I Will, I Will... For Now

I Will, I Will... For Now is a light-hearted, romantic comedy film from 1976, starring Elliott Gould, Diane Keaton, and Paul Sorvino. This cherished gem from the 70s offers a humorous look at the complexities of relationships, love, and the institution of marriage, all spiced up with fun and laughter.

The film captures the audience's attention right from the beginning as we are introduced to the world of Les Bingham (Elliott Gould) who takes umbrage when his ex-wife Katie (Diane Keaton) manages to score their joint custody of their beloved dog. Bingham, a lawyer ensnarled in the icy claws of paperwork and cases, has his heart set on winning back his ex-wife—the woman he still loves unapologetically.

Gould’s portrayal of a man obsessed with rekindling a lost dream is precise and heartfelt. He brilliantly portrays the multidimensional character of Les Bingham, a man of persistence, desperation, and charm. His relentless attempts to reenter the life of his ex-wife serve as the main arc of the movie. The audience gets to see a wide array of his character - a desperate lover, a cunning ex-husband, a distressed man torn by the twines of love.

On the other hand, the delightful Diane Keaton doesn't fail to impress the audience as Katie, a woman who left Bingham because of his unrelenting drinking habit and affairs. She portrays a strong woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself, yet remains hopelessly entangled in the complexities of her feelings for her ex-husband. Her character serves as the perfect balance against Bingham’s bold and unpredictable nature.

The movie takes a swift turn when Les and Katie decide to give their marriage another chance for a duration of three months. They even agree to put a formal contract into place to ensure the trial run doesn’t face any obstacles.

Through this provisional marital alliance, the film explores the tensions and struggles of two people attempting to rekindle lost love. Their fragile relationship, riddled with past wounds, is suspended between their residual care for each other and their new understanding of themselves as individuals.

The narrative further escalates when they decide to approach a counselor, portrayed gracefully by Paul Sorvino, who suggests that they try to get to know each other again, metaphorically as strangers taking it slow. The following events explore the dynamics of their relationship and provide a funny and sometimes poignant view of marriage and the mystery that it is.

I Will, I Will... For Now delves deeper into the complexities of relationships. The funny, tongue-in-cheek one-liners, the sarcastic banter between Katie and Les, and the situational comedy serve to bring relief and add a dash of humor to the otherwise intense exploration of love.

The movie not only focuses on the couple's efforts to reconnect but also highlights the versatility of individual transformation. It portrays how an individual’s evolution impacts their relationships. Both Les and Katie seek to rediscover each other without discarding the wisdom and personal growth they have experienced during their time apart.

This feature is directed impeccably by Norman Panama. The movie is set against a wonderful backdrop, ranging from the busy streets of New York to the tranquil and inviting beach and the quiet countryside. The cinematography is elegant with intricate attention detail which splendidly frames the bustling dynamism of the 70s.

The charming background score complements the narrative, providing a melodic relief and enhancing the sentiments portrayed in the film. The commendable screenplay and the writing of the film deserve a special mention for effortlessly synchronizing drama, wit, romance, and introspective thoughts on the intricacies of human relationships.

I Will, I Will... For Now is a timeless movie that captures the audiences’ hearts with its candid representation of love, relationship struggles and the hope of reconnection—even when circumstances seem impossible. Its light-heartedness paired with a powerful narrative and outstanding performances makes it a must-watch for those who appreciate classic romantic comedies. Even in the contemporary age, it holds relevance and continues to charm audiences with its authenticity and emotional depth. By the end of the movie, one might even question: Is love truly timeless? Can one reignite a lost spark? Only time will tell.