Surrogate Valentine

Surrogate Valentine is an independent American film released in 2011. Directed by Dave Boyle and starred by Goh Nakamura, Chadd Stoops, and Lynn Chen, this film presents a delightful and touching portrayal of the life of a struggling musician.

The movie revolves around the introverted, San Francisco-based indie singer-songwriter, Goh Nakamura, who plays himself in the film. Goh spends most of his time on the road, playing his quaint and mellow music in small venues across the country. While he receives limited recognition, his music resonates with those who've had a chance to listen to it. His dream is to make his music career successful, but the journey so far has been challenging, and the liveliness he once had for music seems to be gradually fading away.

Surrogate Valentine presents a twist in Nakamura's life when a chance to shine in a movie, featuring popular TV actor Danny Turner, comes his way. Stoops brings life to the character of Turner, a charismatic yet somewhat clueless Hollywood actor who needs Goh's guidance to play an indie musician convincingly in his movie. In this process, Goh becomes a quasi-mentor for Turner, attempting to teach him how to play guitar, project the right image, and understand the lifestyle of a working musician.

However, teaching Turner proves to be trickier than Goh could ever have imagined. Turner's boisterous personality is a far cry from Goh's calm demeanor, making their dynamic an awkward mismatch but, at the same time, paints an engaging and often comical contrast. Throughout this journey, Goh must deal with these opposites — his hope to train Turner successfully and his struggle to get his own music heard and appreciated.

Adding a further layer to this story is romantic interest, Rachel - played by Lynn Chen. Rachel is Goh's high school crush, whom he still carries a torch for. Rachel becomes an important link in the chain of relationships as she is also Turner's fiancee. Here, the movie takes a deeper dive into the complexities of emotions. Goh is entangled in the web of his feelings towards Rachel, ambiguous professional handling of Turner, and the pursuit of his passion for music.

All the events unfurl at a leisurely pace, letting viewers immerse into the life of a struggling musician, feel the raw emotions of unvoiced love, and appreciate the humor unfolding through Goh and Turner's relationship. The character development is meaty, nuanced, and ever evolving, which makes the narrative truly captivating. The subtle and dry humor embedded within the narrative offers light-hearted relief, making the movie a delightful watch.

The story explores themes of ambition, love, perseverance, and the courage to continue pursuing one's passion amidst all odds. In these aspects, the movie becomes a coming-of-age tale of an artist who learns about life, love, and profession in the most unconventional way.

Shot in black-and-white, the film has a distinct aesthetic charm that leaves a lasting impression. Boyle's direction is subtle yet profound, capturing the essence of Goh's journey in a simple, engaging, and sometimes melancholic way. Although largely a comedy-drama, the movie also carries undertones of poignancy that are beautifully expressed via a heart-tugging background score.

Goh Nakamura, playing himself, delivers a naturalistic performance and excels in the pivotal scenes that depict his internal struggles. Chadd Stoops is remarkable in his portrayal of the dynamic Danny Turner. His transition from a superficial actor to someone who starts understanding the nuances of a musician's life is one of the highlights of the film. Lastly, Lynn Chen as Rachel manages to pull her character's weight effectively even though her screentime is comparatively less.

On the whole, Surrogate Valentine is beautifully shot, gently paced, and delightfully scripted. It is an indie gem filled with character-driven humor and charming awkwardness, portraying a slice of life in the indie music scene while presenting a tale of personal growth. With a soulful score, engaging performances, and an appealing blend of drama and comedy, the film is a lovely exploration of growth, passion, and the messy beauty of life.