Thoughts on the Blue Valentine end credits

My M.O. for both watching a film or listening to a piece of music (particularly one I enjoy) has always been to imagine myself as the individual who created it.  More specifically, I think about the first time some member of my family (my parents, an uncle, whomever was sent a free copy) consumed that film or song and realized that it was I who was at the helm.  It's an incredibly gratifying feeling (despite being a complete fantasy). I've always found it motivating though - not only does it force me to consciously attempt to push my own work onto a higher plane but it tricks my head into believing that I am capable of such feats.     

One such instance where I felt that mix of envy and excitement was when I recently saw the end credits for Derek Cianfrance's 2010 film Blue Valentine. It lit a spark and I haven't thought about much else for the past few days.

For starters, it would be difficult to count the numerous times I have listened to the Grizzly Bear track "Alligator" and imagined myself as vocalist/guitarist Daniel Rossen with that distinct voice and playing style. Add to that BV editor/title designer Jim Helton's ultra-inspired sequence using Davi Russo's iconic set stills and you have a recipe for "the coolest thing I have seen in a long time".  It is also well-earned flash after a film in which the visual flair hinges only on the straight-forward cutting of Andri Parekh's fantastic cinematography. 

Please take a look at the credit sequence and an interview with it's creator at Art of the Title.  

And of course, watch Blue Valentine if you haven't already. It took a few viewings and a commentary track to turn me around on a few aspects of the film, but I am glad I put the time into it.