Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. So how about marking the various viewpoints of devotion by taking a romantic trip through such film classics as “The Awful Truth,” “Roman Holiday,” “The Way We Were,” and France’s “Amelie”? Every year, whether in a relationship or not, one of these gems should go into the DVD player to offer a comedic or tragic take on passionate love.
“The Awful Truth” – Cary Grant, Irene Dunne in a Comedy of Remarriage
Often overlooked when citing cinema classics, “The Awful Truth” is a perfect screwball comedy from the 1930s. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for director Leo McCarey, and also stars such heavy hitters as Irene Dunne (nominated for Best Actress), Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy, and Asta the dog as Mr. Smith (a forerunner to “The Artist’s” canine).
A timeless comedy of remarriage, the film begins with a couple (Dunne and Grant) getting a divorce, fighting over the custody of their dog, and then working their way back together through hysterical antics that all involve cleverly ruining one another’s relationships with suitors, including Dunne’s Oklahoma hick suitor (Ralph Bellamy). “The Awful Truth” is a delight.
“Roman Holiday” – Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn in William Wyler’s Award-Winner
Director William Wyler’s “Roman Holiday” has it all: beautiful Rome locations, a love story between a princess (Audrey Hepburn) and a journalist (Gregory Peck); an escape from responsibilities; and then, finally, a mature return to those same responsibilities, all because of love. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won three, including one for Audrey Hepburn as Best Actress in her screen debut.
Although filmed in 1953, “Roman Holiday” ages like a fine wine. It deals with the timely subject of a newspaperman and photojournalist (Eddie Albert) trying to get the scoop on the escaped royal princess in order to sell her story for big money. But thank goodness for true love, even when it hurts.
“The Way We Were” – Streisand, Redford, Romance – Enough Said
Love is seen in a more complicated environment with 1973’s “The Way We Were.” Written by Arthur Laurents, directed by Sydney Pollack. and starring screen legends Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, “The Way We Were” is a romantic examination of the notion of “opposites attract” — until they don’t.
Streisand stars as Katie Morosky, a left-leaning political activist who meets Redford’s Hubbell first in college and then post-WWII. Both creatively and politically talented, the two get together and move to Hollywood, where Hubbell becomes a successful screenwriter and Katie becomes an outspoken opponent of McCarthyism and Hollywood’s Blacklist. A movie that ages very well, “The Way We Were” reflects the more modern sensibility where things don’t always turn out the way we hope, even when we love one another.
“Amelie” – Audrey Tautou Stars in this French Feel Good Movie
“Amelie” is a bit of an oddball pick for a Valentine movie, which fits perfectly with the film’s oddball charm. Nominated for five Academy Awards in 2001, “Amelie” stars Audrey Tautou in the title role of a painfully shy but imaginative Parisian waitress who, after a finding a previous tenant’s box of mementos, decides to return the treasures to its owner. This brings such happiness to the man that she decides to help others find happiness. Seeing the joy she brings, Amelie becomes more open about her own life, including finding a love of her own. A lovely lesson for us all.
For other film reviews by Lori Huck, check out:
‘The Artist ‘ Review: A Silent Masterpiece in Modern Film
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