NO STRINGS ATTACHED
US, 2011, 108 minutes, Colour.
Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Kevin Kline, Carey Elwes, Greta Gerwig, Lake Bell, Olivia Thirlby, Ludacris.
Directed by Ivan Reitman.
Ivan Reitman used to direct some punchy comedies, Ghostbusters, Dave, Junior, Twins and Kindergarten Cop, and he brings some of that punch to what is essentially a variation on the contemporary romantic comedy conventions. And, this is a 21st comedy, so few inhibitions about sexuality and open expression and language.
While most of these films start by immersing the audience in the contemporary secular, sometimes values-free zones of modern relationships, they usually show the infatuations, the sexual activity, the mess-ups, the regrets and, then, the final acknowledgement that true love and commitment are what really matters. Older audiences, even parents who might have acted like this in their younger days, may feel a bit judgmental, even censorious. The younger audiences are being taken through something of their own free-wheeling experiences and being led to some awareness of a more authentic loving relationship. The title explains it – and, of course, at the end, denies it. Unattached loneliness versus committed attachment.
This film has the advantage of its stars. While Ashton Kutcher is often mocked for his performances, he keeps coming back and often proves himself a genial screen presence. This time he has what used to be the more feminine role. He is the one that is looking for love, is easily hurt by lack of commitment, and really wants fidelity in love. Natalie Portman has been a strong actress since she was a child (and now has an Oscar to affirm this). She takes on what has been the more traditional masculine role. She is the busy professional (he merely works at a television station on a school soap) and is a doctor. She says she is not the feeling type. It is she who proposes a rather cold and detached, even mercenary, arrangement for their sexual encounters (not even companionship).
We know the rest. How will she become more human? How will he deal with rejection? How will they discover what a more authentic love really is? It is useless to say that this has all been done before, and many times. The theme is universal and perennial. Whether we like the stars, the script and believe them is what matters.
1. 21st century American romantic comedy, modern young lives, free lives, moral and amoral stances, behaviour? Emotional messes? Discovery of love and commitment?
2. The initial flashback, adolescence, the party, Emma and Adam talking, the divorce, Emma as a cold personality, Adam’s proposition?
3. Ten years later, the meeting, the talk and the attraction, Adam going to the funeral, his sweatshirt, solemn, the aftermath, the wake and his staying?
4. The later meeting at the market, Emma and the others being doctors, Adam and his relationship with Vanessa, the break-up?
5. Alvin and his lack of ability as a father, his successful TV program, everybody repeating “Great Scott”? His life, marriages, vanity, his physique in his briefs, his drugs, his relationship with Vanessa and Adam’s negative reaction? The later discussions with Adam, Adam’s antagonism? Adam’s screenplay? The meal, with Vanessa, discussion about children? His being in hospital, ill, Vanessa seeing him as old, not wanting children? Adam’s visit – and his promising to ring his father the next day?
6. Adam upset, his friends and their background, professional, talking things over, frank talk about sexuality? Going out with him, drinking, their advice? His wanting sexual companionship, ringing people around, his waking up with Shari, talking with her, Patrice coming on, the gay doctor, Emma, the various reactions, the encounter with Emma?
7. The arrangement, the friendship without benefits? The collages of their meetings, and action? Home, hospital etc?
8. The phone use, the consistent texting?
9. Adam and his emotions, Emma as matter-of-fact, the dinner with Adam’s father, the break-up?
10. Adam and his TV work, the set, the show, Lucy and her admiration, response, talking, the awkwardness with Lucy?
11. Adam’s friends, their characters, advice? Eli and his relationship with Patrice? Emma and her doctor friends?
12. Adam, his being hurt, Emma and her sister and the discussions, the wedding, travelling with her mother, her mother’s friend, going to the rehearsal? Talking with her sister, texting, the drive, Adam on the phone – and her arrival?
13. The doctor, Emma’s reaction to him, his reactions to her, treating Adam’s father?
14. Adam and Emma together, sharing, commitment, the future? Lucy with Alvin?
15. An amoral setting, moving to the morality of love and commitment?
