Writer/Director: Jason Reitman
Starring: Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet and J.K. Simmons
‘A Mesmerizing Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have earned the praise of Josh Brolin. Since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Brolin has become a celebrated icon. Whether it’s corrupt drug dealers, infinity space scavengers or gangsters, Brolin is one of those actors that has played many powerful characters. Arguably, Brolin’s finest strength as an actor has always been his dedication to his craft. He’s one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul in every role. Brolin has always had a powerful screen presence that has always elevated every film he’s in. Through his abilities to portray characters which are compelling, Brolin has built a powerful legacy that has proven to be lasting. An actor with strong commitment to his craft, Brolin has become a beloved icon in entertainment. Throughout his career, Brolin has created memorable movies that are definitely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a huge fan of Brolin and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Labor Day” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2013, Jason Reitman’s movie provided an engaging depiction of doomed love. Packed with strong production, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best romantic films ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Josh Brolin, who embodies an ex convict falling in love in a doomed romance. Ultimately, what makes “Labor Day” a masterpiece is strong appeal. Unlike most romantic films, it covers strong themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing romantic masterpiece, there’s many reasons why “Labor Day” is a film that is worth watching.
“Labor Day” tells the story about a pair of strangers that are drawn together over a single day. Josh Brolin plays Frank, an ex convict on the run from the law. Frank has always been adamant to escape clutches of police authorities by keeping his identity a secret. However, Frank’s life changes when he falls in love in a doomed relationship that causes disaster. Adele (Kate Winslet) is a lonely housewife that lives a life of isolation causing regret. Faced with a dilemma, Frank is forced to question whether it’s possible to keep an identity an enigma. Under pressure, Frank questions his ability to cope with love relationships facing disaster.
Jason Reitman is fascinated with themes of doomed love. A brilliant filmmaker, Reitman has often created engaging movies about doomed lovers facing disaster. His award-winning movie “Juno” offered a compelling portrait of pregnant women in doomed love affairs that cause sorrow. With “Labor Day”, however, Reitman made his first literature adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s attempt adapting a legendary book about doomed lovers facing adversities but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Reitman captures a doomed love affair that faces tragedy. Emulating Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People”, Reitman effectively uses close ups to capture tensions experienced by a couple. For instance, close ups elevate the romantic meet scene. During this bold scene, Frank and Adele meet for the first time sparking their romantic relationships. Using closeups, Reitman creates a portrait of doomed life that’s compelling. Closeups are complicated techniques. As Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” suggested, closeups elevate movies about political figures. However, it works immensely. Using stunning visuals, Reitman captures tensions which doomed lovers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Labor Day” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Reitman successfully uses production design to capture doomed families that face a decline. For instance, the production design of the house elevates the argument scene. During this engaging scene, Frank and Adele have an argument causing tension. Through strong production, Reitman crafts a compelling portrayal of a doomed affair facing tension. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Rolfe Kent’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing burden which doomed lovers bear. Through powerful production, Reitman captures lives of lovers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Labor Day” is a movie about doomed love that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully utilizes silence to capture the hardships lovers experience. Evoking Sam Mendes’ “Revolutionary Road”, Reitman uses silence to capture the lives of couples facing a heavy load. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Frank bids farewell to Adele during their final meeting. Through silence, Reitman crafts a portrait of doomed love that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” demonstrated, silence enhances science fiction films. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using a bold screenplay, Reitman conveys doomed lovers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Josh Brolin delivers one of his best career performances as Frank. Brolin first earned appreciation for playing outlaws that face tension in gritty westerns. With “Labor Day”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a convict that falls in love in a doomed relationship experiencing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. This is the star unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Through captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments of a convict facing tension. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated movie-stars that’s working today.
While the movie is a showcase for Brolin, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Kate Winslet is captivating, capturing the regret of a woman that falls in love in a doomed affair which proves to be hard to forget. Tobey Maguire is marvellous, capturing the charismatic nature of a family friend people admire. Lastly, JK Simmons is worthy of appreciation. As a businessman, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Labor Day” would earn recognition of everyone for capturing doomed lovers that face a price to pay. Unlike most films about doomed love, it tackles compelling themes everyone would relate to. It covers strong themes including ambition, mental health and trauma which would resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the beloved book to enjoy it. Therefore, “Labor Day” is one of those rare romantic films everyone would absolutely adore.
Fans of Josh Brolin would definitely enjoy “Labor Day” and so would movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. A bold romantic drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lovers facing a price to pay on labor day, it’s an amazing reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost ability to portray compelling characters in iconic movies in memorable movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 