The daily adventures and travails of one neurotic, klutzy, hungry, cynical college girl. Tune in for prizes! (offer void where prohibited. See office for details. Not responsible for lost articles.)
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Wednesday, April 05, 2006
I've been out sick, and when I haven't been sleeping or force-feeding myself chicken soup, I've been watching DVDs. Bless Netflix and Gilmore Girls (of which I've yet to get tired of watching.) The past two days I watched Little Manhatten and Say Anything. And while ordinarily, I wouldn't put the two together, watching them one after another, there are too many similarities for me to ignore. Two "ordinary" guys (excuse me, men) find a woman to love and go to great lengths to prove their sincerity and devotion to them. It's supremely endearing and addicting. First love is so incredible and iconic, and these two films clearly have people who remember their first loves fondly and want to recreate it on film. A joy to watch is someone's personal heart being displayed on screen, honestly and simply.
What really pulls the two movies together is the fact that no great love is missing that over-the-top, heroic, bleeding guts, GIANT move from the man. What's the point of saying I love you if you don't mean it, and what's the point of meaning it, if you're not willing to risk everything to show it?
"Love is about grand gestures."
"I have my pride, I'm a guy."
"You're not a guy, Lloyd. There's guys everywhere. Be a man. Don't be just a guy."
In the end, it's not about how good you look, how smart you are, how smooth you talk, how well you can provide for us, or what you say, even. What really gets girls, is the willingness to put your balls on the line. That complete embodiment of fear and courage to stand there, with your heart on your sleeve, and admit that you're head over heels crazy for us and we hold the entire key to making you happy. That standing there, waiting for us either to crush you or accept you, is something you're willing to do, just because we're worth it.
Little Manhatten
Who can deny the power of fifth grade love? Reciprocated? These kids draw admirable strength in portraying their sweet and real characters who, despite what our Gabe says, are in a gorgeous New York love story. I won't deny that the film drags a bit, in its saccharine flow. Without the pull of 10 year old kids as the leads, you've got little to go on. But they do a wonderful job, and Gabe's parents are worthy of a look, too, as the divorced couple with a shred of hope left. Any movie where you root for people is one you can recommend. And it's just easy to root for Gabe. He's honest, pained, sweet, strong, and flawed. Everything you wanted from your fifth grade boyfriend, even if you didn't get one.
Say Anything
There is a reason this movie is a classic and there is a reason Cameron Crowe is a lauded director today. What a beautiful piece from a first time director. It's rare to find someone who tells his life story, and people want to hear it. Because he takes the most important parts and refuses to dilute or embellish it, he comes forward with truth. John Cusack does an amazing job, and is so fulfilled in his role. Lloyd is every girl's wistful dream. The guy who just gets it. He just knows. And there is little more we want than for someone to just understand. Neither dramatic nor nonchalant, Lloyd is just loving and supportive in every way that counts. Near the end, when John Mahoney screams at him, Cusack shakes with emotion, but lets go of his feelings in order to do what's right for Diane Court. He rises above and respectfully delivers himself to his purpose. Speaking of Mahoney, the man is brilliant. He is deliciously warm and cold all at once. He is perfection, twisted and remarkable.
I'd definitely watch Say Anything again and again, perhaps Little Manhatten if it were on somewhere. But watch either and remember that, if only in Hollywood, there exist men that realize Action Speaks Louder Than Words.
10:39 PM
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