Summer and Smoke

Summer and Smoke is a captivating drama film helmed by director Peter Glenville in 1961. It is based on Tennessee Williams' 1948 play of the same name. The film is a compelling adaptation of Southern Gothic storytelling, showcasing a complex love story encompassed in the stifling morals of a small town in Mississippi at the turn of the 20th century. Babbling with existential questions about love, duty, sin, and spirituality, the movie is a poignant, character-driven narrative that explores themes of unrequited love, gentility, and moral integrity.

At the heart of the film's narrative is the edgy dynamic between its two lead characters, the repressed spinster Alma Winemiller (Geraldine Page) and the hedonistic Dr. John Buchanan Jr. (Laurence Harvey). Alma, who has harbored feelings for John since their childhood, is a minister’s daughter. She is an epitome of purity, decency, and an unwavering sense of propriety. Her spiritual nature asserts control over her physical desires making her an emotionally sensitive, nervous, and delicate woman. On the other hand, John is a philandering, pleasure-seeking individual with completely opposing values, who just returned from medical school. He's a doctor and a materialist. He believes in the value of what's physical and his character is as fiery and passionate as Alma's is cool and reserved.

The tension between Alma and John forms the central plot of the story. The town of Glorious Hill, Mississippi, is the backdrop for their complicated relationship and serves as a symbol of the societal norms and constraints that add layers to their starkly contrasting ideologies.

Geraldine Page’s performance as Alma has been widely acclaimed, credited for bringing depth and credibility to the character. Her nuanced portrayal of suppressed desires and refined demeanor brilliantly depicts the internal struggle experienced by Alma. For Laurence Harvey, John is one of Harvey's best roles, and his character manages to be both charming and stubborn. His magnetic charisma is a fitting contrast to Page’s Alma, delivering a compelling performance of a man wrestling with his inherited recklessness.

What’s particularly noteworthy about Summer and Smoke is its exploration of the themes of sin and salvation, purity and lust, spirituality and sensuality. It is a dichotomy that is subtly interwoven into the personalities of Alma and John, reflected through their interactions and decisions throughout the storyline. Every event, every dialogue contributes to this central theme, making Summer and Smoke more than just a romance flick; it’s a compelling study of human psychology and morality.

The supporting cast also brings strength to the film. Rita Moreno gives a noteworthy performance as Rosa, John's sultry interest. Her role is instrumental in creating a triangulium-like structure to the romantic narrative. The stark contrast between Alma and Rosa's approach to life and love enhances both their characters and gives depth to their respective love stories.

Moreover, the cinematography of Summer and Smoke is a cinematic beauty. Charles Lang, the renowned cinematographer, has employed his skills to manifest the story's emotional undertones visually. The imagery and mood of the film skillfully reflect Alma’s perspective of the world, enhancing the movie's narrative scope. The intensity of the narrative is reinforced by Thomas Stanford's sensitive editing and concise pacing, maintaining the audience's engagement throughout.

Not forgetting the memorable score by Thomas Newman, which navigates throughout the film, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the era. Its haunting and beautiful melody carries the audience smoothly through the narrative's highs and lows, further escalating throughout the film as the tale of unrequited love unfolds.

Critically-acclaimed and beloved by audiences for its profound interpretation of love against societal conventions, Summer and Smoke is an extraordinary journey of psychological exploration — a testimony to its time and the unchanging society it represents. It is a deftly woven narrative that’s haunting, yet exquisite — a romantic tragedy that goes beneath the surface of human emotions. Its rich storytelling that probes at the undercurrents of love and life while navigating societal constructs make Summer and Smoke a timeless classic.