Some Call It Loving

Some Call It Loving is a 1973 film directed by James B. Harris that presents an unconventional fusion of the fantasy and drama genres. With Zalman King in the lead role, supported by the equally competent Carol White and Tisa Farrow, the movie intellectually addresses themes of dreams, reality, love, and the blurred boundaries between them – all woven into an engaging storyline.

The film opens with the introduction of Robert Troy (Zalman King), a wealthy jazz musician who lives in a reclusive mansion adorned with bizarre art pieces. He is portrayed as a man withdrawn from real human interactions, living out fantasies with his entourage. He is equipped with a deep-rooted fascination for the unusual, particularly in his romantic endeavors.

While attending a carnival with friends, he encounters a unique attraction – the “sleeping beauty” (Tisa Farrow), a woman in a deep sleep presented to the public for viewing. Intrigued, he pays to purchase her from the carnival. As the story unfolds, how his relationship with this 'Sleeping Beauty' challenge his concepts of love and fantasy, forms the engaging crux of the story. This storyline provides an ideal platform for the director to explore Robert's psychological landscape, his fears and his desires.

Carol White adds another dynamic layer to this plot as Scarlett, the star performer in Robert's live-in mock-wedding ceremonies - a part of his indulgence in fantasies. Another integral personality in Robert's fantasized world, she assists in blurring the fine lines of simulated and real emotions for the audiences.

What sets 'Some Call It Loving' apart is its experimental storytelling. Its narrative oscillates between fantasy and reality, fostering a sense of ambiguity - a unique characteristic that adds depth to the film and leaves the audience pondering. Director James B. Harris, known for his exceptional storytelling technique, uses this psychological drama to shine a light on human desires and their diverse interpretations.

Despite focusing on complex subjects, the movie never loses its touch of relatability. It's a portrait of characters yearning for love and connection, becoming entangled in their own fantasies. This emotional realism is a testament to the accomplished performances by the trio of Zalman King, Carol White, and Tisa Farrow. The undercurrents of vulnerability in King's portrayal of Robert Troy, the rawness of White's portrayal of Scarlett, and Farrow's grace in the role of Sleeping Beauty compel audience members to dive deeper into the intricacies of their relationships.

The visuals in the film are equally arresting, complementing the film's narrative. From the luxury of Robert's isolated mansion to the starkly contrasting environment of the carnival, everything is brought to life with brilliance. The use of light and shadow, as well as colored filters, adds to the unreal feeling of the movie, enhancing its dreamlike qualities.

'Some Call It Loving' is also notable for its jazz-infused music, which is not surprising given that the protagonist is a jazz musician. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere of the entire film, reflecting the blend of reality and fantasy in the narrative.

The film's title comes from a moment in the movie where Robert Troy says, "Some call it loving, I call it living." This line sums up the film's exploration of the emotional states of its characters and the transformative power of love and fantasy in their lives.

'Some Call It Loving' is an intriguing and complex example of 1970s cinema. It is a movie that needs to be experienced rather simply watched. It brilliantly stretches beyond the boundaries of traditional storytelling to provide a deep dive into the human psyche, issues of love, and the entangled relationship between reality and fantasy. With its thought-provoking narrative, compelling performances, and fantastic visuals, it is a movie sure to leave viewers with plenty to ponder.