Tag: Valentine’s Day

10 Bad-relationship Movies: 6. ‘Blue Valentine’

Jeff Mitchell

6.  “Blue Valentine” (2010) – The title of director Derek Cianfrance’s film is exactly what one would expect.  It’s a love story that goes south, and the unfortunate man and woman caught in the downward spiral are Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams), respectively.  This young couple’s initial attraction to each other is clear, and marriage seems like a romantic forever-rendezvous and the most logical next step. Altruistic bliss is their vision, but reality sets in during a five to six year-relationship, when money, alcohol abuse and the monotony…

10 Bad-relationship Movies: 7. ‘Heathers’

Jeff Mitchell

“Heathers” (1988) – Ah, the new kid.  The new kid at school automatically qualifies for attention from other students, because he or she is an unknown. “Who is the new kid?”   “What’s her deal?”   “Where is he from?” Someone new – at school, work or a social club – can offer a fresh perspective, and in this case J.D. (Christian Slater) certainly offers one at Westerburg High School in Ohio.  He’s a dark, brooding loner and speaks a lot like Jack Nicholson. Veronica (Winona Ryder) has recently grown tired of…

10 Bad-Relationship Movies: 8. ‘Smashed’

Jeff Mitchell

8. “Smashed” (2012) – Alcoholism tortures the soul by compelling one to share their existence with a drug, and Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Charlie (Aaron Paul) both perfectly fit the profile.  They struggle with alcohol, but director James Ponsoldt keeps much of the focus on Kate, as her addiction greatly impacts her job. She’s an elementary school teacher. Kate eventually hits rock bottom and decides to get sober, but her uphill climb becomes considerably steeper, because Charlie does not share her goals.  Their marriage has drifted apart in only…