MAY 28TH, 2008
TOP 10: INDIE LOVE STORIES
Unconventional
yet truer to life than many of their blockbuster counterparts, these
love stories will melt your heart like no cookie-cutter romance can.
10. Dedication
You
wouldn't think a caustic, obsessive-compulsive children's book author
would make a great romantic lead, but when that lead is Billy Crudup,
it makes for a bittersweet blend.
9. Shopgirl
Based
on Steve Martin's novella, this L.A. love story manages to be both
funny and grounded thanks to the unexpected pairing of Jason
Schwartzman and Claire Danes and thoughtful narration by Martin himself.
8. Wristcutters: A Love Story
A guy and a girl who have suicide in common meet in the afterlife. Starring Almost Famous' Patrick Fugit and musician Tom Waits, this movie is the most bizarre of the bunch, but bound to become a cult hit.
7. Broken English
Sure,
the lovelorn New York gal who continually chooses the wrong guy
storyline is old hat. But when indie queen Parker Posey plays the
heroine and John Cassavetes' daughter Zoe (Sofia Coppola's best friend)
writes and directs, it's gorgeously understated and refreshingly real.
6. Waitress
Keri
Russell is all cuteness as a pregnant pie maker who channels husband
troubles into her pastries and strikes up a thing with her baby doctor.
Don't be surprised if you crave banana cream post viewing.
5.Conversations with Other Women
The
antidote to wedding season. Helen Bonham Carter plays a reluctant
bridesmaid who meets guest Aaron Eckhart at the reception and Old
Hollywood-esque witty repartee (among other things) ensues.
4. Me and You and Everyone We Know
Renaissance
woman Miranda July writes, directs and stars in this deliciously
offbeat film about an oddball entourage of children and grown-ups
navigating love and everyday life.
3. Lars and the Real Girl
The
premise—social recluse with a blow-up doll for a girlfriend—sounds like
a bad frat boy flick, but it's anything but. Ryan Gosling's performance
endeared us to him forever.
2. All the Real Girls
No
film has captured the fervor and frustration of young love quite like
this tale of a small town lothario who falls for his best friend's
sister.
1. Once
Thanks
to Oscar, this modern musical is no longer under the radar. About a
broken-hearted busker and no-nonsense flower seller who bond over song,
it's worth all the attention and adulation it gets.
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