Just Tell Me What You Want

Just Tell Me What You Want is a 1980 comedy-drama film directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sidney Lumet, known for his heavy-hitting social dramas. Unlike most of his other films, this romantic whodunit comes with a lighter touch, filled with quirks, spontaneity, and biting wit. Insightfully written by Jay Presson Allen, based on her novel of the same name, the movie stars Ali MacGraw, Alan King, and Myrna Loy.

The narrative revolves around the complex relationship between Max Herschel (Alan King) and his mistress/protégée, Bones Burton (Ali MacGraw). Max is a cantankerous and enormously wealthy tycoon who has climbed to the top of the New York business scene using methods that aren't always scrupulous. He's a vivid, larger-than-life character with a sharp tongue, who rarely leaves a conversation without achieving dominance.

Max's loyal but frustrated mistress, Bones, is an intelligent and independent network executive, who in many ways is Max's counterpart. However, her dependence on Max's money and influence creates a troublesome and challenging dynamic between them. Ali MacGraw delivers an outstanding performance playing Bones Burton, embodying her character's ambition, strength, and vulnerability all at once.

The movie begins with an irrepressible Bones deciding that her relationship with Max is too problematic and she wants out. However, in a plot twist, she demands that Max grants her the director’s seat at a movie company he owns, as a parting gift. Yet, as Bones attempts to disentangle herself from Max’s life and assert her independence, Max proves to be more manipulative and controlling than she had anticipated. He uses his power, wile, and personal charm to keep Boners under his control.

Their tumultuous romantic and professional relationship forms the crux of the narrative, cruising through witty banter, heated arguments, power plays, and undercurrents of unspoken emotional complexities. Max and Boners are two fascinating characters who share an intricately intertwined relationship where love, power, and ambition often collide, lending an enticing tension to the narrative.

Adding to this intricate dynamic is another major character, Stella Liberti, played by the legendary Myrna Loy, marking her comeback to films after a 15-year hiatus. She delivers a charming performance as Max's unflappable secretary who seems to know her boss's eccentricities better than he does.

The direction from Lumet is focused and the screenplay crackles with wit, rendering this unusual love story amusing and enticing. Both he and the screenwriter, Jay Presson Allen, deftly illustrate the dichotomies of human relationships and the contradictions of successful, driven, yet emotionally fraught individuals incapable of cleanly extricating themselves from their messy relationships.

The urban backdrop of New York City is as much a character in the film as the lead actors themselves. The city’s streets, offices, restaurants, and penthouses give the movie its frenetic pacing and vibrant energy that accentuates the film's dynamic plot.

Moreover, the supporting class of Just Tell Me What You Want is equally strong, with notable performances from Keenan Wynn as Bones' embittered ex-husband and Tony Roberts as Bones' new love interest and Max's professional rival. There are also notable appearances by Dina Merrill and Alan Feinstein.

Overall, Just Tell Me What You Want is a compelling drama distinguished by its intriguing characters, bold humor, and classic exploration of the dynamics of power and love in the backdrop of New York high society. It represents a departure from Lumet's often gritty, serious oeuvre but despite its lighter vein, Lumet’s deftness and mastery in creating rich, complex narratives are well in evidence.

The film offers an interesting glimpse into the deal-making, power plays, and personal dynamics of New York's business world and the personal lives intertwined with it. Bursting with exceptional performances by the lead actors, a stirring plot, and the unique combination of romantic drama and sharp comedy, Just Tell Me What You Want is an engaging watch for anyone who enjoys films exploring complex, mature relationships with a dash of humor.