Strangers When We Meet

Strangers When We Meet is a captivating 1960 film directed by Richard Quine, boasting a stellar cast that includes icons like Kirk Douglas, Kim Novak, and Ernie Kovacs. The foundation of the story is centred around an architect, his passion for his vocation, and a challenging intimate relationship that consumes him both personally and professionally.

Kirk Douglas, known for his charisma, sports his charm with grace in this film, playing the passionate architect, Larry Coe. He stands as a representation of the trapped intellectual creator caught in the suburbs' monotonous doldrums. Larry constantly seeks innovative ideas by creating architectural marvels, symbolizing his longing for a life overflowing with meaning, significance, and a more profound love. The plot truly ignites when Larry, the bored married man, encounters a shy yet enchantingly captivating beauty named Margaret 'Maggie' Gault.

Kim Novak, the embodiment of the sultry siren of the era, beautifully plays the introverted but seductive Maggie. Her character embodies an enduring longing for a life that is not confined by the societal norms of the 1960s. Though married to a successful yet neglectful Ted (played by Ernie Kovacs), she seeks love, genuine connection, and companionship outside her marriage.

The chance meeting of Larry and Maggie at their children's school bus stop sets the stage for a heartfelt drama. Their mutual attraction gradually develops into a passionate, secret affair, which is far removed from their unfulfilling marital lives. This burgeoning romance is a commentary on the pursuit of individualistic desires during a time when the societal code was quite unforgiving about breaking norms and mores.

Beyond the interpersonal relationships, the film also serves as a critique of the contemporary society of the time, subtly excoriating the homogenization, materialism, and a misplaced notion of success. It is evident in the character of Larry's best friend and successful writer Roger, portrayed by Walter Matthau, who embodies the cynical perspective of an individual trapped in the success-plagued society of the era.

Strangers When We Meet is enriched by Quine’s expert direction, shaping the narrative into an engaging story about people yearning for more than what their conventional lives have to offer. Although the film is melodramatic in parts, the approach towards the human complexities of love, infidelity, and societal norms quite sensitively portrays the nuanced grey areas of morality.

The film's performances are undeniably commendable. Kirk Douglas, with his raw vulnerability and ambition, infuses a certain authenticity into Larry. Kim Novak, with her sublime performances as the tormented yet enticing Maggie, keeps the audience empathetically engaged. The effortless versatility of Ernie Kovacs, Walter Matthau, and the rest of the ensemble, further accentuates the film's overall appeal.

The dramatic tension is maintained exquisitely by the deftly curated screenplay of Evan Hunter, which is an adaptation of his own novel of the same name. Coupled with Charles Lang Jr.'s striking cinematography, the film successfully evokes the feeling of alienation, desire and yearning in the visually compelling, yet somewhat desolate suburban landscape.

The highlight of the cinematography is the scenes showing Larry's modern house, symbolizing his yearning for freedom, a cornerstone of his character's motivation throughout the film. These moments offer an engaging blend of art and narrative, allowing the audience to deeply connect with Larry's ambitions and dreams.

The score composed by George Duning seamlessly complements the film's tone and narrative, making it an integral part of the storytelling. This combination of direction, acting prowess, art, and music, ensures that Strangers When We Meet, is not just a classic melodrama, but a deeply human film about dreams, desires, and the courage to fulfill them.

Overall, Strangers When We Meet rides high on emotional intensity, layered performances, and an engaging narrative, enabling the audience to rethink societal norms, personal desires, and the courage it takes to follow one's heart while trapped in the labyrinth of societal expectations.