The first time I rented this movie, I fell asleep. I was not ready for singing gas station attendance in an absurd world of extreme colors. The one thing I picked up from that partial viewing was that this movie was unique.
Years later I gave Umbrellas a second chance...knowing what I was in store for. Once I got past that 'god this is silly' feeling, the movie started to grow on me. The movie kind of meanders with trite situations, almost setting the story up for three peak moments: ***SPOILERS*** The first masterpiece scene is of course "I Will Wait For You". The song is beautiful, and by this time in the movie you're perfectly willing to accept the fact that the couple can 'glide' down the street...they don't need to walk, they're in love.
The second great scene is the closing of Act One at the Train Station. I love the fact that it's short and without the overkill Shakespearian dialog. "My Love" and "I love you"...simple and painful.
The ending of this movie may very well be the best ending to a movie ever. Part of it's brilliance is that it just comes out from nowhere...December 1963 is the only warning. It looks like another random scene at the gas station, then a car rolls up and that familiar music begins to play (it's like the music to Jaws...you just know something is about to happen.) The tension is as thick as any war or action movie...I mean just the guy asking what type of gas she wanted was stressful. It's perfect, probably because it seems so real (and they're still singing that crazy dialog.) This movie is not for all taste. But if you can get into it, it's magic. I've seen the movie now over 10+ times...it's sickening how it grows on you.
Years later I gave Umbrellas a second chance...knowing what I was in store for. Once I got past that 'god this is silly' feeling, the movie started to grow on me. The movie kind of meanders with trite situations, almost setting the story up for three peak moments: ***SPOILERS*** The first masterpiece scene is of course "I Will Wait For You". The song is beautiful, and by this time in the movie you're perfectly willing to accept the fact that the couple can 'glide' down the street...they don't need to walk, they're in love.
The second great scene is the closing of Act One at the Train Station. I love the fact that it's short and without the overkill Shakespearian dialog. "My Love" and "I love you"...simple and painful.
The ending of this movie may very well be the best ending to a movie ever. Part of it's brilliance is that it just comes out from nowhere...December 1963 is the only warning. It looks like another random scene at the gas station, then a car rolls up and that familiar music begins to play (it's like the music to Jaws...you just know something is about to happen.) The tension is as thick as any war or action movie...I mean just the guy asking what type of gas she wanted was stressful. It's perfect, probably because it seems so real (and they're still singing that crazy dialog.) This movie is not for all taste. But if you can get into it, it's magic. I've seen the movie now over 10+ times...it's sickening how it grows on you.