captures the struggle of young lovers trapped in a cruel and merciless world. They fight like a real couple, and they kiss and make-up like a real couple.

The themes are too realistic and sordid to draw a crowd, so this film won't make much money, but that isn't the point. Both Gosling and Williams get an opportunity to hone their craft with yet another risky and rewarding performance. They should both receive Oscar nominations for their intrepid efforts.

I recommend this film for the stirring performances. The story, direction, and all else is just mediocre at best. It's all in all what I was expecting. 7/10.