Old Fashioned ( 2014 )

Old Fashioned (2014): A Deep Dive into Courtship and Romantic Ideals

Old Fashioned, a 2014 romantic drama written and directed by Rik Swartzwelder, presents a strikingly different perspective on modern relationships. It dares to challenge the prevailing hookup culture and casual dating trends, advocating for a return to more traditional and intentional methods of courtship. The film, while lauded by some for its refreshing idealism, has also faced criticism for its perceived unrealistic portrayal of romance and potential perpetuation of restrictive gender roles. This article delves into the narrative, characters, themes, critical reception, and lasting impact of Old Fashioned, examining its strengths and weaknesses in the context of contemporary romantic dynamics.

Synopsis

The story revolves around Clay Walsh (played by Rik Swartzwelder himself), a former fraternity brother with a checkered past who has since embraced a deeply conservative and idealistic view of romance. He runs an antique shop in a small college town and lives by a strict set of rules designed to protect both himself and the women he dates. These rules include no being alone with a woman in his apartment unless chaperoned, no physical intimacy before marriage, and a strong emphasis on meaningful conversation and shared values.

Amber Howard (Elizabeth Roberts), a free-spirited and independent-minded woman, moves to town and rents the apartment above Clay's shop. Intrigued and initially skeptical of Clay's unconventional approach to relationships, Amber gradually finds herself drawn to his sincerity, integrity, and the genuine effort he puts into understanding her as a person. As they spend more time together, engaging in intellectual discussions and exploring their shared faith, they begin to develop a deep connection.

However, their burgeoning relationship is not without its challenges. Amber struggles to reconcile Clay's strict rules with her own independent nature and past experiences. Clay, haunted by his past mistakes, battles his own insecurities and fears of repeating them. Furthermore, their unconventional courtship attracts criticism and judgment from others who find their approach outdated and unrealistic. The film culminates in a decision point where both Clay and Amber must confront their own vulnerabilities and decide if they are willing to fully commit to a relationship built on these old-fashioned principles.

Character Analysis

The success of Old Fashioned hinges largely on the believability and relatability of its two central characters:

Clay Walsh

Clay is the embodiment of the film's central ideology. He is portrayed as a repentant man seeking to atone for his past behavior. His strict rules, while seemingly rigid, are presented as a genuine attempt to honor women and build a relationship on a foundation of respect and intentionality. He is portrayed as intelligent, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his values. However, his past trauma makes him vulnerable and prone to overcorrection, sometimes leading to an overly cautious and restrictive approach. His internal conflict between his desire for connection and his fear of repeating past mistakes is a central theme throughout the film.

Amber Howard

Amber serves as a counterpoint to Clay's rigid idealism. She is independent, intelligent, and has a more modern perspective on relationships. She is initially skeptical of Clay's rules but is drawn to his sincerity and the effort he puts into understanding her. Amber's character provides a more relatable perspective for contemporary audiences, as she grapples with the challenges of reconciling her independence with the desire for a meaningful and committed relationship. Her own experiences with past relationships influence her apprehension but also her growing respect for Clay's principles.

Themes Explored

Old Fashioned explores a multitude of themes, challenging conventional notions of romance and relationships:

• Intentionality in Relationships: The film emphasizes the importance of approaching relationships with intention and purpose, rather than simply drifting along. Clay's rules are designed to create a space for meaningful conversation, shared values, and a deeper understanding of each other.
• Respect and Honor: The film advocates for a relationship built on mutual respect and honor, particularly in regards to physical intimacy. It challenges the casual hookup culture and argues for a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to physical connection.
• Redemption and Forgiveness: Both Clay and Amber are portrayed as flawed individuals with past experiences that have shaped their views on relationships. The film explores the themes of redemption and forgiveness, both for oneself and for others.
• The Clash Between Tradition and Modernity: The film highlights the tension between traditional values and modern sensibilities in the context of relationships. Clay's old-fashioned approach clashes with Amber's more independent and contemporary worldview, creating a source of conflict and growth.
• The Importance of Communication: Meaningful conversation and open communication are portrayed as essential components of a healthy relationship. The film emphasizes the importance of understanding each other's values, beliefs, and expectations.
• Faith and Values: The film incorporates elements of Christian faith and values, influencing Clay's worldview and providing a framework for his approach to relationships. This aspect of the film has been both praised and criticized, depending on the viewer's own beliefs.

Critical Reception

Old Fashioned received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its refreshing idealism and its willingness to challenge the prevailing hookup culture. Others criticized it for its perceived unrealistic portrayal of romance, its restrictive gender roles, and its heavy-handed use of Christian themes. The film's low budget and independent production values were also cited as limitations.

Positive aspects highlighted by some critics included:

• The film's sincerity and earnestness.
• Its focus on meaningful conversation and shared values.
• Its challenge to the casual dating scene.
• The refreshing portrayal of a male character advocating for respect and restraint.

Negative aspects highlighted by other critics included:

• The unrealistic and idealized portrayal of romance.
• The perceived restrictive and potentially harmful gender roles.
• The lack of complexity in the characters.
• The heavy-handed use of Christian themes and symbolism.
• The slow pacing and lack of dramatic tension.

The film's box office performance was modest, but it generated a significant amount of discussion and debate about its themes and messages. It resonated with some audiences who felt alienated by the modern dating landscape and longed for a more traditional and intentional approach to relationships.

Analysis of Key Scenes

Several scenes stand out as particularly significant in conveying the film's themes and character development:

• The First Meeting: Clay and Amber's initial encounter establishes their contrasting personalities and perspectives. Amber's initial skepticism and Clay's earnest explanation of his rules set the stage for their ongoing conflict and eventual connection.
• The Chaperoned Date: The scene depicting Clay and Amber's first chaperoned date highlights the unconventional nature of their courtship and allows for meaningful conversation without the pressure of physical intimacy.
• The Discussion About Past Relationships: This scene reveals the vulnerabilities of both Clay and Amber, as they share their past experiences and the reasons behind their current approaches to relationships.
• The Confrontation with Brad: The confrontation between Clay and Brad, Amber's ex-boyfriend, underscores the contrasting values and priorities in their respective approaches to relationships.
• The Final Decision: The climactic scene where Clay and Amber decide whether to commit to a relationship built on their shared values is the culmination of their emotional journey and a test of their willingness to overcome their fears and insecurities.

Impact and Legacy

Old Fashioned, despite its mixed critical reception, sparked a conversation about the state of modern relationships and the value of traditional courtship. It became a talking point within certain Christian circles and resonated with individuals seeking an alternative to the casual hookup culture. The film's legacy lies in its ability to prompt viewers to question their own assumptions about love, relationships, and the meaning of commitment. While some may find its ideals unrealistic or even harmful, the film's message of intentionality, respect, and meaningful connection continues to resonate with those seeking a deeper and more fulfilling romantic experience.

Strengths and Weaknesses

To provide a balanced view, here's a summary of the film's key strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Presents an alternative to the hookup culture.
• Promotes intentionality and meaningful connection in relationships.
• Highlights the importance of respect and honor.
• Offers a redemptive narrative for characters with flawed pasts.
• Sparks conversation about the nature of love and commitment.

Weaknesses

• May be perceived as unrealistic and idealized.
• Can be seen as promoting restrictive gender roles.
• May be overly simplistic in its portrayal of complex issues.
• May alienate viewers who do not share its religious worldview.
• Suffers from low-budget production values.

Comparison with Other Romantic Dramas

Old Fashioned stands apart from many contemporary romantic dramas due to its overt emphasis on traditional values and its rejection of casual relationships. While other films may explore themes of love, loss, and commitment, Old Fashioned uniquely positions itself as a counter-narrative to the prevailing trends in modern dating. Films like (500) Days of Summer, for example, deconstruct the traditional romantic comedy trope, while Old Fashioned attempts to revive a more traditional approach. Compared to films like Fireproof which also carries Christian themes, Old Fashioned focuses less on marital issues and more on the courtship process itself.

Detailed Tables

Table 1: Character Comparison

Table 2: Key Themes and Their Representation

Table 3: Critical Reception Summary

Conclusion

Old Fashioned remains a significant film not for its cinematic brilliance, but for the important questions it raises about love, relationships, and the values we prioritize. It's a film that provokes discussion and challenges viewers to consider alternative approaches to building lasting connections. While its old-fashioned ideals may not appeal to everyone, its emphasis on intentionality, respect, and meaningful communication offers a valuable perspective in an increasingly complex and often superficial dating landscape.