Is Whatever Makes You Happy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2010)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Whatever Makes You Happy, a standout production of 2010, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Based on Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, Whatever Makes You Happy is an exploration of the all too common trappings of dissatisfaction and infidelity in the relationships of urban twenty somethings. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Based on Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, Whatever Makes You Happy is an exploration of the all too common trappings of dissatisfaction and infidelity in the relationships of urban twenty somethings. Anna is a practical and bookish grad student. She lives a comfortable, yet safe life of study, friends, and her long time boyfriend Kevin. Alex is a musician, living the carefree urban hipster lifestyle, perfectly happy to coast through life unencumbered. Everything changes when by chance Anna and Alex meet through friends and connect in a way neither of them expected. This unlikely pair start a fiercely heated affair, putting both of their worlds in jeopardy. Is what they have together enough to survive the damage it causes?"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Rachel Delante, the performance in Whatever Makes You Happy feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by A.T. Sayre is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Whatever Makes You Happy truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Whatever Makes You Happy explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2010 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and A.T. Sayre respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Whatever Makes You Happy is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Rachel Delante or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Whatever Makes You Happy is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.