The War Between Men and Women

The War Between Men and Women is a dynamic and entertaining film from 1972 that explores the nuances of gender dynamics, relationships, and family life in a humorous yet touching manner. Directed by Melville Shavelson and featuring iconic performances from Jack Lemmon and Barbara Harris, this film stands as a gem of early 70s cinema that still resonates with audiences today.

At the heart of the movie is Peter Wilson (Jack Lemmon), a successful but acerbic cartoonist with a deep-seated misanthropy, especially towards women, which forms the basis of his offbeat humor. Peter, who's also battling deteriorating eyesight, navigates his own prejudices and insecurities as he delves into the world of romance and family life, providing an engaging and genuine character study that drives the film.

Jack Lemmon gives a remarkable performance as Peter, demonstrating his signature blend of physical comedy and emotional depth. His portrayal of a man struggling with his challenges and slowly warming to the idea of love and family is both believable and endearing, contributing greatly to the film's overall charm.

Barbara Harris plays the independent and lovable single mother, Theresa Kozlenko. Her character, although a love interest, is no damsel but a real, flawed individual who is trying everything to hold her world together. Harris offers a heartfelt and compelling performance, exploring the humanness of Theresa and the complexity of her situation without resorting to melodrama.

The film further becomes enriched through its strong supporting cast. Oscar winner Jason Robards shines in his role as Theresa's ex-husband Stephen Kozlenko. The dynamics between him, Peter, and the children, as they all navigate the merging of their worlds, adds layers to the plot, resulting in entertaining and grounded storytelling.

The War Between Men and Women cleverly combines comedy, romance, and personal drama, handling serious themes without losing its light-hearted tone. The battle of the genders, as stated in its title, is used more as a metaphor, the film is not a battle in the literal sense, but a humorous exploration of the misunderstandings and miscommunications that often occur between men and women.

Screenplay by Shavelson and Danny Arnold is solid, infused with witty humor and engaging dialogues that keep the narrative brisk and the audience captivated. This, together with sharp comic timing and adroit physical comedy, underscores the film's successes as a comedy.

However, the film isn't only about providing laughs; it investigates the human condition in a way that is relatable and, sometimes, painfully accurate. It reflects on Peter's fear of commitment, Theresa's struggle as a single mother, and the poignancy of losing sight. Jack Lemmon’s performance captures the fear and uncertainty of a man losing his eyesight with a remarkable degree of sensitivity. It demonstrates a great blend of comedy and drama that Lemmon was renowned for, providing a memorable film experience.

The War Between Men and Women is beautifully filmed by Charles Lang, whose camera captures 70's New York in all its glory. Score by Marvin Hamlisch, a celebrated composer known for his work on The Sting, is a charming accompaniment that enhances the overall mood of the film.

In conclusion, The War Between Men and Women is not just a quintessential romantic comedy. It's also a film that intelligently captures the essence of modern relationships, familial love, personal dilemmas, and subtly touches upon the issues of gender politics, all wrapped up in a witty and enjoyable package. With its fantastic cast performances, intelligent script, and timeless humor, the movie continues to be a captivating watch for all fans of classic cinema. The emotional resonance, mixed with engaging humor, ensures that this film stands out as more than just a standard romantic comedy of its era. The War Between Men and Women is a must-watch for fans of Jack Lemmon, Barbara Harris, and indeed for anyone who enjoys classics that offer a perfect blend of laughs, heart, and commentary on the human condition.