Paper Heart, Nicholas Jasenovec

Presented as a documentary on "falling in love" that becomes a record of the budding romance between comedian Charlyne Yi and actor Michael Cera, Paper Heart fails to connect with the viewer in any meaningful way. Interspersed in Yi's personal story are interviews with couples and individuals across the country, each developing ideas about the nature of love.  Perhaps these were filmed as part of the documentary.  The scenes between Yi and Cera are clearly staged, if not scripted, because the director doesn't play himself; instead, he is played by an actor. 

Of course, the line between reality and fiction is a division that the film wants us to puzzle over. And we do, but not because either Yi or her relationship with Cera is very engaging.  In truth, she is extraordinarily tedious.  While Cera's naif persona is charming, her version of the innocent is downright irritating.  She truly seems to be an individual unable to read interpersonal signals--and except when she squeals with delight, she's unable to express or display emotion.  It's like watching a 7-year-old walk through the role of a late adolescent.  As a consequence, I find it difficult to believe that a friend--in the case, director Nicholas Jasenovec--would commit time and money to help her explore the question of love. 

Recommend with caveats.