Reviewed by Hannah Sarney
You know that person you fancy? Oh, go on... there must be someone.
You might adore them for brightening each day, or agonise over the distance keeping them out of your reach. You might have glimpsed them once or twice. You might have been married to them for years. Whatever the situation, you know like them – even if you won’t admit it.
But how do you know when you love them? Can you love them? Will it just hit you? Will it blossom over time? Will it rise from the ashes of a regretful bad start, or will it entwine you from the moment you meet?
And what is it? What is true love?
Charlyne Yi asks those questions in Paper Heart.
The film presents itself as a documentary about Charlyne and her good friend (and director) Nick’s quest across America in search of the meaning of love. Unfortunately, it goes on to cheat the viewer with a fictional narrative too.
Charlyne claims to not believe in love. She sets out to be convinced into it or out of it by an array of loved-up, lovelorn and loveable friends and strangers from an assortment of professions and age groups.
An elderly couple who have been married since they were seventeen... a divorcee who still believes in true love... a little girl who is smitten with Chris Brown... they all believe in it and want Charlyne to as well. Every moment of these interviews is rewarding – even thought provoking.
However, the film also runs a fictional plot that follows Yi’s relationship with Michael Cera (playing himself). It acts only to detract from the interesting and insightful stories of the interviewees. Frustratingly, Yi’s irritating resolve not-to-love is then thrust into the forefront.
Nevertheless, this is an essential watch for all Michael Cera fans. It presents him at his awkward impromptu best. He’s a treat onscreen and helped Yi compose most of the soundtrack. Swoon city? Yeah, pretty much.
On top of that, there are neat animations throughout and a general warming lo-fi aesthetic.
Overall, if you’re willing to look past the so-twee-it-hurts shortcomings of this film, it’s a two and half star watch.
Paper Heart
:: Director: Nicholas Jasenovec
:: Director: Michael Cera, Charlyne Yi, Jake M. Johnson
:: Running Time: 88 mins
:: Rating: M - Contains low level offensive language
:: Release Date: May 20, 2010
:: Links: Trailer, Official website
