Science on Screen! 500 DAYS OF SUMMER (Free for Members) with Guest Speaker Tricia Bennett

This film is part of our Science on Screen® Program, which is supported by The Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation as well as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Special Guest Speaker Tricia Bennett, MA and LMHC, will speak about the psychological and biological forces of love and how they are inextricably entwined.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star in director Marc Webb’s wry, nonlinear romantic comedy about a man who falls head over heels for a woman who doesn’t believe in love. Tom (Gordon-Levitt) is an aspiring architect who currently earns his living as a greeting card writer. Upon encountering his boss’ beautiful new secretary, Summer (Deschanel), Tom discovers that the pair have plenty in common despite the fact that she’s seemingly out of his league; for starters, they both love the Smiths, and they’re both fans of surrealist artist Magritte. Before long Tom is smitten. All he can think about is Summer. Tom believes deeply in the concept of soul mates, and he’s finally found his. Unfortunately for Tom, Summer sees true love as the stuff of fairy tales, and isn’t looking for romance. Undaunted and undeterred by his breezy lover’s casual stance on relationships, Tom summons all of his might and courage to pursue Summer and convince her that their love is real.

Tricia Newell Bennett, MA, LMHC is a therapist in private practice here on the Vineyard.A trainer, author, and consultant in the fields of addiction/recovery and relationship, she has worked with individuals, couples, families, and the professionals who serve them, here and across the country for the past 30 years.

“An unpredictable, immensely satisfying experience, much like love itself.”–Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

“This is a romantic comedy that makes the concept of romantic comedies appealing again — that reminds you how resonant and transporting they can be when they’re done right.”–Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald