The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is a classic, heartwarming comedy-drama released in 1981. Directed and written by Alan Alda, best known for his leading role in the television series "M*A*S*H", this feature has a stellar cast that includes Alda himself, with comedy legend Carol Burnett, and Len Cariou, a stage and screen actor admired for his versatile body of work. With these talents, the film offers a thoughtful examination of middle-aged friendships, marriage, and dynamics within a group of friends over the course of a year.

The narrative of The Four Seasons is structured in the form of four vignettes, akin to the distinctions of nature's seasons, each reflecting a different period, mood and experience. It is a courageous and amusing exploration of the changing dynamics of relationships, and the joy and strain of enduring friendships, set against the backdrop of diverse and beautiful vacation spots.

Alan Alda plays Jack Burroughs, a successful architect but with the usual complexities when it comes to navigating personal relationships. Carol Burnett, in her signature charming style, plays Kate Burroughs, Jack’s wife, who brings a relatable and engaging perspective on the common issues married couples face. Len Cariou portrays Nick Callan, Jack's irascible yet lovable friend, someone with whom Jack must contend and reconcile as they explore the bittersweet intricacies of middle age.

The plot thickens as the three couples, composed of our leading cast and their on-screen spouses, plan four seasonal vacations together. This cozy tradition gets disrupted when Nick, in the middle of their winter sojourn, introduces a much younger girlfriend to the group, triggering a ripple of emotional upheaval as everyone comes to terms with the unexpected change. The circle of friends must grapple with the shifting dynamics, leading to a cocktail of laughter, tears, and heartfelt revelations.

The brilliance of The Four Seasons is not only in its delicately balanced humor, but also in its keen and compassionate understanding of characters in their middle age, wrestling with evolving relationships and personal growth. The characters are relatable and imperfect, striving to maintain harmony within the group while weathering personal traumas and triumphs. As the group of friends navigate through their lives together, this simple theme unfolds into a larger, rich tapestry of life's complexities, laid bare by truthful, spectacular performances.

Each season, or vacation, serves as a metaphor for different stages and experiences in life. Spring, summer, fall, and winter bring not only changes in the environment but also fluctuations in moods, behaviors, and relationships within the group. The movie juxtaposes the beauty of nature with the innate human ability to adapt to changes, be it personal or within relationships.

Alan Alda's direction brings a sensitive touch to the narrative. He highlights the mundane aspects of life yet makes them profound by focusing on the unsaid, revealing the hidden depths in every conversation. Carol Burnett, famous for her comedic timing, perfectly captures the nuances of a woman trying to balance her career, relationship, and friendships, reminding us why she is one of the greatest actors of her generation.

The movie also underscores the importance of friendship as a life-sustaining force. Whether in moments of joy or adversity, it is friends who celebrate with us, console us, and help us delve into some of life's most profound truths. And it’s through these friendships that the characters show their resilience and capacity for adaptation, even at a stage of life often associated with being set in one’s ways.

In the end, The Four Seasons stands out as a thoughtful and touching portrayal of the complexities of middle age, the strength of enduring friendships, the ebb and flow of life, and the reality that change is the only constant. With its timeless themes, shimmering dialogue, and stellar performances, The Four Seasons remains a memorable cinematic experience that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. And while it's very much a movie of its time, its themes are universal, making it an eternally relevant piece of cinema.