Damien Chazelle, the director of this film, was clearly influenced by some of the French New Wave directors, particularly, Jean-Luc Godard, as well as others, but it is obvious he likes that period. His style gives the viewer a feeling of being somewhat improvisational as he takes his camera into the Boston streets to illustrate the story he wanted to tell. The film shot in black and white takes the viewer to another era when movies were perhaps more spontaneous and without a rigid story line.
"Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" is easy to take, but after a while, one wonders what did Mr. Chazelle had in mind. It is clear the director is more concerned on the style and look he wanted to give the finished product rather than the substance of the story. It is a simple tale about love between two young people. He is a black trumpet player and she is a waitress. Their romance does not last long. Guy goes after other women and Madeline wanders aimlessly through the streets of the city. Eventually, as if fated, the lovers will come back together.
It is easy to see Damian Chazelle has talent and it would be interesting to hope he will do better next time. He succeeds in the choice of music one hears in the background. Jason Palmer's Guy is a pleasant young man who probably expected more of his involvement with Madeline. Desiree Garcia, on the other hand, makes a wonderful introspective case of her Madeline.
"Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench" is easy to take, but after a while, one wonders what did Mr. Chazelle had in mind. It is clear the director is more concerned on the style and look he wanted to give the finished product rather than the substance of the story. It is a simple tale about love between two young people. He is a black trumpet player and she is a waitress. Their romance does not last long. Guy goes after other women and Madeline wanders aimlessly through the streets of the city. Eventually, as if fated, the lovers will come back together.
It is easy to see Damian Chazelle has talent and it would be interesting to hope he will do better next time. He succeeds in the choice of music one hears in the background. Jason Palmer's Guy is a pleasant young man who probably expected more of his involvement with Madeline. Desiree Garcia, on the other hand, makes a wonderful introspective case of her Madeline.