BUtterfield 8

BUtterfield 8 is a compelling and dramatic film released in 1960, headlined by iconic stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, and Eddie Fisher. With a stark portrayal of societal expectations, the flow of human emotion, and the intricacies of relationships, the film remains a poignant cinematic experience.

Elizabeth Taylor, in her Academy Award-winning performance, brilliantly takes on the character of Gloria Wandrous. Wandrous is a model by profession residing in New York City, but her apparent glamorous lifestyle only serves as a façade. She has a complicated past and leads a turbulent life marked by fleeting romantic encounters and questionably immoral actions. Even though she has numerous admirers, she has chosen to live as a free-spirited woman, dancing to her own tune. However, beneath the surface, Wandrous is a sensitive soul who yearily yearns for genuine love, solace, and acceptance. Taylor's magnetic presence onscreen transforms this flawed character into an unforgettable persona.

Laurence Harvey, known for his powerful performances, matches Taylor's intensity in the role of Weston Liggett. Liggett, a married man, wears an exterior of respectability. His wife Emily, effectively portrayed by Dina Merrill, isn't oblivious to her husband's philandering ways but has chosen to turn a blind eye, wrapped up in her high society lifestyle. Liggett finds exactly the type of adventure and recklessness he seeks, albeit consequences, when he is drawn into Wandrous's spellbinding orbit. Harvey's portrayal of this dignified yet morally compromised man adds a layer of complexity to the film's narrative.

The movie also features Eddie Fisher in the role of Steve Carpenter, a professional pianist and long-time friend to Wandrovers. He constantly finds himself acting as a calming influence in her chaotic life while battling feelings of more than platonic love for her. His struggle between friendship, love, and personal desires adds another dimension to the plot.

Delving deep into the societal underbelly of the late '50s, BUtterfield 8 presents a critique on class divisions, moral hypocrisy, and sexual repression. Taylor's character, Wandrous, constantly fights against the labels society thrust upon her, flaunting her independence and avoiding true commitment. Life tests her when she finds herself emotionally attached to Liggett. The movie, as it unfolds, becomes a kaleidoscope of human desires, frailties, secrets, and redeeming factors.

The setting hints at conservatism colliding with an emerging radical counterculture. The freeway, clubs, apartments, suburbs, and countryside - each location is used to subtly highlight the characters' transformations. Interwoven in this dramatic narrative are twists and turns that hold the viewers to their seats, and the high caliber acting pulls at their heartstrings.

One critical component of BUtterfield 8 is its intricate and thoughtfully developed close-up shots. These allow the audience a glimpse of the complex emotional landscape of the characters. Elizabeth Taylor's sparkling violet eyes, full of strength and vulnerability, are utilized to a mesmerizing effect in these instances.

Director Daniel Mann's craftsmanship is well evident in his unrestrained look at societal norms. With a script by Charles Schnee and John Michael Hayes, the dialogues pack a punch, highlighting the intrinsic nature of each character and painting a vivid picture of their worlds.

A reflection of its time, BUtterfield 8 takes on a bold theme for the 60s era. It masterfully juxtaposes the pristine outward appearances against the conflicting inner world. A narrative echoing remnants of morality tales, the film dwells on the desires and struggles of its central characters, gratefully granting them shades of grey, making them neither purely villainous nor virtuous.

Moreover, the film's score, courtesy of Bronislau Kaper, brilliantly complements the onscreen drama, providing an intricate soundtrack that accentuates each moment's emotional load, adding another feather in the cap of this sumptuous melodrama.

BUtterfield 8 stands as a classic testament, reflecting an era on the cusp of a psycho-social revolution. Led by the star power of Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, and Eddie Fisher, the film touches upon human complexities hidden behind the polished façade of societal norms. As much as it's a showcase of glamorous stars, the film is a labyrinth of vivid themes, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable performances that resonate on multiple societal levels.