Tag Archives: Blue Valentine

2010 Staff Picks

Posted on February 1, 2011 by The Filmsmith | 1 comment

Separate from our post on the Best of 2010, the Staff Picks below represent the films on our Top Ten lists, but were not on anyone else’s list here at The Filmsmith. Continue reading →

1 Comment

Posted in Lists, News, Reviews

Tagged Aaron Faulkner, Ben Creech, Best of 2010, Blue Valentine, Carlos, Catfish, Fish Tank, Green Zone, Howl, let me in, Micmacs, Monsters, Remington Smith, Shutter Island, Staff Picks, The Red Riding Trilogy, The Town, Toy Story 3, Winter's Bone

Blue Valentine tinged with misogyny?

Posted on January 24, 2011 by The Filmsmith | 7 comments

The initial brouhaha surrounding Blue Valentine‘s rating by the MPAA has receded to the background–the filmmakers won their appeal for an R rating rather than an NC-17. The film, now circulating in limited release, is being met by strong critical praise. Upon seeing the film though I wonder if it is unintentionally misogynistic? Continue reading →

7 Comments

Posted in Articles

Tagged Blue Valentine, Derek Cianfrance, Michelle Williams, Misogyny, Ryan Gosling

Blue Valentine will break your heart

Posted on January 18, 2011 by The Filmsmith | 2 comments

Romance in cinema is usually confined to two distinct categories: Either two people learn to love each other (consummated by a kiss or marriage) or they learn to leave each other for someone else. Other than the uneasy ending to The Graduate, there are few films willing to follow a couple beyond their climactic decision to get together/leave. Blue Valentine plays with each romantic format, but its uncomfortable window into a marriage imploding will make you want to call the cops for the couple’s mutual safety. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Posted in Reviews

Tagged Blue Valentine, Derek Cianfrance, Michelle Williams, Ryan Gosling

Blue Valentine no longer rated NC-17

Posted on December 9, 2010 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

After initially earning an NC-17 rating from the MPAA, the romantic drama Blue Valentine has won its appeal for an R rating.

The MPAA spokesperson stated:

“the rating was lowered after the group’s appeals board viewed the film and heard arguments from Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Co. is releasing it.”

An NC-17 rating is regarded as box office poison with many cinemas refusing to play such films. Director Derek Cianfrance stated he had support from The Weinstein Company to release the film with the NC-17 designation if need be. Fortunately for him and film fans, it did not come to that. Blue Valentine hits theaters December 31.

15 Films of Christmas (December Movie Preview)

Posted on December 4, 2010 by The Filmsmith | 1 comment

In order for a film to qualify for the Academy Awards, it must be released theatrically before December 31st of a given year. So December is when the drama train comes through after the pipe bomb explosion of summer blockbusters. This year in particular, there is a lot to look forward to.

:note: Films listed as limited are those being released in New York City, L.A., and possibly Chicago. This allows the film to receive exposure in the major markets and if it does well, get rolled out to other cities. Continue reading →

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Posted in Lists, News

Tagged Another Year, Biutiful, Black Swan, Blue Valentine, Christmas, Chronicles of Narnia, Cinema, December, Films, Movies, Rabbit Hole, Rare Exports, Somewhere, The Company Men, The Fighter, The Tempest, Tron Legacy, True Grit, Voyage ofthe Dawn Treader