An Unmarried Woman
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Movie Reviews of An Unmarried Woman
Movie Review: Time Heals (Almost) Everything
Summary: 5 Stars
I remember how the movie hit me when it was first released. I was not yet 30, fairly recently married myself, and pretty relentless about seeing every new non-traditional American movie I could. Mazursky was a personal favourite, especially with Bob and Carol, Next Stop and Blume in Love. He was telling stories that no one else dared to tell -- no cross-country mythic hippes, no foul tongue-lashing Nicholson vehicle, not even Fonda (Jane) showing just how sexy glum can be.
Jill CLayburgh was perfectly suited to the era -- attractive without being wondrous, teeth imperfect and shown up close without apology, dancing in her panties (a Clayburgh signature that would later become tedious) -- most of all for her genuine humanity, self-deprecating manner and heartbreaking vulnerability. She was both movie star clean and normal, at the same time.
Looking at the film now, it's fascinating to try distinguishing whether its original power has any currency. I showed the film to a college class of first-year students, all women by coincidence, and they were split -- many thought it coy and many others were startled at the greater power of this film over Sex and the City -- what emerged from that seminar, and what I think sets this movie apart from being "of its time and nothing more", is that the women of the film are viewed as mature (in a good way), searching human beings, while the quartet of gals in Sex in the City are seen as desperately clinging to their notions of youth to the exclusion of their own deeper needs and desires. The class was really taken aback when they realized that the women in the Mazursky film were the same age as Samantha, Carrie and Co. That, alone, makes "An Unmarried Woman" worth adding to important film lists.
Movie Review: Even though it may seem dated, it IS what makes a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
The more I watch this well loved, intimate, unique film, the more I love and appreciate it. People, you are missing out on a unique piece of American culture if you neglect this gem.Not only is the acting so astounding , the actors were so naturalistic which was so indicative of the 70's ( and to me , so sorely missed. Not to sound dowdy but so much of today;s acting is merely posing and pouting and trying to look the all-important-sexy-at-all-costs) The story is simple and human, a broken marriage , a woman who finds her core...but told so beautifully ,and in the background is that city, that city, that city which to me is also another actress in the film, our New York...
Also another major plus in the DVD is the commentary by Paul Mazursky and Jill Clayburgh. They have such insight and warmth and interesting commentary, not just about the making of the film but about art and acting and life . To me it was worth it to hear these wonderful artists express their ideas and memories. I have to admit, I love them both and so much of my life was shaped by this movie.
It is a truly underrated and underappreciated piece of art. It is ART ! The score is divine too. If you think , after the 1st viewing, that maybe you dont like it, it is too 70s or corny,,, give it another try. It is truly a whole little world that you are glimpsing, Mr Mazursky created a magical place, and I never never tire of going there.
Movie Review: The decade of the women on the top!
Summary: 5 Stars
The social convulsion of the seventies affected all the layers of the family; many men simply gave up and many women had to face the life with major realism and mercurial energy. The pivot in this sense might be found in the legendary cult movie of John Cassavetes: "A woman under the influence", but the raising of such talented actresses on stage such as Jane Fonda, Glenda Jackson, Catherine Deneuve, Rommy Schneider, Hanna Schygulla, Liv Ullman, Julie Christie, Vanessa Redgrave, Sally Field, Jill Clayburgh, Diane Keaton, or Ellen Burstyn were far to be a mere casualty; they responded to a vision of a world in crisis at different levels, emotional, affective and existential.
Jill Clayburgh (one of my everlasting favorite American actresses) will undertake the exigent task of facing her own life after his husband walks out on her.
One of the top American movies of the Seventies!
Movie Review: Mazursky At His Best
Summary: 5 Stars
Jill Clayburgh delivered the most memorable performance of her career as a divorced woman in this poignant 1978 drama from writer-director Paul Mazursky.
At the beginning of the film, Jill is a reasonably happy wife and mother, married to successful stock broker Michael Murphy. However, her life is shattered when Murphy suddenly announces that he is in love with another woman and wants a divorce.
Single again after seventeen years, Jill spends several weeks trying to redefine herself. She dates, engages in some one-night stands and, ultimately, meets artist Alan Bates with whom she falls in love. Now, she must decide whether to make another romantic commitment, or to enjoy her newly discovered feeling of independence.
This is, arguably, Mazursky's finest work. He and Ms. Clayburgh supply audio commentary on the DVD.
© Michael B. Druxman
Movie Review: Amazing on DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
I couldn't wait for this film to be digitized, and the print is just beautiful. You can see Clayburgh's freckles! Some of those classic shots of her face are even more amazing when you can see her clearly. And the views of the New York skyline are even lovelier when the lights don't look like one big blur. Both the sound and the color have been cleaned up and are excellent. My only wish for the 30th anniversary edition next year (marketing opportunity alert) would be additional supplementary material. Something with Bates before his death would be thrilling. However, this package does include a long commentary with both Jill and Mazursky--worth listening to if you're a fan of the movie, though Mazursky gets a bit repetitious and obvious at times. If you're a long-time New Yorker, the info about where various scenes were shot is quite interesting.