When you decide to split the story of a film into segments of fact and fiction, there is always the risk of confusing your audience. However, unlike other films before it, Paper Heart deals with the situation very delicately, using real interviews to merely personify and compliment the main scripted story. As a result, audiences are sent on a fun and intellectual ride through the heart of our country. Its mission: to discover exactly what love is.
Charlyne Yi, a popular underground stand-up comedian, is the central subject of the film. Not a believer in true love, Charlyne is searching for someone who can explain to her exactly what love is. Until that time comes, she feels that she will never fully understand the emotion, and therefore, she will never be able to feel its effect.
But, in the scripted part of the film, we get to see our leading lady fall for a man, an actor by the name of Michael Cera. Though she will never fully admit it, her heart begs for the attention and companionship that her new 'relationship' brings. His quirky attitude and simplistic way of life is an attraction to her. While she doesn't fully understand her feelings, she is hesitant to let anything go any further for fear of losing her battle against society concerning love and its effect on people.
The film, though it is centered around an interesting couple and an ingenious premise, relies and succeeds on the comedic work and chemistry between its two leading stars. Once dating in real life, the two prove to be dynamic as they work the camera to flawless perfection. They make the most of their time together and truly set the stage for a heartfelt, serene romance that proves to be both unexpected and refreshing.
The occasional guest appearance gives the film a bit of an edge, though I strongly suggest that you don't go out and buy a ticket solely because you like one of the supporting stars - each is in the film for maybe thirty seconds. Seth Rogen and Matthew Bass are the two most recognizable stars, though they each add minimal substance to the film and its overall foundation.
However, unlike the cameos, the cardboard cutouts that are mobilized to serve as breaks from the film's live action footage are quite possibly the best part of the whole experience. The creativity and unique style helps the approach, allowing for a solid transition from actual interviews to scripted material.
The true 'live action' spark of the film occurs at two very distinct points: a lunch date at a local diner where Cera opts to leave because of a disagreement, and the film's final sequence which details Charlyne at her most vulnerable state. Each, though clearly representing complete different places within a relationship, gives off the same state of being "“ reflected as Charlyne finally lets go, forgetting what others think and allowing her true colors to shine free.
As the film wraps and we leave the relationship to work itself out as fate has determined, you can't help but be satisfied with what you have witnessed. Sure, you were tricked. (I personally came straight home and began to Google the film and its potentially authentic side). But in the end, it is the trickery that allowed you to dive into the story, become one with the characters, and begin to cheer for their success. Without it, you would not have taken the film seriously. And for something that touches such a unique and versatile topic as love, that would be a mighty fine shame.
