MoreMarin Buzz Home: Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon- Top 10 relationship movies in 2009

Musings by Dr. Michelle Gannon: Psychologist, Wife and Mother

I often get asked, "Did you see this movie?" or "Can you recommend a good relationship movie?"

I love going to the movies. Many of us are eager to see movies that demonstrate more healthy and realistic relationships. I appreciate films that are entertaining, moving, and normalize relationships rather than glamorize them. Thank you for all of your suggestions.

Here are my Top 10 Relationship Movies of 2009 in no particular order. I saw most of them at movie theaters in Marin or San Francisco in 2009, but they should be available on DVD now or soon. Please let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Up in the Air

With a job of traveling around the country to fire people, Ryan (George Clooney) lives his life out of a suitcase. Along the way, he is influenced by his young, bright, hilarious assistant, Natalie (Anna Kendrik) and an engaging, but unavailable woman he falls for, Alex (Vera Farmiga). The movie, directed by Jason Reitman, is about unemployment, economic pressures, family, commitment, marriage and life choices. My favorite quotes: "Life is more fun when shared with someone" and "We all need a co-pilot".

An animated Pixar film begins with the memories of a romantic, adventurous life between husband and wife, Carl and Ellie. After his wife dies, Carl, a retired balloon salesman decides to take to the skies--with his house--to pursue the path that he and Ellie shared to follow a world adventurer. Funny and heartwarming movie about how deep love, marriage, commitment and shared dreams can live forever.

500 Days of Summer

A hopeless romantic young man, Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has been searching for the love of his life since his youth. He meets a young woman at work, Summer (Zooey Deschanel) and thinks that it is true love at first sight. But, Summer does not believe in love.The movie, directed by Marc Webb, goes back and forth throughout the 500 days of the relationship between Tom and Summer. Thought provoking film about love, commitment, soul mates, and timing.

The Blind Side

The true story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a poor, under-educated African-American teenager who was taken in by the Touhys (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw) who love and support him profoundly. Based on a true story written by Michael Lewis and directed by John Lee Hancock, Michael becomes ideal for college football and NFL recruitment. The Touhys are portrayed as a happily married couple who accept each other's unique personalities, and work well as a team. Inspiring story.

It's Complicated

A divorced bakery owner with three grown children, Jane (Meryl Streep) gets involved with her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin). A potential new love interest, Adam (Steve Martin) adds to the humor and complexity. Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, this movie is very funny and sentimental. Meryl Streep was brilliant as always. Themes of divorce, aging, marriage, family and infidelity.

Coco Before Chanel

Written and directed by Anne Fontaine about the life of Coco, a poor young woman and her personal journey to become Chanel, a key figure in style and design. Coco is played beautifully by Audrey Tautou. There is also an intense love triangle between Coco and Etienne Balsan (Benoit Pelvoorde) and Arthur Boy Capel (Alessandro Nivola) demonstrating the endurance of love. A wonderful period piece about inner strength, courage and risk taking.

Couples Retreat

Four couples go to a paradise island for a "Couples Retreat"- complete with gorgeous sunsets, luxurious accommodations, fine dining and "Couples Skills Classes"- mandatory at 6 am. The "Couples Skills" taught, included disrobing on the beach, couples yoga, couple massage, along with inadequate couples therapy. This movie stars Vince Vaughn, Kristin Davis, Jason Bateman, Kirsten Bell and others, and is directed by Peter Billingsley. Some therapists have complained about the negative portrayal of the couples therapists in the movie. Personally, I hope that humor encourages viewers' discussion about couples workshops, couples therapy and the importance of working on our relationships.

The Proposal

Predictable romantic comedy that I enjoyed watching on an airplane! Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds star in this amusing movie directed by Anne Fletcher. The woman is an intense, workaholic boss who neglects taking care of her immigration status. She persuades her male employee to marry her, and the forced union coincides with his extended family celebration in Alaska. Betty White beautifully plays the influential, 90 year old grandmother. The importance of family, relatives, humor, flexibility and acceptance are highlighted.

Away We Go

A young, expectant couple, Burt (John Krasinki) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) decide to travel across the United States in search of a perfect place to put down roots and raise their family. Directed by Sam Mendes. Original story by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida. Quirky love story about family, parenting and commitment.

Julie and Julia

A young woman, Julie Powell (Amy Adams) decides to tackle Julia Child's 500 recipes in her groundbreaking cook book, while documenting it all on a blog. Julia Child (Meryl Streep) portrays her personal story about learning to cook at a later age, in France. Both women seem to have very loving husbands who support their careers, cooking and share in their love of food. The stories are well balanced and entertaining under the direction of Nora Ephron.

Please let me know your thoughts about your favorite relationship movies of 2009, and what movies you would like to see in 2010.

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Dr. Michelle Gannon is a Psychologist specializing in Relationships, Wellness and Women's Issues. She has been in private practice in San Francisco for 20 years helping individuals and couples live more positive and happier lives. She specializes in relationship issues, self esteem, depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, parenthood, career and life transitions. She also helps with work/life balance, health and wellness, body image, intimacy and sexuality, infertility, pregnancy, parenting, friendship, and helping women develop a strong sense of self. Visit her at www.DrMichelleGannon.com and www.MarriagePrep101.com.

Comments

Oh Wait, there's more! I saw "J and J" and loved it! I didn't realize you would classify it as a relationship movie.I was very touched by Julia's relationship with her husband and the fact that he was so supportive of her. I personally did not experience that in a relationship but don't hold it against my former husband.

Posted by: Daci Armstrong | Saturday, January 02, 2010 at 11:05 AM