A Sensitive, Passionate Man

A Sensitive, Passionate Man is a thought-provoking drama film from 1977 directed by John Newland, starring Angie Dickinson, David Janssen, and Mariclare Costello. Through its compelling narrative, it explores the devastating effects of alcoholism, not just on the individual struggling with the addiction, but also on their family.

The movie stars David Janssen as the protagonist, Michael Delaney, a phenomenally successful architect who seems to have everything you could possibly want from life. David Janssen's portrayal of Delaney is riveting, making him a sympathetic figure despite his evident faults. A self-made man of great intellect and charm, Delaney has a loving wife, a gorgeous home, and financially has no worries. Yet, unbeknownst to many, he's a man tormented by his inner demons, the more pronounced of which is his burgeoning struggle with alcoholism.

Angie Dickinson plays Delaney’s wife, Marjorie, a strong and resilient woman whose love for her husband does not blind her to his distinctive flaws. Dickinson effectively portrays a woman clinging to the vestiges of her failing marriage while trying to shelter her children from the brewing storm. Marjorie's life unswervingly revolves around her husband and children, but she’s forced to reassess her priorities as her husband’s alcohol addiction spirals out of control.

Mariclare Costello delivers a highly emotive performance as a family friend, offering support and guidance through the tumultuous unfolding of events. Her character serves as a voice of reason, offering a realistic perspective on the detrimental effects of Delaney’s addiction on his personal life and career.

What makes A Sensitive, Passionate Man such a captivating movie is the honest and distressing portrayal of the degradation and damage inflicted by alcoholism. The audience is given a stark front-row view of Delaney's descent into self-destruction as he leans heavily into his addiction. His obstinance in refusing help, his denial, and rationalization of his drinking activities are clearly depicted, giving a chilling look into his battle with his addiction.

At the other extreme, Marjorie's struggle to save her family amidst this chaos draws out a strong emotional response from the viewers. Her optimism, constant hope for better days, and her steadfastness to stand by her ailing husband are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Through Marjorie’s character, the director not only outlines the earnest wish of a loving wife and mother to make everything right but also a woman's strength to face painful truths and consider distressing decisions for the sake of her family.

One of the exceptional aspects of the movie is its well-woven narrative, which doesn't merely focus on the struggles of Delaney or Marjorie alone, but it balances both perspectives adequately. It does not romanticize nor vilify the consumption of alcohol, but rather exposes its unvarnished consequences when abused.

Additionally, the film significantly pushes the boundaries of films from the '70s, by its willingness to provide an unreserved portrayal of such a sensitive topic as alcoholism. This reflects a pronounced shift in societal awareness, openness, and discourse around addiction compared to earlier periods.

Technically, the movie is well executed, and the director brilliantly utilizes lighting, sound design, and expressions to portray the mental and emotional state of the characters. Without extensive dialogue or grand embellishes, it delivers a visually aesthetic piece that strongly communicates with the audience. It's also worth noting that the musical score by Jeff Alexander beautifully encapsulates the essence of the story, accentuating both the triumphant victories and heartbreaking failures within the movie.

A Sensitive, Passionate Man is an absorbing film that shines a light on the taboo topic of alcoholism that was less spoken about in the '70s. With its earnest performances from a talented cast and its poignant narrative, it provides a remarkable cinematic experience that would still prove relevant in today's society.