BLUE VALENTINE (USA 2010) ***1/2
Directed by Derek Cianfrance

BLUE VALENTINE is the story of the relationship of a contemporary married couple, charting their evolution over a span of years by cross-cutting between time periods.  It is actually two stories – the first of the couple falling in love and the second of the couple falling out of love.

Dean (Ryan Gosling) chases after Cindy (Michelle Williams) successfully.  They fall in love, despite a few setbacks like Cindy’s violent ex (Tom Vogel).  But this is an earnest love story that works for its credibility and raw display of emotions.  When the two wed and have a daughter, Frankie (Faith Wladyka) the relationship turns stormy with disastrous results.

The two stories are cross-cut, which is a bit confusing at the start.  But if one just looks at Dean’s hair, one can tell the difference.  The second story has a balding Dean while the first has Dean with a full head of hair.  The cross-cutting offers the audience to examine at what went wrong as well as what went right in their relationship.  Director Cianfrance is also fond of looking at details or a certain situation, which then escalates to something larger.

BLUE VALENTINE is not an easy or enjoyable film to watch.  No one ones to see a couple that is so much in love begin to hate each other.  Writer/director never forces judgment on his characters and allows his audience to determine for themselves the reason or reasons for the breakdown – which is not easily determined.  But what stands out is the difference in value held high by the individuals.  Dean wants family while Cindy seeks ambition.

Both Williams and Gosling are excellent with Gosling having the more difficult role, as his character requires him to undergo a character change.  BLUE VALENTINE should be seen for both the performances and for a credible story of a good relationship turned sour.