Movie Review: Blue Valentine

Though not exactly a feel-good story of romance, Blue Valentine is a stunning portrayal of the onset and disintegration of a marriage. The story centers around the lives of modern couple Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) as well as their daughter Frankie (newcomer Faith Wladyka), jumping back-and-forth between how the couple met and where they're at "now." Cindy's only exposure to marriage before her own came from the awful showing that are her own parents, who constantly fought while she was at home, and the input of her grandmother, who reveals that she's not sure she ever loved her husband near the film's beginning — not exactly a promise for a happy ending in this flick. Though the two fall in love and marry (despite the child not being Dean's), the couple can't seem to stay happy despite everything. If you can handle incredibly honest, completely un-sugarcoated flicks, then you're in for two great performances and a wonderful Hollywood story.
Best on-screen moment: Dean and Cindy embark on their first date, resulting in the two learning each other's hidden "talents" (singing and tap dancing).

Quote of the Day: February 18

"As an actor you have no control over the final product. It’s hard because you’re so involved in the pre-production process and the filming process, but as soon as that’s over, you’re not really a part of it anymore."

—Ryan Gosling, actor, on his craft to Interview Magazine.

Photography Spotlight: Interview Magazine

In November (2010), Steve Carell interviewed Ryan Gosling for Interview Magazine. Though the interview itself is fabulous, Mikael Jansson's photography is what really caught our eye. Check out the delicious photos below.

VIMwatch: 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Ladies

Not only did the hilarious Emma Stone walk away last night a winner (for Best Comedy--Easy A) but she absolutely stunned on the red carpet. Stone wore a gorgeous, mesh Balenciaga halter dress. It can't be easy to pull of that much silver, but girlfriend worked it.

Our second choice for the evening is Miss Natalie Portman, who is nearly impossible not to love and also walked away a winner (for Best Actress...dare we say she has an Oscar in her near future?). Portman has been repeatedly attempting to hide her baby bump this awards season and we think this is her best look yet. For the evening she wore a simple, black-and-white Gianfranco Ferre column dress.

[Sidenote: This has us all giddy for Golden Globe/Oscar fashion. Eek!]

Gents

Oh, Ryan Gosling, how we love you AND your style. Gosling broke out the big guns last night in a purple Ferragamo brocade jacket with velvet collar. Needless to say, we think he totally rocked it. While Blue Valentine didn't pick up an award for the evening, we still have hope.

Another stylish male, John Legend, stepped up his fashion game in a shiny Gucci suit with patterned tie. Impressive showing, gents. Very impressive.

Photography Spotlight: W Magazine

We don't think we've seen two people look so good together in a while. And, man, do Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams look simply stunning in these new photos from W Mag's October cover shoot. Enjoy.

Side-note: We can't wait to see December's Blue Valentine starring these two. The film world is abuzz with intense praise!