Title: One Day
Director: Lone Scherfig
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson, Rafe Spall
The film “One Day” actually covers twenty-three years; as the story follows two friends on the same day every year. Emma (Anne Hathaway sporting a British accent) meets the playboy-like Dexter (Jim Sturgess) on their college graduation day. In what looks to be a “one-night” stand, surprisingly develops into a trusting and understanding friendship. The understanding part is mainly for Emma, as she tolerates Dexter’s constant partying behavior as he experiences some success during his twenties in the early 90s in London. Meanwhile, Emma is struggling to find her place in society and has a series of depressed moments. Eventually, the mild-celebrity drunken Dexter begins to fall on his face, and when these challenging times occur, they both instantly reach out to each other over the years.
As the story begins in 1988 and progresses through the 90s, sometimes the duo is on-screen together and sometimes they’re not; for they are placed in two very different societal atmospheres. Dexter’s story is given the most depth as he deals with his ill-loving mother (Patricia Clarkson) and his resentful father; who struggles to deal with the young talk-show host’s inflated ego, as it slowly destroys any of his potential good qualities. Emma’s arc is on the surface for the most part as Hathaway easily adjusts to what many cinematic journalists have dubbed “British humor” with regards to its timing and delivery. Her performance becomes substantial as this tale ventures out of the 90s (the best portion of the film by the way) and quickly jumps into the 21st century.
The 90s portion sticks out due to the fact that many romance-sagas are either told during modern-times or in a period-piece from centuries ago. Or in the campy 80s. Having a good portion of this play out in a different setting brought in a little extra comedy and serves as a reminder on how we once got along without all the technological advances and trends (phones on chords, wardrobe faux pas, etc.).
When this tale begins to play in the 21st century, the patterns of seeing the duo interact – whether they’re on good terms or distant from each other – becomes a bit stale. Eventually the direction of where this is headed can become fairly obvious. And this is also the point where one will begin to notice that the film is in desperate need of a personality.
Sure the two leads have unique traits about them, but the entire product seems to be floating in limbo; leading to the audience to not having an interest in how this will turn out. The pieces laid out do not match-up with the intended thematic puzzle. But at least the acting is a pleasure to watch and the noticeable flaws doesn’t make this a tedious watch…just an unrealistic one.
Overall, “One Day” isn’t a bad romantic telling, just not a charismatic one. The setting of the story is more stimulating than the actual themes that weave in and out of this. The subtle climatic moment will get one reflecting on these said themes depicted as the flick begins to wrap up; but there was already too much of a gray area that will not garner any emotional value or interest.
Technical: C+
Acting: B+
Story: D
Overall: C
Review by Joe Belcastro
