"In the midst of winter I find there lies within me an invincible summer." ~ Albert Camus

Okay, so even though I told myself my next post would be regarding J.K. Rowling's perspectives of courage in Harry Potter, especially Deathly Hallows, I have decided that topic is too literary to dive into at this stage of my winter break. Instead, I'm inspired to write about a movie I saw last night and became instantly obsessed with, (500) Days of Summer. Word has gotten out about this indie film released in August, which proclaims itself to be the antithesis of a love story. The narrator's opening spiel warns viewers of this fact, and yet one can't help but root for the pair to remain together. But what is it in us that prevents us from watching a movie without the expectation of a romantic and happy ending? Why are we disappointed in the end when things don't work out perfectly, aligning ourselves with the rejected lover? Is it human nature to take sides, unable to remain wholly unbiased and detached when watching a movie?

I believe that it is the job of a good film to draw the viewer in and allow a person to immerse him/herself in the world of the characters. That being said, (500) Days was exceptional in this respect, leaving my two friends yelling at the television when Summer initiated the break up, calling her a cold bitch for being unable to feel for Tom what he felt for her. I tried to hate Summer, really I did, but found I could not. This was not because I was able to remember it was only a movie and that the situation wasn't actually happening. It was completely the opposite. I was so invested in the film that I found myself debating the complexities of Summer's nature, admiring Zooey Deschanel's expertise in exemplifing her twisted perspectives on love.

I am thoroughly convinced that Summer is actually not a bitch. Though she does some arguably cruel things to the very sweet and unfailingly devoted Tom, I would say that she is one of those people who doesn't realize what they are doing to another person. This doesn't totally excuse her actions, but I think it sheds new light on her character. The problem with Summer, I think, is that she is a cynic. And although many movie-goers are cynics themselves, no one likes to see their own doubt portrayed on the silver screen. In movies, everything should be light and happy and wonderful, but especially recently, movies aim to portray reality. And reality isn't always wonderful.

I wouldn't say that I am a fan of Summer's anti-love perspective, however my emotional attachment to her opinions lie in the fact that, on a smaller scale, I share them. While she begins the movie unable to say that true love exists, I wait for my own experience with it and, on some level, doubt its existence also. But no one wants their deepest doubts revealed by a girl who will be unable to find love with a seemingly perfect boy. Because perhaps we are all scared that we will have the same problem. Perhaps we don't want to face the reality that some people, no matter how perfect they seem to be for each other, can't remain together.

Though this is a startling realization, I don't think it's meant to dishearten. There is an underlying sense of hope in the fact that two people can have something almost perfect, lose it, and still be able to find happiness in the end. I'll hold back from going into a rant on fate except to say that (500) Days offers the idea of a larger plan for disheartened lovers and independent cynics. After all, there will always be a season after summer.