Unfortunately, my avid visits to the cinema have been cut short of late. In Ipswich, the local cinema has an unlimited membership for little over £10 a month, which is a steal considering a single visit is £7.50. Needless to say, with an imminent relocation to the Big Smoke hanging in the balance, I’m not in the circumstance of watching every film that comes out. It makes the decision of what to see far more testing and as I gaze at the schedule on the tv screens above the ticket desk, the student chewing gum behind the counter becomes increasingly impatient. It was either to be ‘Funny People’, ‘Inglourious Basterds’ or ‘500 Days of Summer’.
In the end, the time of the showing decided my fate as we scooped up some popcorn and headed for screen 9.The narrator tells you that this is not a conventional love story but all the trailers and pictures in the media lead you to believe that it is, this theory is further condemned by the opening scene. In the style of a Tarantino flick that we nearly went to see instead, the film jumps about between carefully selected days in the 500 days of Summer unravelling an anti-love story culminating in an unexpected ending. Along the way, the main character is compounded by his knowledgable little sister and unknowledgable best friends.
The scene of choice has got to be halfway through the film when ‘the deed was done’ and we get to enjoy he morning after.But it is the soundtrack that keeps the film alive. A central theme throughout; the main couple bond over their love for The Smiths and visit a karaoke bar to sing The Clash and Pixies whilst the t-shirts on show include Joy Division.
This taste in music is further proof that this is as much an anti-love story as it is a love story and anyone who’s been comforted by the melancholy vocals of Morrisey or Frank Black during an emotional break-up can relate.I would recommend the film to anyone with that taste in music because you will enjoy the jokes as well as relating to the dark periods.WARNING: This is not a romantic comedy, do not expect a Matthew MConaghey/Kate Hudson film – you will be disappointed.On the other hand, you may will be enlightened…
