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Paper Heart (2009)

Director: Nicholas Jasenovec

3

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From Time Out London

Geeky comedian and actress Charlyne Yi (best known for a supporting role in ‘Knocked Up’) doesn’t believe in love. So she sets out to make a documentary asking ordinary folk – from elderly couples to schoolkids – what love means to them, illustrating their stories with home-made cardboard puppets to a ‘Juno’-esque anti-folk soundtrack. But Yi’s cynicism takes a bashing when, while filming at a party, she meets and falls for geek heartthrob Michael Cera (above). As the two start dating, the film begins to focus on their relationship. But are they really a couple? Is this really a documentary? The fact that Yi and co-writer/director Nicholas Jasenovec won a screenwriting award at Sundance suggests not. Yet it works on both levels. On the surface, this is a perfectly serviceable cutesy rom-com. The segments featuring real people  are genuinely affecting, but the realisation that everything else is probably being acted – that truth may be polluted by hoax – gives this otherwise lightweight film a sly, subversive edge.

Author: Sarah Cohen 2009-11-03 11:08:21

Time Out London Issue 2046: 5-11 November, 2009


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  • Sugarkane said...
    Posted on Oct 27 2009 14:31 The most heart-warming, funny and romantic film I've seen for years! This tops 500 Days of Summer in the 'indie romcom' stakes.
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BFI 53rd London Fim Festival. 14-29 Oct 2009
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Cast & crew

Director: Nicholas Jasenovec

Cast: Charlyne Yi, Michael Cera, Jake M. Johnson, Demetri Martin, Seth Rogen, Paul Rust full cast

Rated: PG

Duration: 88 mins

UK Release: Nov 6 2009
US Release: Aug 7 2009




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