Period of Adjustment

Period of Adjustment (1962) is an enchanting, comedic tale of matrimony. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker George Roy Hill, known for such masterpieces as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “The Sting”, it stars Anthony Franciosa, Jane Fonda, and Jim Hutton. The script was lovingly adapted by Isobel Lennart from a semi-satirical play by Tennessee Williams of the same name. This film is Williams’ only comedy, which further underlines its unique place in American cinema.

Period of Adjustment is set during Christmas Eve, immersing the viewer into a relatable holiday atmosphere with a humorous integration of mid-20th-century societal elements. The film introduces two newlywed couples grappling with familial pressures and internal conflicts, which makes it feel strongly familiar, especially for anyone who has navigated the tumultuous initial stage of marriage.

The story opens when a young corporal, Ralph Bates, portrayed by Jim Hutton, returns home after serving his duty overseas. Anxious and inexperienced, he anticipates leading a new life with his much younger bride, Dorothea, energetically played by Jane Fonda. Fonda wonderfully captures the spirit of an idealistic first-time bride navigating the complexities of married life.

Anthony Franciosa plays George Haverstick, an old army buddy of Ralph’s who is experiencing his own marital tumult. His bride, Isabel, played by Lois Nettleton, struggles to hold their marriage together since George's unpredictable behaviour often reaches an unmanageable peak due to his war-induced nervousness.

Both marriages are far from the honeymoon stage, creating a comedic, tumultuous dynamic that is a cornerstone of the entire film. The narrative strikes a delicate balance between presenting the stark realities of newlywed life and the amusing situations these couples find themselves in. Despite dealing with deep, significant issues, the film does so with such wit and grace that it remains enjoyable throughout.

The conflict intensifies when both couples unexpectedly find themselves in George's deserted house. Over the course of the evening, coupled with a dash of holiday magic, they discover they must navigate their misunderstandings and redefine their relationships while navigating the cultural norms of the time. The comedy is rooted deeply within the human condition, and it satirizes the expectations around domestic bliss and the 'happily ever after.'

The performances are notably dynamic. Anthony Franciosa in the role of George Haverstick captures the essence of a man carrying the burden of war while navigating the subtleties of marriage. His interactions with his old friend and newcomer to marital dysfunction, Ralph Bates played impressively by Jim Hutton, form a substantial part of the film.

The wives in the film are equally engaging. Jane Fonda’s performance as naive newlywed Dorothea Bates is a sight to behold. Meanwhile, Lois Nettleton’s portrayal of Isabel Haverstick provides depth to the narrative and reflects the complexities of marrying someone with emotional traumas.

With its attention to detail, the film depicts the vintage aura of 1960s Tennessee. The costumes, set designs, and cultural references create an authentic representation of the era, adding to the narrative anecdotes that lend Period of Adjustment high re-watchability factor.

Despite the comedic overtones, Period of Adjustment poignantly addresses the pressurized expectations within a marriage and the external challenges that impact romantic relationships. It throws light on societal norms surrounding marriage and love in the '60s while providing universal commentary that transcends its time, making it a potent film even for contemporary audiences.

Period of Adjustment, backed by power-packed performances, hilarious plot twists, and smart dialogues, is an immersive exploration of marriage and its many absurdities. It provides a respite from the conventional love stories of the era with its smartly crafted realism merged with top-notch humour, making it a memorable cinematic journey set amidst the backdrop of the beautiful Tennessee landscape.