Such Good Friends

Such Good Friends is a fittingly provocative, sharp-edged social ensemble drama film released in 1971, brought to screens by the acclaimed director Otto Preminger and starred distinguished actors like Dyan Cannon, James Coco, Jennifer O’Neill, among others. This dramatic comedy is well-positioned within a time of social change and personal introspection and manages to cast a discerning look at modern marital relationships and infidelity while buffering difficult topics with a coating of humor.

The film revolves around the disclosing life of Julie Messinger (character brilliantly portrayed by Dyan Cannon), an urbane Manhattan woman who seemingly leads a perfect life. Julie is a successful children's book illustrator and housewife juggling her career, her wittily quirky kids and her husband Richard, played by the compelling Laurence Luckinbill. Richard is an illustrious magazine editor, a domestic setup that exudes the veneer of a sophisticated, loving, and well-off New York family.

Such Good Friends quickly turns the seemingly tranquil life of Julie on its head when Richard, a supposedly charming husband, falls into a coma after a minor surgery gone wrong led by Dr. Timmy Spector (played by James Coco). The already stressful situation takes a ludicrous turn, interspersed with farcical hospital situations.

The spiral into the absurd continues when, in her bid to gather friends and family to pray for her husband's recovery, Julie stumbles upon Richard's secret life. She shockingly discovers his philandering ways, with many of their close friends and neighbors, including her best friend Cal Whiting, portrayed by Jennifer O'Neil.

Faced with the double blow of her husband's secret infidelity and his life-threatening health concerns, Julie's life becomes a whirlwind of self-exploration, angst, and doubt. The breezy facade of their perfect life crumbles, and she finds herself contemplating the sincerity of her supposed ‘good friends,’ all while navigating the crazy world of New York publishing and Manhattan social network. Her husband's state leaves her to grapple with a myriad of conflicting emotions - anger, denial, sadness, and confusion that occasionally transform the drama into a situational comedy, making it a darkly comedic and heart-rending watch.

Director Otto Preminger does an excellent job of blending blunt wit, emotional resonance, desperation, and the first-rate acting talents in this film. Dyan Cannon gives a riveting performance that spans a gamut of emotions, portraying the poignant journey of a woman confronted with a sudden burden of truth about her marriage and social structure. Her nuanced performance is nicely complemented by the supporting cast, notably James Coco as the fumbling doctor and Jennifer O'Neill as the stunningly beautiful yet complex best friend.

One of the few films from the 70s that endeavored to tackle female empowerment, sexuality, disloyalty, and friendship in a comedic sphere, Such Good Friends is a must-watch for fans of this era. The script, penned by Elaine May under the pseudonym Esther Dale, is rife with sharp wit and engrossing dialogue. Remarkably, some of the film's aspects push the boundaries of its contemporary cinema, giving it a unique place in 1970s Hollywood.

Such Good Friends features a rich haul of fine performances, especially from Dyan Cannon, that speak volumes of the human capacity to endure, forgive, and grow amid challenging circumstances. The film also offers viewers glimpses into the elite New York social fabric through elegant costume designs and elaborate set pieces, creating a vivid 70s milieu that adds to its compelling storytelling.

While Such Good Friends is marketed as a comedy, the comedy is decidedly darker, shying away from slapstick in favor of increasingly unsettling situations and sharper humor. It's a satirical look at the complexities of relationships, recklessly exposed secrets, and the dilemmas faced by a woman who suddenly finds herself in the face of uncomfortable truths about her seemingly perfect life.

In summary, Such Good Friends is not just a film; it is an experience of a woman's journey through societal pretensions and personal revelations, depicted with the perfect balance of comedy and drama, making it a worthwhile watch for those who prefer their comedies on the sharper, more poignant side.