The Notebook
OK so spoilers, I guess? This... 'production' came out in 2004. I just got around to watching it. It was quite popular when it originally came out. And by golly if this isn't the most diabolical, lowdown, no good... I'm stunned. I'm basically speechless. 20 years this has been going around. Being put into the minds of women (and the occasional man, likely against his will) all across the world (I didn't check, but I'm sure there are translations). Being hailed as one of the greatest romances of all time. How is this even legal?
What am I meant to take away from this? If I'm a man, who am I meant to identify with? I guess Noah? Although the other guy Lon... he's also a man in this story. Why wouldn't I see myself in him?
If I'm a woman, obviously I'm meant to identify with Allie. But what's the moral? Am I supposed to be expecting unrequited devotion, 365 letters, and a mansion built for me, even when I'm off with another man? That I'll be so overwhelmed with the greatest options of all time: One man who never forgot me, devoted his life to me even after I left for years. Another a man who loved me wholeheartedly. Gave me everything he could. Still pleaded to keep me even after I betrayed him in the most brutal way possible on the eve of our wedding.
Yes the parts where they're old are sad. And yes I cried. But that's what makes it all the more insidious. It weakens you emotionally while it subjects you to this sinister content. To make you more receptive. More absorbent.
'When I'm with Noah I feel like one person and when I'm with you I feel like someone totally different'. Oh so it's cool then. No consequences required. Go ahead ladies, nothing to worry about.
What about Martha? Women aren't meant to identify with her obviously. She tries to get Noah to love her, but he just can't let go of Allie (female viewer). And when she does lose Noah, she's happy for him. See, ladies? Even if you love a man, then leave him, then cheat on your fiance with him while he's seeing another woman, that other woman will actually be happy this happened to her.
And gents, can't forget you. You should just totally love women unconditionally. Literally, without condition. You're meant to go fight in a war. In one case, you end up like Fin (dead). In another case you end up like Lon, alive but damaged beyond recognition. You recover and go on to make a fortune. Meet and fall in love with a beautiful woman. Give her everything you possibly can. And when she betrays you at the eleventh hour, twists the knife in your back, then has the gall to say she loves you again (spoilers, she doesn't), you're meant to be the good man you've always been and tell her you love her (and actually mean it).
And if you're seeing yourself as Noah... it all just works out in the end? You love a woman, she leaves you, and you spend the rest of your life thinking about her. Doing everything for her (writing letters, building a house). Being unable to love again. And then... she returns to you. Is that meant to be a valid strategy? Lads, if you just never move on with your life, eventually you'll get what you want (nevermind that she's the kind of woman who cheats on her fiance).
Now THAT, is a winning message for the youth. Pack it up. Put it on the biggest screens you can in every corner of the world. There's no possible way this could be a corrosive influence. I mean, just look around. Ask anyone and I'm sure they'll tell you that young people today are enjoying the most successful dating market in all of history. Better than 20 years ago when the film was released. And way better than 80 years ago when the film takes place.
Yours Truly,
[Redacted]