Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Ruby Sparks (2012)

What is it about? 

A boy-wonder novelist struggling with writer's block manages to will a character in his latest novel to real life, and ends up beginning an unusual romance. 

Who is in it? 

Paul Dano - Calvin Weir-Fields

Zoe Kazan - Ruby Spars

Chris Messina - Harry

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert]

After returning from the work party, Calvin and Ruby get into a huge fight which ultimately leads to Calvin breaking the news that he can control Ruby. The scene leads to Calvin understanding the situation, as well as the nuances and dynamics of relationships, love, and the role self-understanding and awareness, plays in it all. 

Favorite Quote: 

"I couldn't see you when you were here and now that you're gone, I see you everywhere."

Review:

Ruby Sparks is a really thought-provoking and deeply relating film for any individual. What started out as a slow, confusing, wondering film, quickly progressed into a really, really good story. 

What I take away from Ruby Sparks is the life lesson regarding what we look for in love, how we sometimes approach it, and the vast ridiculousness of our expectations from others in our relationships. The film ultimately unveils this through the character of Calvin who eventually finds out he can control Ruby through continuing the novel he is writing. He eventully finds that no matter what he types to get Ruby to be his "perfect" dream girl, he isn't overly satisfied. 

It's a great reminder of how often we spend searching for someone that meets the "needs" of our criteria and how much we focus on attempting to "understand" the other person, we miss out on the positive qualities and overall magic of love and connection. And I'm guessing that is what Zoe Kazan, writer of Ruby Sparks, was going for. 

Speaking of Kazan, she was quite marvelous in the film. 

Ruby Sparks is an interesting movie. Nothing will overly blow you away from the film, but the strong message is good enough to recommend watching this one. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Still...American

O say, can you see? first generation dream-chasing foundation  maybe it wasn’t for me? But still, an opportunity. socio-mobility Hey kid, “Be the best you can be” For you, and a future be  Or two or three Don’t mind the history. It’s broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Within by class, age, political party Or the mere color of skin. Embrace those (societal) ramparts so gallantly streaming over-Patriotic expression,  Ever redeeming I’ll use my boot straps, for sure! “We got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor?!” Keep ya head up… Straps up, too! Yet, still the bombs burst in air where democracy can be unfair Legacy pipelines everywhere School shootings here…and there, No care. Why is this us? just us? ‘Merica!!!  Send up thoughts and a prayer. But don’t tread on me… Whatever, our flag is still there. Praise God! For I still rather be here It’s Dr. King. Freedom to pursue. unappreciated blessings My pledge of allegiance is internally fiery, Tho...