Good Morning and... Goodbye!

Good Morning and... Goodbye! is a classic 1967 film directed by Russ Meyer, known for his tongue-in-cheek campy style and distinctively exploitative yet fiercely independent filmography. This quintessentially colorful and exuberant film stars Alaina Capri, Stuart Lancaster, and Patrick Wright and is packed with the characteristic mix of satire, sexuality, and humor that Meyer was famed for.

Set in the heart of America, in a seemingly ordinary small town, the plot expertly captures a period snapshot of the country's swinging sixties' rapidly evolving social and sexual dynamics. The storyline is laced with Meyer's unmistakable style and quirky element of expressionism, focusing on the melodramatic struggles in the lives of several vibrant individuals.

The movie's main protagonist is Paul, a wealthy but discontented man, brilliantly portrayed by Stuart Lancaster. Paul finds himself at odds with his stunning but sexually-repressed and younger wife, Roxy, played by the beautiful Alaina Capri. Living together on a lavish country estate, the couple's ennui is evident. Matters complicate further when Roxy's brawny yet dim-witted handyman Tom, played by Patrick Wright, enters their tumultuous world.

The so-called 'modesty' and 'subservience' that women were expected to personify during this era are notably challenged in this film. Roxy, the confident, misunderstood housewife who yearns for her husband's attention; Bobbi, the wild country vixen; and an eccentric nymph of the woods, offer intriguing depictions of women in contrast to their traditional portrayal. Their entangled roles significantly drive the plot, creating an engaging balance between the dramatic and the erotic.

Viewers encounter a plethora of unique and alluring characters throughout the narrative. From a voluptuous barmaid to a wise old hermit, each character is more significant and memorable than the last, bringing their own special brand of charm and complexity to the movie. They all come together to tell a tapestry-like story of temptation, dissatisfaction, desire, and love in the world that Meyer creates.

This film, like many of Meyer's other productions, is an homage to the human form. Perfectly framed shots and strategically layered scenes dynamically highlight the bodies of the characters - not in a purely voyeuristic manner, but in a way that extends the narrative's exploration of sexuality.

Good Morning and... Goodbye! offers its audience a viewing experience that transcends the mundane. Meyer's distinctive style and satirical leanings craft a world that is both a hyperbolic caricature of 1960s America while turning many of its prevailing conventionalities on their head. His exaggeration of this era's social dynamics and sexual politics is at times hilarious and other times thought-provoking, providing a blend of entertainment and substance.

The film's vibrant cinematography and lush landscapes further invigorate the narrative, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for the intricate personal struggles and robust sexual tension to play out.

Featuring a fantastically fun rock n' roll soundtrack, a product of its time, the music transitions smoothly from one scene to the next. It helps set the tone of the sequences, making this movie a pleasure to both watch and listen to.

Good Morning and... Goodbye! holds its ground as a bold symbol of the era it represents, filled with satire, sexuality, and the quintessential Meyer's humor. Despite its inherent comedy and camp, the film manages to intertwine complex themes within its narrative, marking it as an important addition to cinema history. The seductive satire on the male ego, sexual politics, and societal norms make this Meyer's film a memorable and compelling watch.

It remains an excellent example of Meyer's daringly inventive filmography and stands out as a remarkable exploration of the boundaries of sexual freedom in the 1960s. For viewers fascinated by the psychedelic reality of this era and those interested in cinematic expressions that challenge conventional norms, Good Morning and... Goodbye! is definitely worth the watch. For admirers of Meyer's work or newcomers to his distinctive style, this film exemplifies his ability to warp and distort the norms of his time, leaving a lasting and unique impression.