My Blueberry Nights
Release date for Film: January 18th, 2008
Release date for Original Soundtrack: January 15th, 2008
In the past many moviegoers have troubles understanding films directed by Wong Kai-Wai. I have good news for you! Wong’s latest work, MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS, starring British heartthrob Jude Law and Grammy Award winner Norah Jones, will be a simple and yet straight-forward romantic love tale that makes you want to embark on your own journey of soul-searching.
MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS was premiered at the 60th Cannes Film Festival this past May. In fact, it was the opening night film as well as Wong’s first English-language debut. For some odd reasons, despite being the opening film at Cannes this year, the local media in Taiwan who have gone to France to attend the film festival reported very little in regard to the film.
The rumor has it that Norah Jones was the only choice for the protagonist Elizabeth from the beginning. This is her film debut and for a first timer, she’s done a fairly good job. That is not to say that she deserves an award for her acting but she’s fitting for the character. And the theme song 「THE STORY」 she’s written and performed for the film is beautiful! Her music sets the tone for the film from the beginning till the end.
The story is about Elizabeth (portrayed by Norah Jones) breaks up with her two-timing boyfriend and travels across country to ease the pain and heal her broken heart. She meets a café owner Jeremy before leaving New York City and enjoys late night snack with him - blueberry pie with ice cream – hence the film title.
Elizabeth picks up two jobs in order to save money for a car. She is Beth at her day job and Lizzy at her night job. At her next job in the casino, she is Betty. These variations are parts of Elizabeth and in a way they are her alter egos as she searches for the meaning of her existence.
For a pretty boy like Jude Law he is always taking up challenging roles. He freaked me out when he appeared in ROAD TO PERDITION and every woman dreams about falling in love with someone like Graham in THE HOLIDAY. Jude Law has proven to the world once too many that he is more than just a gorgeous-looking man. He is a two time Oscar nominee for THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY and COLD MOUTAIN.
Director Wong Kai-Wai was able to form an all-star cast for MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS. Aside from Jude Law and Norah Jones, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz, and David Strathaim joined the line-up. Since the story is sort of a road trip film, taking place in several cities in the continental USA, Portman, Weisz and Strathaim had to speak distinctive accents accordingly.
There’s a surprising cameo by Cat Power. She is an American songwriter and a singer. Just like Norah Jones, this is also her film debut. Cat Power plays Jude Law’s ex-girlfriend Katya in the film. When asked about what it’s like to kiss Jude Law, she was giddy and just laughed. Apparently that kiss was not in the script!
However, there is one kiss; the crew called it THE KISS, between Jude Law and Norah Jones, which is crucial for the film. This scene lasts no more than 30 seconds but the final count for that particular take is 150 according to the Movie section in the New York Times. I wish I was Norah Jones on the film set!
As for the original soundtrack Norah Jones contributes 「THE STORY」for the opening scene and the ending. This OST also includes Indie-Rock singer Cat Power’s music, 「LIVING PROFF」and 「THE GREATEST」which is for the end credits.
MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS is bittersweet. You might feel the blue at first but as you witness the soulful journey with Norah Jones, you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel / road / night!
