Culture Cram: Zoe Kazan in 'Ruby Sparks'

In Ruby Sparks, Zoe Kazan (who also wrote the screenplay) plays the girl of Paul Dano's dreams.
(image via Entertainment Weekly)

One of this summer's biggest breakout stars is not only an actress; she's also a screenwriter. Zoe Kazan wrote the quirky romantic fantasy Ruby Sparks, in which she plays the title character, the dream girl of young writer Calvin (Paul Dano), who conjures her into his real life when he begins writing about her.

In a summer brimming with 3D superhero movies and raunchy comedies, it's always nice to take a breather and enjoy an original independent film. It's especially nice when the film introduces us to a clever and creative new voice like Kazan's. Critics are raving about the young talent's writing chops. Elle's Karen Durbin calls the film "combustibly marvelous" and writes that the script is a "stellar, and mind-bending, screenwriting debut." Kazan's knack for mixing fantasy and romance draws comparisons to writers like Charlie Kaufman (best known for writing 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). Dave Karger of Entertainment Weekly writes that Kazan "could be Charlie Kaufman's little sister."

Another reason to see this new romantic comedy is the directing team. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, known for their first film, Little Miss Sunshine (2006), are at the helm of this indie fantasy. Here they reunite with Little Miss Sunshine actor Paul Dano.

If that's not enough to convince you, maybe the fact that Dano and Kazan are a real-life couple will. From the story to the film's production, Ruby Sparks is an interesting blend of fantasy and reality.

Give your eyes (and your wallet) a break from 3D this summer and check out Ruby Sparks. It's out in limited release on July 25th.

Jill O'Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

TWITTER • FACEBOOK • FEATHER-MAG.COM