That's Life!

That's Life! is a delightful yet thought-provoking comedy-drama from 1986 directed by Blake Edwards, known for his signature blend of humor and human insights. The cast features some renowned names in Hollywood industry including Jack Lemmon, Julie Andrews, and Sally Kellerman. The movie explores themes on aging, job dissatisfaction, marriage, and existential dread, weaving them together into a narrative that is both emotionally touching and humorously entertaining.

In this compelling piece, Jack Lemmon plays Harvey Fairchild, a well-to-do architect who is on the brink of his milestone, sixtieth birthday. He lives in an attractive Californian villa with his family and seemingly has it all – a noteworthy career, loving wife, and supportive children. But, he remains haunted by the existential dread of reaching the illustrious 'old age', and this looming birthday weighs heavily on his mind. Add to this, his professional life is also going through a rough patch, with an increase in challenging projects and enduring bouts of creative burnout.

Lemmon aptly embodies the disillusioned, unsatisfied Harvey, who feels like he's losing grip on his life – the slipping career, unruly children, and above all, the dread of lost youth and incapacitation of old age. The twilight time of life brings a fresh set of worries and fears, and we see Harvey wrestling with them, occasionally with humor, often with a sense of melancholy.

Julie Andrews, in an unwaveringly honest and compassionate performance, plays Harvey's wife, Gillian Fairchild. Gillian is a loving, supportive wife who, in parallel to her husband's dilemmas, is herself grappling with a health crisis - a potential cancer diagnosis. Andrews brings a candid portrayal of a woman endeavouring to keep up appearances and maintain her family's equilibrium, even as she privately deals with her personal obstacle.

Harvey's disillusionment with life brings out the brilliant comedic flair of Lemmon, and it also touches upon deeper human emotions that are familiar to many. His heated exchanges with his wise-cracking son and wannabe musician (played excellently by Robert Loggia), alongside his confrontations with the interchangeably supportive and scornful Gillian, provide for the film's charming funny moments.

A cast of eccentric characters make appearances throughout the movie, adding to the film's appeal. Sally Kellerman is unforgettable as the sensual, new age spiritual guide who throws yet another spanner in the works of Harvey's already tumultuous life. The montage of Harvey's imagined funeral, in which he visualizes the reactions of all these characters to his death, is a particularly striking piece of cinematography.

The film uses the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific coastline, providing a counterpoint to the personal upheavals and turbulence that the characters face. Cinematographer, Harry Stradling Jr., masterfully captures the grandeur of the scenery alongside the complexities of the story, creating a contrast of beauty and turmoil.

The music for That's Life! is composed by the legendary Henry Mancini, whose melodies woodwind and string arrangements perfectly complement the film. Mancini's music encapsulates the film's blend of comedy and drama, always playing in sync with the unfolding action and emotions.

In summary, That's Life! is a remarkable combination of humor and heartfelt emotion, a narrative that explores life's deep questions and dilemmas with a light-hearted touch. Lemmon and Andrews deliver masterful performances, brilliantly capturing the human experience in its myriad shades of joy, sadness, fear, and hope. It's a charming, entertaining film about the highs and lows of life, the fear of aging, the strain of maintaining a successful career, and the complexities of familial relationships. The viewers, especially those wrestling with midlife issues or existential dread, are likely to identify with and get comfort from this film as it celebrates life with all its trials and triumphs.