Yet again, my preference for these artsy films has limited my options for theaters. However, I don't really have a problem with the Criterion. It's old styled, and some films work well in the old type theaters. I do miss stadium seating though. This is alright, since I'm seeing District 9 in digital tomorrow in Milford. Look for that review shortly after.
The story of one girl's search for the facts about love, in general, and in her own heart, Paper Heart rests somewhere between a docudrama and the black abyss of a genre known as romantic comedy. However, it does not qualify as a legitimate documentary since any unknown number of it's scenes is scripted. The edge of reality it walks along detracts from the sincerity of the numerous interviews. The characters of the biker known as "Jester" and the couple in their 80's and the Elvis running a wedding chapel are all memorable and touching, but they may have been acting for a significant, if not complete percentage of the dialog.
Moving along to the main actors, Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi, we see Mr. Cera deliver the same performance he has brought to the table in films such as Juno and, well, everything else he's ever been in. The fact that in this film he was playing himself actually lessens the level of irritation he seems to constantly be secreting in other films. Charlyne Yi on the other hand, though most likely merely playing herself, was just quirky enough to not be annoying and remain genuinely endearing. Even I found myself becoming interested in her. She is, if not merely acting, a unique individual, and I look forward to researching her work in comedy and seeing her in films in the future.
The story doesn't exactly grab you, but you do fall into it and it wraps itself around you until you actually care what happens. The current trend in artsy films seems to be leaving the ending so ambiguous that a false interpretation is seemingly impossible. While this is a valid ending in certain situations, this film is another example of where utilizing it makes the writers just seem lazy. I respect that they wanted to leave it open, but they managed to avoid answering nearly all of the questions I was left with. And the two stars have denied commenting on the film aside from saying that they are not actually together.
Strewn between the interviews, and used quite masterfully at the finale, are paper puppetry scenes that reflect an elementary school play in production values. However, I quite enjoyed them. The juvenile tone of these scenes, as well as the overall young frame of reference for the film keep the atmosphere fresh and it just feels like puppy love.
The music I have no complaints with. The original score, also by Cera and Yi, is effective throughout. The duplicitous effects of the music in certain scenes, really enriches the fact that one place can be so many different things, depending on where your heart is.
A bold first attempt by Yi, worth at least one viewing, and perhaps obtaining the soundtrack.
Verdict: ***.5
3.5 out of 5 stars
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