Choices

Choices is a compelling drama film released in 1981, directed by the accomplished Silvio Narizzano. The film stars talented actors such as Paul Carafotes, Victor French, and Lelia Goldoni, who bring formidable depth and nuanced performances to their respective roles. The story is deeply human and complex, revolving around the choices we make in our lives, how they shape us, and the consequences we must face.

The film showcases the life of a high school student, John Carluccio, brilliantly portrayed by Paul Carafotes. John grapples with typical teenage issues, like romantic pursuits and educational decisions. Still, he is also extraordinarily talented; he is a football star in his high school, and this skill promises opportunities such as the chance of a college scholarship. As the story unfolds, John's life takes a turn when he discovers that his girlfriend Kathy, played by Valentina Cortese, is pregnant.

This simple life of scoring touchdowns and dreaming about a brighter future suddenly becomes fraught with complications. The very title, Choices, arises from not only John's grappling with whether to abandon his sports career and take responsibility as a young father, but also Kathy's challenging predicament. It imparts a message about the crucial decision-making processes in life and how they often force us toward unexpected routes.

Now, the characters are wrestling with not only their own choices that show their maturity beyond their years but also society's pressure and expectations. It is this very narrative that is the soul of the film, bringing to light the nuances of life-altering decisions and their inevitable consequences. Moreover, the film also touches upon the theme of lost innocence, depicting the difficulties adolescents face in their transition to adulthood, particularly when it hits prematurely.

Paul Carafotes, in his early career days here, gives a heart-wrenching performance as John. He beautifully portrays John’s inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile his dreams with unexpected responsibility. On the other hand, Valentina Cortese as Kathy offers a strong portrayal of the vulnerability and confusion associated with teenage pregnancy. Her performance highlights the trauma and fear young girls experience when facing such a life-altering event.

Victor French brilliantly acts as John’s coach Murphy, playing a paternal figure invested in John's success. Murphy sees John’s potential as a football player, and his protective instinct kicks in upon hearing about the pregnancy. He is torn between supporting John’s sports career, which could be a ticket out of their small town, and understanding John’s commitment to Kathy.

Meanwhile, Lelia Goldoni superbly portrays Kathy's caring mother, who is equally concerned and supportive of the young couple's predicament. The dynamics she shares with Kathy show a mother-daughter bond that's both nurturing and resilient.

Choices, set in a typical American small town, has a vibrant and relatable backdrop. The aesthetic of the location and the rich character development helps in creating an authentic texture for the narrative as well as providing a pleasing visual experience.

The film's director, Silvio Narizzano, does an excellent job capturing this emotionally charged drama on the screen. His storytelling approach is both sensitive and realistic, thus offering viewers a relatable and moving narrative. Through Choices, Narizzano highlights how quick moments and decisions can drastically alter the course of a young life.

Over the years, Choices has garnered cult status for its realistic portrayal of teenage pregnancy and its subsequent challenges. This film manages to tread the tightrope of bringing to life the hardships, dilemmas, and emotional turbulence faced by a young couple without resorting to melodrama or oversimplification.

To sum it up, Choices is a highly emotive film that captures the pivotal moments in the lives of its characters with raw honesty and sensitivity. It pinpoints the bittersweet evolution from the innocuous dreams of youth to unavoidable hard truths of adulthood, all while asking you, the viewer, to reflect on your own life choices. This film is not only a must-watch because of its narrative but also because of the stellar performances that bring this narrative to life.

There is no denying that Choices is a powerful film – one that emphasizes the wide-ranging consequences of our decisions, the hard truths of responsibility, and the importance of standing by those choices - truly living up to its name.