Introduction
Directed by Anand Tucker in 2010, Leap Year is a romantic comedy film written by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. Amy Adams and Matthew Goode play the leading roles. Leap Year is centered in the beautiful landscapes of Ireland and is a blend of humor, heart, and love based on the traditional Leap Year love story.
The film is a light-hearted adventure and also depicts personal growth focusing on the theme of love and the unexpected relational paths one has to take in order to establish true affection.
Synopsis
The story follows Anna Brady, played by Amy Adams, a successful, organized, and detail-oriented woman living in Boston. Anna has built a comfortable life and is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Jeremy, a cardiologist. Anna has a quiet frustration because every plan in her life follows a logical order, and for the past 4 years Jeremy has not proposed to her.
Upon discovering the Irish custom that allows ladies to propose to gentlemen on leap day, February 29, Anna chooses to take the leap. Since Jeremy will be in Dublin for a medical conference, Anna will follow him there and propose on leap day.
Flight detours due to storms and Anna found herself stuck in Dingle, a small town on the opposite side of Ireland. With her deadline stations rapidly approaching, Anna needs to find a way to Dublin and pre-29th. She meets Declan O’Callaghan (Matthew Goode) a local innkeeper who is scruffy and remarkably handsome. Declan is able to help her, though he might be the only one in the town willing to do so, and help is for-certain grumpy about it.
With what is planned to be a straightforward trip, Anna and Declan clash in fairly fundamental ways and it is Anna who revises her understanding of life and of love. Little by little her life plan is laid out before her and deep in her heart, there is the irresistible question: is this the life I planned for myself?
Main Characters and Performances
Anna Brady (Amy Adams): As a planner, perfectionist, and control-freak, Anna is all business, and she does not believe in frolicking holidays. The role was perfectly crafted for Adams, for she has charm, and can be relatable. Anna’s journey is inward as much as it is across Ireland, for she has to figure out what she wants in life and in love.
Declan O’Callaghan (Matthew Goode): Declan is a witty and somewhat cynical Irishman who values simplicity and authenticity. His performance is likable and grounded, allowing Anna’s polished personality to be contrasted with Declan’s rustic lifestyle. Though quite sarcastic, Declan’s character is profound and sensitive and gradually sheds his protective layers.
Jeremy Sloane (Adam Scott): As Anna’s boyfriend, Jeremy is polite and career-driven, but not quite there with Anna emotionally. This is why he is a perfect foil to Declan and helps Anna realize what she truly wants.
Supporting Characters: Anna and David encounter a range of quirky Irish locals, each of whom contributes humor and regional flavor. The characters support the narrative and create memorable scenes.
Setting and Cinematography
Another prominent feature of the film occurs during the journey from Dingle to Dublin. It fully immers the viewer into the rural Irish charm. As the film culminates and the characters heads from Dingle to Dublin, the plot serves to enhance the charm of the Irish rural countryside.
Newton Thomas Sigel’s cinematography serves the film and the character of Anna well. The lighting and framing of the shots that Anna is portrayed in reveals both the internal and external changes taking place in her life as she is momentarily stepping away from her planned life. As she travels along the routed way of her life, she slowly gets closer to the authentic Anna.
Themes
- Tradition Vs. Modernity
The film’s focus on the leap year proposal tradition opens discussions on mondern relationships. Moving casually with the question of who is expected to pursue someone in love, and if effort in a relationship is still a modern expectation.
- Plans Vs. Spontaneity
Structured Anna and spontaneous Declan. As the two meet, the film seeks to reveal the joy that the unexpected turns in life holds. Anna’s journey is a reminder to leave space for the unexpected.
- True Compatibility
Interacting with both Jeremy and Declan prompts Anna to recognize the difference between comfort and a genuine emotional bond. The film conveys the essence of love does not hinge primarily on a checklist and entails profound understanding, support, and harmonized principles.
- Personal Growth
In the most fundamental sense, Leap Year conveys the most significant message of personal growth. Anna’s transformation in the film from an emotional and perfectionist to being open and honest is a significant aspect of the film.
Direction and Tone
The film’s director, Anand Tucker, balances the romance-with introspection and humor. The film’s pacing is consistent, which organically nurtures the development of Anna and Declan’s relationship. The film does not rely on excessive melodrama, which is a refreshing departure from the text.
The dialogue is amusing, and a significant portion of the film’s success can be attributed to the leads’ conversational chemistry. Unanticipated travel predicaments, cultural diversity, and disparate personalities offer myriad opportunities for humor and emotional depth.
Reception
Upon its release, the film Leap Year garnered lukewarm reactions due to its portrayal of the plot as a ‘cut and paste’*. Still, the chemistry between Amy Adams and Matthews Goode as well as the stunning locations the movie was filmed in, garnered praise. The movie has, over the years, gained a following particularly among ‘cozy, feel travel romances’.
To many, and as stated, ‘cozy feel travel romances’ was the defining theme. The movie was described as a feel good movie and, while perhaps the plot and performances were not the most engaging, the film was appreciated for its, in the very least, beautiful locations and inspiring message.
Conclusion
As described in the Reception, the movie fells remarkably well and, hence, the focus of the content should be on the actors, the scenery and the inspiring message. The film, as stated in the premise, contains a wonderful outdoor sequence and performances.
To many, and as stated, ‘cozy feel travel romances’ was the defining theme. The movie was described as a feel good movie and, while perhaps the plot and performances were not the most enthralling, the film was appreciated for its, in the very least, beautiful locations and inspiring message.
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