Tender Is the Night

Based on the classic novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender Is the Night is a profound exploration of love, ambition, and the deterioration of a relationship set against the backdrop of the glamorous world of the 1920s and 30s. Produced in 1962 by Twentieth Century Fox, this movie is directed by Henry King, one of the few directors who seamlessly transitioned from silent films to talkies, bringing his unique touch to this cinematic rendition of Fitzgerald's masterpiece.

The movie stars Jennifer Jones, Jason Robards, and Joan Fontaine, whose performances offer a compelling depiction of the complex characters crafted by Fitzgerald. Jennifer Jones embodies the captivating charm and the haunting vulnerability of Nicole Diver, the wealthy, complex heroine with arguably one of literature's most tragic pasts. Jason Robards brings to life the talented but struggling psychiatrist, Dick Diver, whose ambition, love for Nicole, and internal struggles form the crux of the story. Joan Fontaine delivers an impressive performance as the sophisticated and poised socialite, Baby Warren.

Tender Is the Night commences in the gleaming landscape of the French Riviera, known for its beauty and extravagance during the 1920s. Dick and Nicole Diver, a seemingly perfect couple with an enviable lifestyle, are vacationing in the Riviera with a group of glamorous friends, indulging in a life of luxury and parties. Dick, an ambitious psychiatrist, is drawn to the dazzling world of the rich and the famous. Nicole, an heiress suffering from a frail mental health due to an unspeakable family tragedy, is hopelessly in love with him. However, the lush life they enjoy in the Riviera is a thin veneer for the tumultuous relationship they share, filled with passion and susceptibility to tragedy.

The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Rosemary Hoyt, a young and beautiful American actress, enters the scene. Played by Jill St. John, Rosemary is instantly smitten with Dick's charm and intellect. Thus introducing yet another layer of complexity, a hint of potential scandal, and a myriad of questionable decisions.

As the narrative unfolds, we see how each character manipulates, deceives, and maneuvers through the trappings of a lavishly wasteful lifestyle that Fitzgerald himself called "the lost generation". Tender Is the Night illuminates the tragedy that often lurks behind the façade of glamour and wealth, embodied in Dick's tragic struggle with his ambitions and love for Nicole, and Nicole's fight against her troubled past and mental health.

Leon Shamroy, the illustrious cinematographer known for his masterful use of Technicolor, captures the opulence of the era and the mesmerising beauty of the French Riviera, juxtaposing it with the emotional turmoil of the characters. The striking contrasts subtly symbolise the glistening exterior and the deteriorating interior of the Divers' life, enhancing the narrative without overpowering it.

The soundtrack, including the title song performed by Tony Bennett, adds another dimension to the movie, accentuating the emotional undertones of the story and wrapping it in a package of sumptuous visual and audio treat.

Tender Is the Night is more than just a love story; it is a tale of ambition, dreams, and the complexities of relationships in a society where appearances are everything. It showcases how one's superficial charm can mask the deepest emotional scars, and how the intoxicating allure of wealth and fame can often lead to personal downfall.

Despite its sprawling narrative, the movie never loses the poignancy and emotional intensity that the original novel is known for. Tender Is the Night, while celebrating the decadence, also becomes an elegy for the era it represents.

In all its beauty and melancholy, Tender Is The Night stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of Fitzgerald's literature, the brilliance of Hollywood's classic era, and the extraordinary talents of Jones, Robards, and Fontaine. It captivates the viewer with its exploration of human resistance and submission to life's agonies and ecstasies, making it a must-watch for fans of classical literature, romance, and Golden Age Hollywood.