Strangers When We Meet

Strangers When We Meet is a 1960 American drama film directed by Richard Quine and starring Kirk Douglas, Kim Novak, and Ernie Kovacs. The film is based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Evan Hunter, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie features a complex love triangle involving architecture, marriage, and infidelity, and explores themes similar to those found in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Gustave Flaubert. The film's cinematography was handled by Charles Lang, who had previously worked on films such as The Big Heat and Some Came Running.

● Introduction

The film Strangers When We Meet was released in 1960, a time of great social change in the United States, with the Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum and the Cold War escalating. The movie's themes of adultery and marital dissatisfaction were reflective of the changing social norms of the time, as seen in the works of authors such as John Updike and Philip Roth. The film's director, Richard Quine, had previously worked on films such as My Sister Eileen and Bell, Book and Candle, and had established himself as a master of the romantic comedy genre. The film's star, Kirk Douglas, had recently appeared in films such as Spartacus and Lonely Are the Brave, and was known for his intense, method acting style, which was influenced by the teachings of Lee Strasberg and the Actors Studio.

● Plot

The plot of Strangers When We Meet revolves around the complex relationships between Larry Coe (played by Kirk Douglas), a successful architect; Maggie Gault (played by Kim Novak), a beautiful and alluring housewife; and Felix Anders (played by Ernie Kovacs), a charming but untrustworthy artist. As the story unfolds, Larry Coe becomes embroiled in a passionate affair with Maggie Gault, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with her husband, Ken Gault (played by John Bryant). Meanwhile, Felix Anders becomes infatuated with Maggie Gault and begins to pursue her, leading to a series of complicated and tumultuous events. The film's plot is reminiscent of the works of William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, who explored similar themes of desire and betrayal in their writing.

● Production

The production of Strangers When We Meet was handled by Richard Quine, who had previously worked on films such as The Solid Gold Cadillac and It Happened to Jane. The film's screenplay was written by Evan Hunter, who had also written the novel on which the film is based. The film's cinematography was handled by Charles Lang, who used a combination of black-and-white and color footage to create a unique and visually striking effect. The film's score was composed by George Duning, who had previously worked on films such as The Devil at 4 O'Clock and Bell, Book and Candle. The film was shot on location in Los Angeles and New York City, and featured a number of cameos by well-known actors and actresses, including Walter Matthau and Barbara Rush.

● Reception

The reception of Strangers When We Meet was generally positive, with many critics praising the film's complex characters and thought-provoking themes. The film was praised by critics such as Bosley Crowther of The New York Times and Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times, who noted the film's sophisticated and adult approach to themes such as adultery and marital dissatisfaction. The film was also praised by directors such as Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese, who cited the film as an influence on their own work. However, the film was not without its critics, and some viewers found the film's slow pace and complex plot to be confusing or off-putting.

● Themes

The themes of Strangers When We Meet are complex and multi-layered, and include explorations of adultery, marital dissatisfaction, and the human condition. The film also touches on themes such as identity, desire, and the search for meaning in a post-war world. The film's characters are complex and nuanced, and are driven by a range of motivations and desires. The film's themes are reminiscent of the works of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, who explored similar themes of existentialism and absurdism in their writing. The film's score and cinematography also add to the film's themes, creating a moody and atmospheric effect that draws the viewer into the world of the film.

● Adaptations

Strangers When We Meet has been adapted into a number of different forms, including a stage play and a radio drama. The film's novel has also been translated into a number of different languages, including French, Spanish, and German. The film's themes and characters have also been influential in the work of other writers and directors, including Woody Allen and Francis Ford Coppola. The film's legacy can be seen in a number of other films, including The Graduate and American Beauty, which explore similar themes of alienation and disillusionment. The film's influence can also be seen in the work of authors such as John Cheever and Richard Yates, who explored similar themes of suburban ennui and marital dissatisfaction in their writing.