So I was a bit bored the other night, and I decided to watch a film. Being tired I wasn't in the mood for focusing too much, so I decided to throw on a film I know and love, namely Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Although I have seen this film many times, it very quickly changed from an attempt just to have a bit of background noise, to having my rapt attention for the entire of the running time. I really enjoy this film, and that is why it is one of my arsenal of films to watch whatever mood I am in. It seems like the simple of story of a young couple trying to get it together whilst ensuing on some odd escapades in the city is prime viewing for me any time of the year.
The most notable thing about the film, is it's absolutely stellar sound track. By using mainly music tracks rather than scoring, the entire film feels as if it set to a musical scrapbook of songs that describe the best night of their lives. From the upbeat tones of The Dead 60s, to the almost fairytale indie sounds of Vampire Weekend, the soundtrack aptly helps us navigate our way around the characters and plot, whilst giving a real feeling that this is the music they listen too. The diversity of the soundtrack give the entire film a feel of being genuine, and set against the back-drop of New York, really give the feeling of a bustling metropolitan world. If you are into films with an awesome soundtrack, I would definitely recommend watching this.
But a film cannot be held up by its music alone. With a series of fantastic casting, the film really has a chance to utilise some amazing characters, and although our titular heroes are the focus of the piece, the supporting cast are all truly memorable. Two of the most influential supporting members are Nick's best friends and band mates Thom and Dev. These two characters are out and proud gay men, who carefully tread the line between indie masculinity and flamboyancy. The subtle approach they both use in their portrayals of these characters saves them from becoming over the top cliches and avoids stereotyping, which could have easily been done were they not written so well. Instead they quietly keep pushing and prodding Nick and Norah in the right directions that they end up together, whilst arguing amongst themselves about an appropriate name for their band. Starting off as The Jerk-offs, they bandy about with a variety of names throughout the film, coming close to be called Shit Sandwich, only to settle on Fistful of Assholes. Their lighthearted banter and outlook on life keeps spirits high in the film, and help to provide insight into the relationship between the main characters, before the relationship has even begun.
Then there is also Norah's best friend Caroline. Acting as the catalyst which drives most of the adventuring about New York, Caroline embodies that friend that we all have, who loves getting into a drunken stupor on a night out, and generally becoming a liability for everyone else along the way. And if you feel that you don't have a friend who is like this, it most likely means that it is you. I am sorry to be the barer of bad news, but that is just that way it goes. Despite the fact that Caroline gets herself into all these outrageous and ridiculous situations, she is played with such naivety and lack of malice, that you cannot help but feel bad for her, and are vying for her to be rescued by her friends.This shows that even a character whose main role is to progress the narrative, they are played with enough depth that you still end up empathising with her.
So for anyone who is in the mood for a feel good indie rom-com, with and absolutely smashing soundtrack, this is definitely one to watch. With smooth camera shots, and beautiful cuts to New York skylines, you feel like you are there with the gang the whole way along. Very much an easy viewing film, but with enough of an edge and quirkiness about it to stand out from the norm, this while be one of my staple go to films which I am happy to watch at almost any point. Michael Cera shows he is strong once again in the role of geek/everyman whilst holding down a leading man position, and Kat Dennings heartwarming portrays an alt-girl with a chip on her shoulder, turning into the perfect object of Nick's affections. A truly modern love-story.
Happy viewing...
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