6 Breakup Movies
There’s nothing more fun than wallowing in your own self-pity and overanalysis, amirite? Since Katy’s on the subject of breakups, here are some cinematic ways to deal with and digest the death of your relationship/s, even if it hasn’t necessarily been a recent occurence. Sometimes you just get in a mood, ya know?
1) Closer
This is easily in the top 5 films that make me absolutely riddled with guilt and completely re-evaluate my humanity in terms of being a fully emotionally functioning person. GREAT! Some find the dialogue to be a bit clunky and ham-fisted, but what can I say? I like it anyway. Plus, it’s an adaptation of a British play, and those people talk funny. Also, Clive Owen has so much sex appeal, it almost takes the edge off. Almost. It’s particularly good for when you’re like “Maybe I should be on my own for a while?”.
Lacuna Matata!
2) Eternal Sunshine
Yes, it’s a cliche to mention this movie in this context, but…I can’t not mention it. Some people, though, actually think of this as a date movie. This scenario makes me generally uncomfortable, for the most part, depending on my relationship with said “date”. Either way, though, it definitely works much better as a lie-in-your-bed-with-your-laptop-and-sob-alone type of movie.
3) Up In The Air
Some might say this film would, if anything, act to push you into a relationship. I say, because of the ambiguity so rarely found in mainstream movies, that in fact, it should push you to deal with the state of your life, if you’ve consciously steered away from traditionally/culturally valued long-term monogamous relationships. In essence, not necessarily sitting there regretting every decision you’ve made and wondering if it’s too late to change your life out of fear, etc. But rather, contemplating why you’ve wanted to make the decisions you have and how that figures into your own idea of happiness going forward. And, you know, coming to terms with the fact that everyone dies alone regardless of their marital or familial situations. ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
4) Annie Hall
Yes, yes, it’s the original “romcom” with enough clever one-liners, quotes and clips to make reference to in almost every possible scenario. One of my favorite parts about this movie is their meeting at the end, when it’s very clear that breaking up was the best and most logical decision. It’s funny how your feelings can change so drastically about someone over time. This is why the term “failed” relationships makes kind of no sense. Also, this film takes a gigantic shit on LA, which is always and forever awesome.
5) Chasing Amy
Admittedly, upon first viewing in high school, I don’t think I caught all the nuances. Once I’d re-watched in college, though, I was kind of shocked (in a good way) at the complexity of what was presented here, especially because I’m not really a huge Kevin Smith fan. I almost can’t really think of another somewhat contemporary mainstream movie that offers up such depth in terms of its analysis or musings on female sexuality. At least that’s what I more thought at the time. Maybe I need to re-watch?
6) Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Nothing says fear and loathing more that this frightening portrayal of middle aged married life. What’s worse, dying “alone”, or trapped in a relationship you don’t want with someone you hate? Watch and weep, you smug bastards.
Oh, and I have made a conscious decision to not mention High Fidelity. I find it overrated and self-important. Deal with it.
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