I drink perhaps too much. I am in the process of giving up cigarettes thus my general view of the ...
I drink perhaps too much. I am in the process of giving up cigarettes thus my general view of the world is marred by eternal desire for nicotine. It does not make me an amiable person.
Member since:29.03.2004
Reviews:13
Right, I’m a big person (it’s getting more literally these days, but that’s another story) and I will put my hands in the air and admit that I am fickle and would enjoy this film even if the story were dire and torturous. I simply defy any woman to watch this 114 minute film, and more specifically watch and ogle Hubbell Gardner (a young Robert Redford. Swoon - God certainly outdid himself with this one) and not just love this movie because, well – we’re women and this is one of the perks! However, the movie itself was surprisingly good, or no, not surprisingly as it does star a working cast, I mean Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand, well – they’re quite good really and it is directed by a rather talented bloke, Sydney Pollack (Tootsie, Out of Africa and MANY more). The movie was made in 1973 (though is set in 30’s to 50’s), and tells the story of the rocky relationship between conservative writer Hubbell Gardner (Hubba Hubba Redford) and Katie Morosky, K K K K Kikki (Streisand) an intense (this may be an understatement)
political activist.
They go to the same college. He, of course, is popular, an intelligent ‘jock’ but sensitive too and she is on the opposite spectrum, not too popular and embroiled in politics, political rants and so on. Opposites indeed but they meet and find a bonding of sorts, she enjoys his writing (well, wouldn’t you) and he is perhaps mystified by her, amazed at how seriously she takes life, and somewhat bemused by it. There’s an attraction there, on her side the obvious reasons, he’s seemingly the perfect man (though we know there’s no such thing) and on his side, he’s intrigued.
She meets him a few years later. He is in office attire (sigh) and dozing at the bar (sigh), she is working at a radio and has spectacular nails - of course! She’s not too shy either as her will subsequently means that he ends up at her small abode and things somewhat progress, he’s inebriated but does it matter? OKAY, I will stop that now! They fall in love, despite the opinions of friends and the complete differences of beliefs and personality. It is, of course, not a relationship that runs smoothly, for how could it when she believes that everyone should care and have an opinion and he, of course, is laid back and believes in seeing the lighter side of things, as do his friends, which sends Katie into mania. Their relationship, however, does progress (amidst many an up and down saga) and they move to Hollywood and amidst the blacklist proceedings (during the McCarthy era) their relationships and drastic difference in opinions causes a stain on the relationship.
This movie is, indeed a romance with drama and comedy, and wonderfully done as opposed to some of the romantic slosh that is thrown around these days. It has intelligence and the relationship between Redford and Streisand works – the chemistry is there and you believe that they do love one another, but are both unable to change in their ways, the catch 22 – perhaps because these opinions and beliefs are what encouraged their love. I have watched this movie a coupe of times, not solely for the reasons that HE is scrumptious and not too damaging on the eye, but because it’s a nice weepy with a bit of brain, the first time I watched it I was quite sceptical about whether Hubbell really did love Katie, I wondered if perhaps he somehow got used to the relationship and was powerless to end it. However, on second viewing I could see the love, definitely one that grew. But it was there.
The acting is superb. Streisand is brilliant, and although annoying and sometimes you have visions of giving her a gentle thump (though I am not into violence of any sort), you understand her plight and her love. She really does love him and you have to admire her for giving the relationship her ‘all’ and wearing her heart firmly on her sleeves. Sometimes it does make you squirm, but good on her I say! Redford is great and of course convincing as the popular writer, though I don’t think it was a role too demanding.
The support cast is brilliant, with James Woods starring as Streisands activist friend possibly in love with her (I give you that it sounds horribly predictable and cheesy though no point in the movie does it appear so, not blatantly at least).
The Way We Were won an academy award for best song (The Way We Were – Barbara Sreisand) and best score, and Barbara Sreisand was nominated for an academy award for best actress.
It’s a movie for an overcast or rainy day, it is preferable not to have any anti chick-flick persons around even though it is not your typical inane vacuous chick flick in any way, but you do not want to mar the experience by having someone near you that will offer cynical commentary the way through. Lie back and relax and enjoy and do not get too put out by the historical inaccuracies as a lot was left on the cutting room floor. Remember, it’s a MOVIE!
Enjoy!
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Production Year: 2003 - Drama - Director: Michael Winterbottom - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri, Jeanne Balibar
Production Year: 1991 - Drama - Director: Joel Schumacher - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Julia Roberts, Campbell Scott, Vincent D'Onofrio, David Selby, Colleen Dewhurst
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
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