Kiss Me Goodbye

Kiss Me Goodbye is a heartwarming and spellbinding 1982 romantic comedy film that effectively combines elements of fantasy and supernatural. It is a captivating piece of cinema that combines love, romance, comedy, and a touch of the paranormal. The movie is directed by Robert Mulligan, known for his often sensitive and powerful exploration of human emotions.

The story revolves around three main characters - Kay (Sally Field), her late boyfriend Jolly (James Caan), and her new lover, Rupert (Jeff Bridges). Sally Field's character Kay is a woman trying to find love again after the tragic death of her lover, Jolly. Field's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing as she embodies a woman in grief and yet ready to love again. This undercurrent of human resilience in the face of loss is one of the main themes in the movie.

The movie commences with a beautiful portrayal of Kay as a woman in mourning, but as the story progresses she decides to venture into a new romantic relationship with Rupert. The charming Jeff Bridges delivers a compelling performance as Rupert, a conservative and grounded scientist who remains blissfully unaware of the profound complexity of his lover's past. At this point, the movie introduces a love triangle where one point happens to be a ghost - an unusual plot twist that sets the film apart from its contemporaries.

James Caan plays the ghost of Jolly - Kay's deceased lover. Jolly is a flamboyant and larger-than-life Broadway director whose presence is as strong in death as it was in his life. As a stark contrast to Rupert's straight-laced character, Jolly's ghostly presence is gregarious and fun-loving. Caan leaves an indelible mark with his performance, playing out the character's afterlife antics with charisma and pathos.

The narrative of Kiss Me Goodbye becomes more enchanting with the supernatural return of Jolly. He doesn't return to haunt, but rather to interfere in Kay's love life, showcasing a unique blend of romance and paranormal activities. Jolly still loves Kay, and his ghostly interventions lead to humorous, confusing, and emotionally compelling situations for all three main characters.

The film smoothly transitions from a typical romantic comedy into an engaging supernatural milieu without losing the charm of its romantic premise. It is worth mentioning that the chemistry among the leads is electrifying. The juxtaposition of a reserved Bridges against an animated Caan, with Field stuck in the middle, provides the audiences the right mix of laughter, tears, and anticipation.

The film also explores themes of letting go and the courage to move forward in life. As Kay navigates the complexities of her present reality involving her past and potential future loves, her character's journey offers viewers a poignant exploration of heartbreak, healing, and love's enduring presence.

The direction by Robert Mulligan augments the emotional depth of the story. He manages to create a harmonious blend of comedy and drama, interweaving a love story with ghostly interferences, resulting in a mesmerizing culmination of events. It's a testament to Mulligan's ability that the film never feels imbalanced or veers into being ridiculous, despite its unique premise.

Director of photography, Donald McAlpine's work captures the whirlwind of emotions in the movie, enhancing the overall narrative with his visual storytelling. Another highlight of the film is the charming musical score by Ralph Burns that deftly transitions from playful to hauntingly melancholic, always symbiotic with the overall mood of the film.

Kiss Me Goodbye with its unique mixture of love, humor and fantasy showcases excellent performances from its main trio, while carrying a profound message about life, love and the courage to embrace the future without forgetting the past. It's a movie that emerges as both an engaging supernatural romantic comedy and a heartfelt exploration of human emotions. This film, therefore, holds its own in the world of cinematic romantic comedies and continues to charm viewers decades after its release.