Executive Producers: Toby Emmerich, Avram Butch Kaplan
Producers: Lynn Harris, Mark Johnson
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks
Screenplay: Jeremy Leven. Adaptation: Jan Sardi
Cinematographer: Robert Fraisse. Editor: Alan Heim
Music:Aaron Zigman
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, Gena Rowlands,
James Marsden, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen
Rowlands) in a nursing home. It follows the lives of two North Carolina teens, Noah and Alli (Ryan
Gosling and Rachel McAdams), who are from very different worlds and spend one indelible summer
together. How they meet is cute as Noah goes after Alli and will not take no for an answer. They are
soon separated when she leaves the town he lives in abruptly. Her parents (mainly her mother) do not
think he is the right kind of boy for her. Then he goes off to war thinking she does not love him.
He renovates an old house he once told her how he was going to make it and he even puts in things
she had wanted in the house. After she meets up with him again, she finds out her mother hid the
letters he had written to her and they soon become entangled again. Now there is a problem as she is
engaged to be married.
All of this is woven in and out by the man (James Garner) who stops reading to the woman who is
suffering from Alzheimer and forgets who he is and gets upset.
We soon find out the man is an older Noah and the woman is an older Alli. They had married. It is
evident as he reads the notebook that he is trying to help her remember him and their love. The
ending of this movie is very beautiful. I will not give it away, but bring plenty of tissues with you, there
were many people sniffling at the end of the film.
This film was beautifully filmed and just one of those movies you can sent back and enjoy for the story
and beauty of the film. It also features outstanding performances from Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands,
Rachel McAdams, Joan Allen, and James Garner.
It was surprising to see how wonderful James Garner was in this dramatic role. He does not usually
portray this type of character and it suits him well. What can one say about Gena Rowlands, she is a
legend and wonderful actress. Any role she tackles she does it with grace and ease.
Ryan Gosling won the “Male Star of Tomorrow” award at ShoWest 2004 in March. This award is
presented by ShowWest and NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners)
The awards presented at this event are for celebrities/filmmakers who have contributed record
grosses at the box-office as well as having achieved artistic brilliance with their films.
Ryan Gosling started out as an extra in “Remember the Titans.” Now he is working, it seems, non-stop
on upcoming films. When asked if there was pressure being named future star of Tomorrow, Gosling
said, “Yes, and I don’t need the pressure now!” He was very nervous about receiving this award.
After seeing him in "The Notebook" one can see why he is a busy young actor and seems to be able to
handle any role sent his way.
Even if you are not a romantic, I think you will enjoy “The Notebook.” It has humor, drama and is a
beautiful story.
The Film is Rated: PG-13
