Love of My Life

Author(s): Masnoraffis Masdil
Location: Singapore

“Love of My Life”

Directed by Cameron Crowe
Written by Cameron Crowe
Original Score by Nancy Wilson

Principal Cast:

George Clooney (Stuart Reynolds)
Ewan McGregor (Steven White)
Kate Winslet (Sarah White)
Cate Blanchett (Stephanie Reynolds)
Dustin Hoffman (Stephen White)
Glenn Close (Samantha Reynolds)

Tagline: "What happens when the love of your life... turns out not to be your spouse but somebody else?"

Synopsis: Here comes another great movie from Cameron Crowe. This young director has once again created simple but unforgettable characters with a story that is very progressive about relationships. Stuart Reynolds (George Clooney) is an ex-footballer who becomes handicapped after an injury. With his tenacious and career-oriented wife Stephanie (Cate Blanchett), he has a son. Stephanie's success combined with his own failure shatters Stuart’s ego, causing much tension in their home. Sarah White (Kate Winslet) is a sensitive character who tries to compensate for her inability to bear a child. Despite the fact that her husband Steven (Ewan McGregor), a stylish PR consultant, loves her passionately, the couple suffer from intimacy issues. Sarah is searching for something more deep and meaningful in her relationship and Steven's attention and devotion to her, in her point of view lacks something, emotionally and physically.


While both couples have their share of marital problems, Stuart and Sarah realize that they might be each other’s soul mates. Sarah sees Stuart as the one man who understands her fully and can re-ignite the passion within her, while Stuart sees her as the woman who captures his thoughts and brings meaning to his lonely, incomplete life. However, neither of them realize their new found love will cause unforeseen repercussions and a collision of lives and emotions, affecting everyone involved.

What the press would say:

"Love of My Life" poses numerous questions that you are left wondering about even after the movie ends. What would you do if you were married to someone, you might love or not, and then meet your soul mate? Can you sacrifice a relationship in a flash for the person you think you are meant to be with? Can happiness bloom in a garden of lies? Can friendship compensate for love in a marriage? Can marriages get a second chance despite flaws? Certain portions of the movie will have you go on a roller coaster of emotions, its unpredictability carrying up to the climax.

The story is intriguing from the start. Cinematography by John Toll captures New York as the ideal city backdrop for the movie. Art direction by Clay A. Griffith is like a dream set in almost every frame to suit the theme and mood of the scene. Special marks to makeup for making Kate and Cate look gorgeous throughout the film, along with costumes which were trendsetting, metrosexual for the men, with colors that truly stood out (red and black). Dialogues are award-worthy which seem straight out of life (especially during confrontation scenes).

Performances will bring big competition during the awards season. George Clooney is solid as the angry, sarcastic, mean husband that makes you detest and admire him at the same time. Kate Winslet sinks her teeth into Sa'rahs character, bringing forth the pain she goes through. Cate Blanchett as the intelligent and confident wife plays her role with conviction. Ewan McGregor keeps improving and shows his acting prowess in the emotional scenes. Dustin Hoffman (as Steven’s philandering and sexy father Stephen) is different and shows why he is still around. Glenn Close (as Stuart's mom Samantha) shares great chemistry with Amitabh.

Cameron Crowe is now a mature storyteller who chooses a very risky topic that people will either love or hate. The main star of this venture, he creates some unforgettable scenes, comic and emotional. You’ll know once you see the scenes how effectively Karan can evoke a reaction from the audience on cue.

"Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" is not a family film and is intended for a mature audience that is open-minded to the modern world. The movie does not embrace the idea that compromise in marriage can bring true happiness and love. But it is still a recommended watch. at least once. Enjoy!

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director: Cameron Crowe
Best Screenplay: Cameron Crowe
Best Original Score: Nancy Wilson
Best Actor: George Clooney
Best Actress: Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actor: Ewan McGregor
Best Supporting Actor: Dustin Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett
Best Supporting Actress: Glenn Close
Best Film Editing: Joe Hutshing
Best Art Direction: Clay A. Griffith
Best Cinematography: John Toll
Best Costume Design: Betsy Heimann