DVD Review: Paper Heart
Posted on Dec 03, 2009 @ 03:51PM - Add a comment
“I don’t care if I ever do a movie again, but this is my dream movie. Everyone is curious about love.”
In that simple belief, Paper Heart’s star and co-writer Charlyne Yi perfectly captures both the joy and the disappointment in the so-called mockumentary, which arrived on DVD this week. With a DIY-feel and overwhelming, hipster sensibility, the film follows Yi on her cross-country quest to understand love, and why she thinks she might not be capable of it. As Yi interviews myriad people about their romantic experiences, Paper Heart “documents” her own relationship with actor Michael Cera, from an awkward-cute first date to their increasing affection, and beyond.
What’s a little confusing about the film is that it’s made to feel authentic, but it isn’t entirely. As in: Charlyne Yi the real comedian/musician may really think that she has a metaphorical heart malfunction. Michael Cera, the real person who starred in Juno, doesn’t really does meet Charlyne at a party... but he and Charlyne act like they really dig each other (eventually). Confusing matters further, Charlyne’s road trip companion and bestie is a character named Nicholas Jasenovec, played by actor Jake M. Johnson. Paper Heart’s real-life co-writer and director is also named Nicholas Jasenovec.
