BLUE VALENTINE

Ryan Gosling (Lars and the Real Girl) and Michelle Williams' (Wendy and Lucy) new film premiered at Sundance earlier this, but won't be seen by general American audiences until December 31st. An odd choice to say the least, given that it would be bypassing the majority of the holiday season. Valentine has been the subject of much discussion lately due it being dealt an 'NC-17' rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), essentially a kiss of death.

Valentine bleakly recounts the marriage of Cindy and Dean--both the beginning and the end. I have not seen the film yet, but apparently all the fuss has been about an emotionally charged sex scene near the conclusion. How this remains vetoed, yet exploitative violence remains allowed is something I'll never understand.

Early reviews from Valentine have been strong, especially from its principal cast. If enough people get to see the film (perhaps aided by the MPAA pulling their collective heads out of their asses) Gosling and Williams' performances may be rewarded when award season comes along. In the meantime here is a new poster: