A few fragmentary thoughts:
Magnificent subtlety.
Every aspect of the film effortlessly and precisely creates the lyrically nostalgic aura and 35mm film adds a lot texture to it. There is an air of silence and distance flowing throughout the film. Light and dignified, it is a restrained and gentle look back, stare, and contemplation. There are many moving details. Very contemporary and very personal. Even the public sequences in the movie are inherent. It's neat - the kind that's authoritative and inspiring.
Ryan Gosling's truthfully poetic and quiet presence helps so much to set the tone as well. His private grief & emotional stability. His everyday silence, grit, focus. In that lonely and vast space, facing the void and the unknown, let go of Karen's bracelet. His sorrow and remembrance are full but silent, and the moonlight reflects each other forever. Claire Foy and the rest of the cast are spot-on too.
The statement written by William Safire was beautiful, but thank god it didn't get used.
(Because it exceeds the word count, it is written here.)
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