Okay, okay! Enough with the football talk, I'm going!

Now, for a quick break from our usual programming...

#28 Down With Love (2003)


I love this film. It's witty, it's sexy, and it's so much fun to watch. The basic plotline is as follows: womanizer Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor) is at the top of his game as a celebrated journalist and an often-celebrating man. But when author Barbara Novak writes a nonfiction book, Down With Love, that encourages women to get an equal footing in the workforce, a hilarious battle of the sexes ensues. Things get even more complicated (well, really, they're just beginning) when Barbara announces that Catcher is the worst kind of man and Catcher decides to have his revenge - by making her fall in love with him!

Now, I promised before to write more in-depth posts when I'm dealing with contemporary films so let me write out reasons for why this movie would appeal to classic film fans. I'm also going to link to some clips that highlight what I'm talking about in each section and I'm going to embed the trailer below so you guys can get a good idea of what this movie is like. It's honestly one of my favorite movies ever. It's so stinking funny!



1. The fashion.
We all know that the clothing in old movies is amazing. The films are treasure troves of fabulous vintage fashion. Well if you like 60's fashion, look no further than Down With Love (okay, you can look further, but look here as well). There are some super cute dresses and outfits throughout the movie. Here is a clip featuring several.

2. The 60's-ness.
This movie was more or less based on Pillow Talk (although I've written an entire post outlining how the movies compare and contrast). The makers of the film really worked to make it seem as if it came out of the 60's. They make use of green screens (in this clip, for example), crazy sets, and Tony Randall (he has a bit part). I like that the movie is a sort of homage to 60's movies and I think it should be applauded (or at least watched) for its efforts.

3. The wit.
The dialogue in this movie is fantastic. So very many clever lines! Now, as a caution: if you are offended by sexual humor then this movie isn't for you. It's a self-described "zany sex comedy" and sex plays a major part in the film. However, in my opinion, sex is dealt with in a very clever and witty way. There are tons of double entendres and innuendos. Now, with that warning out of the way, I can link to one of my favorite scenes in the movie: the audience's introduction to Catcher Block (who, by the way, is practically a reason in and of himself to watch this movie - Ewan McGregor in 60's fashion? Yes please!). Now, links aside, here is an example of that clever banter, other than the example linked over above...

Catcher: You said she was a spinster.
Mac: I never used the word 'spinster' in my life! Okay once. When I told my mother it was technically incorrect for her to call her son a spinster.
Catcher: You said she was a brunette.
Mac: I did not!
Catcher: She sure didn't sound like a blonde on the telephone... Do you still want to date Vicky?
Mac: Of course I do. Do you think I want to die a spinster?

Have I whetted your appetite yet? In my personal opinion, this movie is delightful from start to finish. I love the affected manner of the characters and the general wackiness of the movie. I love the humor. I love the movie's ability to pay tribute to classic film while bringing in a contemporary feel to the movie. Here is the trailer to further persuade you to check out this film. Enjoy!