The Notebook - Movie Review

The Notebook takes place at the lush backdrop of the American South 1940s, between Noah and Allie two dusky young loves of starkly different social status. Class differences, distance and time separate them into two parts, but their love continually tries to overcome all obstacles. Divided into two parts that parallelly tell the tale through the point of view of an old man in a nursing home reading from a leather bound notebook, The Notebook is a moving story of passion, reeling loss and divination, love conquering the horrors of Alzheimers disease.

Striving universal themes of love and sparse memory and trouble in the face the dogged nature of time, The Notebook lucidly takes us through its poignant first love story and gives us powerful glimpse into the horrors of the disease of Alzheimers disease. From a joyous and nostalgic view of love in its portrayal of young love to a somber and reflection like view of the exposure of the imperfection of memory and identity, the tone ranges freely.

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams give a compelling performance as young Noah and Allie, portrayed the turmoil and tenderness of their characters’ relationship. Broken features James Garner and Gena Rowlands and in order to neaten this journey they add a layer of gravitas to it with their portrayals of these very elderly couple, thoughtfully showing the emotional depth of their journey.

The Notebook, directed by Nick Cassavetes is a heartfelt and adept direction to balance the two narratives at the perfect pace. Simple yet evocative storytelling largely paints the picture for the films romance and drama. The score to the film, composed by Aaron Zigman, enhances the emotional arc of the story perfectly. The romanticism and melancholy build with the poignant melodies, which add a rich, immersive auditory backdrop to the movie’s narrative mood.

Robert Fraisse’s cinematography reveals the romanticized beauty of Southern landscapes and the intimate interactions between the stars, and with surprising tenderness. The film also has gorgeous lighting, and the scenery and atmosphere are just beautiful and transport the audience to the atmosphere of the 1940s.

The movie’s production also really reminds you that you’re in the 1940’s with authentic sets, costumes and props. The restoration of Noahs house serves as a significant visual motif, symbolizing hope and a love that withstands the test of time.

While not reliant on special effects, The Notebook utilizes subtle visual techniques to enrich its storytelling, such as the interplay of light and shadow to reflect the characters evolving relationships.

A deftly woven narrative structure is achieved through smooth edits by Alan Heim and Lee Haxall, ensuring the transitions between past and present are seamless, maintaining the films emotional continuity.

The pacing of the film is steady, juxtaposing the urgency of young love with the poignant patience required in a life-long commitment. Fills viewers with this sense of equilibrium from beginning to end.

A script that sensitively handles emotional dialog that cleverly conveys the naive nature of youth and the adult perspective. The Notebook is emotional, characters have conversations that set a note of longing, or introspection, which some might find to be overly so.

At the same time, The Notebook indulges itself in the melodramatic tropes that Nicholas Sparks films are known for. Occasionally plot points and picturesque sequences feel a little too cookie cutter for some, and it can get a little far stretched into believability, but based on the visual post card, most likely just a concern for some audiences and not all.

The Notebook is a beautiful, film that will make you happy and tear you up, contemplating the immortal power of love. The film’s not without flaws, and the emotional core of it largely centers on memory and identity, but it does a fine job of constructing a timeless romance of passion, and against time.