A sense of hope mixed with impossibility can grasp the mind and body of the single and loveless after a good romantic film.
Some may walk out of the theatre complaining that "Elizabethtown" didn't depict true love. Some may complain it was too long. Still others may walk out in silence, pondering the possibility that love might actually exist.
At first sight, "Elizabethtown" can make the wistful feel slightly hopeful. But upon closer analysis, it saddens the heart of the already faithless.
Director Cameron Crowe, creator of love story gems like "Jerry Maguire" and "Say Anything," takes another stab at the genre with "Elizabethtown."
The process of falling in love is presented in such a realistic manner between characters Drew Baylor and Claire Colburn that sparks of hope appear in the hearts of those who have yet to love.
Drew Baylor, played by Orlando Bloom ("Pirates of the Caribbean," "Lord of the Rings) is a prototypical male. Like a true big brother, he is there to take care of his family and has lovelorn feelings that he attempts to repress. But like the typical romantic film leading man, Drew is unable to realize that he's falling in love and is only able to see the problems right in front of him. The girl he thinks he loves is a gorgeous and powerful coworker.
He considers his failure to win her over as the result of his dwindling finances. Bloom's characterization is so believable that his character could be the man in the next seat over.
The hidden idealistic attributes of the movie appear in the heroine's persona. Words spoken by Claire Colburn, played by Kirsten Dunst ("Spiderman," "Wimbledon") are the thoughts that many women search for but only fully recognize when a character like Claire vocalizes them.
"Trust me. Everyone is less mysterious than they think they are," Claire says.
Similarly, the movie is less mysterious than it thinks it is.
Crowe tries to throw twists and turns into the relationship between Drew and Claire in an attempt to bewilder the audience. The movie seems realistic with delicate touches like the quirks in the family, the problems at work and the conversations between Drew and Claire, but the actual relationship is too far-fetched.
"Elizabethtown" is essentially a love story that has more than its share of funny comments and humorous scenes.
The movie's two hours are played up to the real-life melodrama that no one wants to face. Baylor, in the back of his mind, is dealing with the utter failure of an eight-year work project and must come to grips with the death of his father, all while handling the responsibilities that come with planning a funeral.
Similar to Zach Braff's "Garden State," "Elizabethtown" is an indie love story that depicts real life so well, the movie borders on uninteresting.
"Elizabethtown" is also about ten minutes too long. However, it is in these last minutes that the true greatness of the soundtrack is recognized. Like Baylor says in the movie, the songs were typical mix tape songs, but they fit perfectly.
Typical mix tape songs are enjoyable to listen to but become tiresome after repetitive play. And like the mix tape songs, "Elizabethtown" is a pleasure to watch but it is a story that has been and will be played over and over again.
