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This is not a love story. This is a story about love.

Released on July 17, 2009
Comedy Drama Romance

In the film '(500) Days of Summer,' we are introduced to Tom Hansen, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a greeting-card writer with an unwavering belief in true love and the concept of soulmates. Tom's life takes an unexpected turn when his girlfriend, Summer Finn, played by Zooey Deschanel, unexpectedly ends their relationship. This abrupt breakup leaves Tom in a state of confusion and heartbreak, pushing him to revisit the myriad moments shared during their 500 days together. As he navigates through their past, he seeks to understand what went wrong in their romance, examining both the highs and the lows that marked their time together.

The narrative structure of the film cleverly oscillates between memories, capturing the essence of Tom's emotional journey. Each memory is filled with seemingly perfect moments that gradually devolve into frustration and disillusionment, accentuating the complexities of modern relationships. Tom's reflections provide insight into his character—a man who invested deeply in his feelings for Summer, only to find that she harbored a distinctly different perspective on love. Through this exploration, the film delves into themes of idealization, the unpredictability of love, and the harsh realities that often accompany romantic endeavors.

Ultimately, '(500) Days of Summer' becomes a story of self-discovery for Tom. As he navigates the remnants of his relationship with Summer, he learns valuable lessons about love, attachment, and personal aspirations. The journey encourages him to reconnect with his true passions and interests, urging him to find solace beyond the heartaches of his past. Through this reflective process, Tom not only gains clarity on what he truly desires in life but also on the importance of moving forward, embracing new experiences, and opening himself up to the possibilities of love once again.

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Full Cast of (500) Days of Summer

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

as Tom

Joseph Gordon-Levitt deliverers a standout performance as Tom Hansen in the innovative and heartfelt film "(500) Days of Summer." His portrayal of a young, hopeless romantic and greeting card writer is both genuine and nuanced, capturing the audience's empathy from the outset. Gordon-Levitt skillfully navigates the nonlinear narrative, expressing a wide array of emotions as he takes viewers on an intimate journey through the 500 days of his character's relationship with Summer, played by Zooey Deschanel. His performance is marked by an endearing blend of optimism, vulnerability, and disillusionment, showcasing his range as an actor. Whether he's exuberantly dancing in a public park after a romantic milestone or wallowing in the depths of heartbreak, Gordon-Levitt's authenticity shines through, making Tom's story both relatable and poignant. His chemistry with Deschanel is palpable, and together they create a realistic depiction of modern love and its complexities. Gordon-Levitt's work in "(500) Days of Summer" is a testament to his ability to convey the intricacies of the human heart, solidifying his reputation as one of his generation's most compelling actors.

Zooey Deschanel

as Summer

Zooey Deschanel delivers a captivating performance as Summer in the innovative romantic comedy '(500) Days of Summer,' which is both a showcase of her acting prowess and a testament to her ability to embody a complex character. Her portrayal of Summer is one of nuanced layers, as she navigates the intricacies of a modern romance with a blend of charm, wit, and emotional depth. Deschanel's Summer is at once enigmatic and relatable, a woman who defies traditional romantic tropes by being unapologetically herself—independent, quirky, and unwilling to conform to the expectations of a conventional love story. Her chemistry with Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character, Tom, is palpable, and it is through her performance that the audience experiences the full spectrum of the film's thematic exploration of love, expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. Deschanel's portrayal is marked by an undercurrent of melancholy that juxtaposes her vibrant exterior, making Summer a memorable and multifaceted character that resonates long after the credits roll.

Geoffrey Arend

as McKenzie

Geoffrey Arend delivers a memorable performance as the quirky and outspoken McKenzie in the film "(500) Days of Summer." His portrayal of the character adds a unique flavor to the narrative, serving as the comedic relief while also providing unexpected wisdom. Arend's McKenzie is the voice of the audience within the film, often pointing out the harsh realities of Tom's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) situation with Summer (Zooey Deschanel), yet he does so with such endearing sincerity that it never feels cynical. With impeccable timing and an infectious energy, Arend's performance is a standout in the ensemble cast, bringing to life a character that is both a loyal friend to Tom and a truth-telling sage, wrapped in a package of humor and heart. His scenes are not only hilarious but also resonate with viewers who have ever been through the tumultuous rollercoaster of love and heartbreak. Arend's embodiment of McKenzie is a testament to his range as an actor and contributes significantly to the film's charm and lasting appeal.

Chloë Grace Moretz

as Rachel

Chloë Grace Moretz delivered a memorable performance as Rachel in the film "(500) Days of Summer," despite her character not being one of the central figures in the narrative. As the younger sister of the protagonist, Tom, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Moretz brought a precocious wisdom and a touch of innocence to the role. Her scenes are sprinkled throughout the film, offering a fresh perspective on Tom's emotional journey as he navigates the complexities of his relationship with Summer, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel. Moretz's performance is characterized by her natural charisma and nuanced understanding of her character, which allows her to connect deeply with the audience in a relatively short amount of screen time. Her character serves as a sounding board for Tom, providing a youthful and insightful take on love and life, which often contrasts with the more jaded outlooks of the adult characters. Moretz's portrayal of Rachel is both endearing and impactful, leaving a lasting impression that underscores the film's exploration of the trials and tribulations of modern romance.

Matthew Gray Gubler

as Paul

Matthew Gray Gubler delivered a memorable performance as Paul in the film '(500) Days of Summer', bringing a unique blend of quirkiness and genuine warmth to the role. As the supportive yet somewhat eccentric best friend to the protagonist, Tom, Gubler's portrayal of Paul is characterized by his impeccable comedic timing and an endearing on-screen presence. His character serves as a light-hearted counterbalance to the more emotionally intense central romance, providing much-needed levity and a dose of reality. Gubler's nuanced performance shines through in the scenes where he offers advice and encouragement to Tom, displaying a depth of friendship and understanding that resonates with viewers. His portrayal of Paul is not only humorous but also underscores the importance of friendship amidst the complexities of love and heartbreak, making his character a standout in the ensemble cast.

Clark Gregg

as Vance

Clark Gregg delivers a nuanced and understated performance as Vance in the film "(500) Days of Summer," a character who serves as the confidant and boss to the protagonist, Tom Hansen, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gregg's portrayal of Vance is a blend of wisdom and casual aloofness, providing a grounded counterbalance to Tom's idealistic and often tumultuous emotional journey. As the architectural firm partner, Vance offers sage advice and a listening ear to Tom, particularly in the midst of his romantic tribulations with Summer, played by Zooey Deschanel. Gregg's performance is marked by a dry wit and a subtle expressiveness that conveys a sense of empathy and experience, hinting at his own past romantic endeavors. His character's scenes are often laced with a touch of irony, as Vance navigates the complexities of both professional and personal relationships, offering insights that resonate with the audience beyond the screen. Gregg's ability to be both relatable and authoritative makes Vance a memorable character in the architectural backdrop of the film, contributing to the overall narrative of love's unpredictable nature with a touch of realism and heart.