Down with Love's poster

Down with Love

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Siskoid's avatar
Siskoid
Down with Love is a crazy pastiche of '60s sex comedies - although a little more naughty than those - from the animated opening credits to the song at the end. In between, we get faux-Technicolor, split frame phone calls, zany gags, high camp, and the same knowing satire of social mores Mad Men would later make a meal out of, except played more overtly for laughs. Renée Zellweger has written a book that's going to liberate women, so Ewan McGregor's super-bachelor is going to make her fall in love with him to prove she's a sham, if he can avoid being seen with the various stewardesses he has on booty-call duty (the most substantial of which is a post-Voyager Jeri Ryan). It's all heading towards the hoariest of hoary twist (and then a few more), and by that point, you're either in for the long haul or you're not. Once you untangle the web of deceit, what the movie actually says is deeply wrong-headed, and it's completely valid to say it fails as a 2003 feature. However, as a parody of a 1962 film, it makes complete sense, and therefore is a winner. But it really depends on what you think the writers' heads are at. I've decided to say it's the latter and really enjoyed the retro look and feel of this unhinged romcom. Possibly a must for Sarah Paulson fans, as this is a fun pre-stardom role for her.
dippygirl78's avatar
dippygirl78
I see what the film is trying to do but misses the mark for me. The end 'reveal' was the best thing about the movie in my opinion!
tapiridae's avatar
tapiridae
It's definitely not a masterpiece, but it is amusing enough to earn a favourite. Lovely feel good movie.