There's Always Vanilla

There's Always Vanilla, a 1971 film directed by George A. Romero, is a distinct shift away from his usual foray into the horror genre. Though it remains somewhat lesser-known amongst his more celebrated works, particularly those in the Night of The Living Dead series, it informs Romero’s competence as a versatile filmmaker. This film stars Raymond Laine, Judith Ridley, and Johanna Lawrence in leading roles.

Often cataloged as a romantic comedy, There's Always Vanilla doesn't really conform to the traditional expectations of the genre. Instead, it gives the viewers an introspective take on the era's social dynamics and individual relationships. This film centers around the lives and struggles of young adults navigating their way through the throes of love, commitment, and societal expectations.

Raymond Laine stars as Chris Bradley, a paragon of the late '60s counter-culture revolution. He's a wanderer and an aspiring musician armed with a relentless spirit of nonconformity. He's perennially unsettled, not adhering to any conventional lifestyles or careers, floating in the currents of opportunities, and taking each day as it comes. The charismatic nonchalance of Laine's portrayal of Chris adds an in-depth realism to the character, making it relatable.

Then, the charming and calming image of Judith Ridley as Lynn Harris trickles into the scene. Ridley, having worked with Romero in Night of The Living Dead, brings about a sincerity in her role. Lynn is an independent woman grappling with the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy. She is grounded and practical, a stark contrast to Chris's carefree nature.

To add more flavor to the ensemble, Johanna Lawrence takes on the role of Chris’s mother, instigating a level of comic relief but also providing an older perspective on relationships.

There’s Always Vanilla, while dealing with romantic entanglements, also gets its strengths from its social commentary. It skillfully explores the themes of the era, including the traditional vs. modern values conflict, women's issues, the cultural tensions of the late 60s and early 70s, and the struggles of the younger generation hesitant to embrace conformity.

Romero had a notable knack for using inspiring and thought-provoking dialogues to create a perplexing atmosphere, evident from his other works such as the Night of The Living Dead series and this film is no different. The dialogues between Lynn and Chris are particularly striking, as they converse about their expectations from each other and society at large; these social discourses add a touch of intellectualism to the movie.

The look and feel of the film often feel reflective of its budget constraints. That said, Romero's knack for directional creativity leaves the viewers intrigued. From clever panning shots that capture the expressions of the actors subtly while maintaining an engaging narrative, to the use of ambient noises that make scenes feel authentic – Romero’s tactical execution of There's Always Vanilla deserves appreciation.

There's Always Vanilla, while remaining under the radar for many years, warrants commendation for capturing the social evolution of its era. The characters are authentic, complex, and flawed in a way that, instead of distancing them from the audience, makes them more inviting and relatable. Moreover, the storyline, though seemingly light-hearted, manages to drip-feed these profound layers symbolizing the zeitgeist of the time.

Finally, the music, composed by Steve Gorn, adds an extra depth to the narrative. Be it the soft, mellow tracks reverberating the melancholy hidden beneath the characters' witty banter or the slightly upbeat tunes complimenting the festive scenes, the score makes for a pleasant auditory experience.

To sum it up, There's Always Vanilla is a fascinating exploration of the evolving social landscape of the late '60s, interspersed with humor, thought-provoking dialogue, real characters, and an intense exploration of everyday complexities. The film leaves the viewers with bittersweet feelings, inviting introspection about relationships and societal norms. The lingering thought that there is always vanilla, always something safe and familiar to fall back on, even amidst chaos, is both comforting and potent enough to stimulate deep thoughts.

Therefore, nestled within the treasure troves of George A. Romero's illustrious career, There's Always Vanilla could well be a gem waiting to be recognized by film connoisseurs. It's a departure from his usual horror fare but encompasses the core of what makes his movies memorable and effective: real characters, an astute understanding of society, and an innovative approach to storytelling.