The Longest Week: New York relationships’ satire

“Love was just like communism. It was a great idea but never quite worked out.” those words can be heard during the movie’s narrative. The director invokes this analogy, suggesting that both the political system and love are nothing more but Utopian dream. He closes that dream in the eponymous “longest week”, where Monday or Thursday are not just the days of the week but the stages of one’s relationship.

Although lazy jazz or New York can bring an association with Woody Allen’s productions, the creator is more gracious for his characters. It is a pretty pleasant story of a love triangle, involving two somewhat neurotic New York elite representatives and a connoisseur of Victorian literature. The men, starring Jason Bateman and Billy Crudup and their film partner Olivia Wilde cannot be denied the charm. Although Crudup has a supporting role, his French chic combined with American loose create a seductive blend that wins properly played Bateman’s pampering and neurosis. A pleasant surprise was the episodic appearance of Laura Clery who I’m a fan of. She is more know from her comic, online activities and daily vlogs (please, bring them back!)

The strong points of the film are beautiful, thought-out film frames looking like postcards that capture New York’s cafes lifestyle including lazy reading books, walking through Central Park, drinking Tom Collins and aromatic coffee.

The film does not quite appear to be a real story but assuming it is a rather pleasant satire on friendship and relationships, it doesn’t film of its look bad in the comparison with other films of this genre. It is difficult to identify with the characters, even those who are meant to awaken the viewer’s sympathy. Nevertheless, it is pleasing to see Conrad and Beatrice riding a Vespa on the streets of Manhattan or dancing in a nice club. Worth seeing during a quiet evening, or as in my case – during a long journey by train.

I admire the style of Beatrice. She is an editorial model, who enjoys Victorian writers from the Brontë sisters to Kipling. She is quite square-toes due to her attending a rather strict etiquette school. Her style is maintained in subdued colors, elegant, associated with the style peter pan collar styled blouses and dresses, but broken by interesting poncho or boots. The unique addition is undoubtedly a very distinctive makeup; done in warm tones, with a strong classic cat eye and neutral shade of lipstick. She usually has soft curls or plain, romantic hair buns. All together forms a coherent, safe style which can suit every woman, regardless of the age.