If You Hate Valentine's Day, Watch These Films
I admit that I am a hopeful romantic. I study relationships and often blog about it. I am equally intrigued by break-ups and unrequited love. I also hate the idea of celebrating love once a year (especially on a day when cases of violence against women show a dramatic increase, for more on this, visit V-Day.) So rather than going on or rather off about love, violence, and unhealthy relationships; I offer you a brief list of films guaranteed to make you think beyond Cupid and run away from Hollywood-type love faster than Speedy Gonzalez.
Amores Perros (Love’s a Bitch)
Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
The trailer starts with three assertions: “love is betrayal”, “love is selfish”, and “love is sin”. Not recommended for animal lovers or the recently broken hearted. All others, enjoy with a glass of whiskey by your side.
Betty Blue
Director: Jean-Jacques Beineix
The official Netflix synopsis starts with “Betty Blue (Beatrice Dalle) suffers from mental problems and is inclined to irrational bouts of passionate fury…” need I write more?
Don’t Move (Non ti Muovere)
Director: Sergio Castellito
Stars Penelope Cruz as an unattractive woman (yes, Ms. Cruz looks ugly!) who falls in love with her well to do rapist (Sergio Castellito). Talk about bad romance.
Talk to Her (Hable con Ella)
Director: Pedro Almodovar
In his usual dark yet comedic style, Almodovar pushes the idea of unrequited love to the edge, and then some.
Synecdoche, New York
Director: Charlie Kaufman
Philip Seymour Hoffman plays one scary love object in this film. Definitely a poetic and back hair-raising reality check for those attracted to “fixer-upper” lovers. If there’s a guy you fancy who resembles this character…run for your life now!
Although love can be a bitch, make you blue, paralyze you, prevent you from talking, or make you want to run away to a fictitious location; remember that when you least expect it, it can also be liberating, exhilarating and tantalizing.
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