MYST Post #2: Safe Haven

Safe Haven, Nicholas Sparks’s newest book-made-movie (others include The Notebook, A Walk To Remember, and The Last Song) was recently released to the public on a very special Thursday of this year. February 14, 2013 to be exact- Valentine’s Day. Yet, this release date was no coincidence seeing as the film follows the trials of Katie (played by Julianne Hough) as she struggles to break free from the dangers of her mysterious past and abusive husband. In the process, she finds herself enchanted with a small, sleepy town in North Carolina called Southport. Its calming atmosphere and easygoing customs offer Katie just the sort of clean slate that she longs for. Nevertheless, despite her strong efforts to remain isolated from those around her, she finds herself falling for Alex, (played by Josh Duhamel) a local storeowner with two precious children, Lexi and Josh, whose wife died recently from cancer. Yet, even in the mix of her newfound peace and happiness, Katie’s past finds a way to get to her and threaten all that she loves. The movie is no doubt an endearing love story combined with the suspense and thrill of a gripping mystery.

Unlike many other love stories or romantic flicks, one of the things that really drew me to this film was its mysterious aspect. The ambiguity and fear associated with Katie’s past truly enhances the plot and increases suspense. In this sense, the cinematography of the piece was equally satisfying. I loved the fact that during many of the most intense scenes, it was as if the camera served as the eyes of the villain. SEMI SPOILER ALERT! For instance, there is one scene in the movie in particular where this technique is used effectively. Here, Katie finds herself home alone with Alex’s adorable daughter Lexi. After a terrifying sequence of events, Katie learns that Kevin, her abusive husband, has found her and is lurking around the house. Then, the shot changes abruptly to focus on Lexi from behind, who has wandered outside for a better view of the firework show her dad is helping to run. As the shot zooms in closer and closer, viewers are filled with an overwhelming sense of fear as they can only assume who might be closing in on the innocent child. In addition to this, the use of low-key lighting in the film’s most dramatic and intense scenes also helped in creating a sense of fear and imminent danger. Finally, the use of close-ups was also extremely important because in the midst of an overwhelming scene, a close-up helped to direct the viewer’s attention to a critical detail that might otherwise be missed.

Next, I thought that both lead actors, Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel, were outstanding in this movie. Contrary to many critics, I thought that they had great chemistry and a genuine connection that was evident throughout. Also, based on other articles and reviews I read, director Lasse Hallstrom did a good job at remaining loyal to Nicholas Sparks’s original book rather than make too many changes. (A typical fear in the case of books made into movies.) Although there are some unsatisfied viewers, it seems to me as if their complaints are mostly small and generally overlooked in terms of the bigger picture. In addition, I thought that it was interesting that Safe Haven is not Hallstrom’s first time dealing with a Nicholas Sparks book. In 2010, he directed Dear John starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried- a film that many were disappointed with in terms of the vast amount of changes made.

In all, I would have to firmly disagree with the Rotten Tomato’s appalling rating of 13%. Although the film might be regarded as cheesy and sappy, it is a love story, and at the end of the day, all love stories suffer from this at least to some degree. SEMI SPOILER ALERT! Also, in terms of the film’s contradictory ending, which has no doubt caused some critic’s low approval rating, I think that there are definite ways in which to look at the ending in a positive and even inspirational light. I would recommend this film to any teenage girl or woman in the mood for a love story with a flare of the mysterious. Overall, I give Safe Haven an 84%.