By: debbie lynn elias
When I read the novel “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks, only one image, actually a montage of different aspects of the same image, came to my mind – my grandparents. When I saw the film, those same images still flashed through my mind but melded with the love story on the screen – and never more eloquently or lovingly than when depicted in their golden years by James Garner and Gena Rowlands.
Initially set in WW II war era North Carolina, “The Notebook” is the story of a love that transcends time, culture, money, at times even life. Young, rich and beautiful, the ever popular Allie is forced into choosing between her first true love, Noah, and the well to do stockbroker Lonnie. Bred for finery, Allie’s mother warns, even forbids, Allie to even associate with poor trash such as Noah. Wanting the “best” for their daughter, Allie’s parents ship her off to college in New York, certain that she will forget about love and think about money, power and position. While in New York, Allie meets Lonnie at an Army hospital where she is volunteering as a nurse. Smitten by his attention, Allie soon finds herself out on the town with this up and comer, enjoying the finer things in life like, clubs, dancing, champagne and caviar. Needless to say, it doesn’t take long before Allie also finds herself engaged to Lonnie.
In the meantime, Noah, still back at home and somewhat heartbroken over his love being sent to New York, joins the Army and ships out for Europe. On his return to the States and his rural hometown, he buys and restores a 200 year old mansion, giving his project the same love and care that he wanted to bestow on Allie. And as fate would have it, Noah’s handiwork is written up in the local paper and just happens to be seen by Allie. And as all of us women know, you never forget your first love or your true love and when the two are all rolled into one, look out.
Told through flashbacks that visualize that stories read by an elderly gentleman to an older and ailing Allie, we relive the years that have passed since those blissful days in North Carolina, as love tries to bring some comfort and peace to this aging couple. And of course, the stories are all contained as snippets in a notebook.
Rachel McAdams is compellingly determined and effervescent as the young Allie. Ryan Gosling, who recently wowed us in “United States of Leland” makes his debut as a romantic lead here playing the charming, albeit a little “dopey” younger Noah and does so with a freshness and charm that makes even non-believers, believe in true love. But the real coup is the pairing of James Garner and Gena Rowlands as the elder Noah and Allie; their chemistry and performances made my heart stop. Both long time favorites of mine, their genuineness of character and their heartfelt and touching relationship will bring many a tear to your eye.
Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film stays true to the novel, but with some added back story and scenes that actually enhance the book. (I know, I know – this is one of the rare times I can say that the movie exceeds the excellence of the book.) Cassavetes excels at capturing the look and feel of the 1930’s and 40’s South and carries that feel through the present while never stepping on the performances of his actors. (Good thing too, since Gena Rowlands is his mother.) Obviously he learned well at the knee of his father John Cassavetes. A big shortcoming however, is the editing of by Alan Heim. The man responsible for editing in the big bomb “Pluto Nash”, Heim falls short again here which is a detriment to an otherwise excellent work.
Intelligently adapted and written by Jan Sardi, this is the tear-jerker of the summer. A chick flick? Yes. Classic Hollywood romance? Yes. Will it touch your heart? Without a doubt…and it will make you believe that love can last a lifetime and will conquer all. We should all be so lucky.
Rachel McAdams: Young Allie Ryan Gosling: Young Noah Gena Rowlands: Allie James Garner: Noah
Directed by Nick Cassavetes. Written by Jan Sardi based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. A New Line Cinema release. Rated PG-13.
