Up In The Cellar

Up In The Cellar, released in 1970, is a vibrant and gripping drama-comedy that delves into political satire and the absurdities of college life during the era of social revolution, artfully narrated with a touch of humor and quirkiness. The film leaps beyond the realm of ordinary storytelling to present a story of revenge, political machinations, and youthful rebellion. Directed by Theodore J. Flicker and written by notable playwright Jules Feiffer, the film showcases the remarkable acting skills of Wes Stern, Joan Collins, and Larry Hagman.

The story revolves around Marv Grant, played by Wes Stern, a brilliant and ambitious graduate student at a fictional university. Boasting a dynamic and impactful performance, Wes Stern brings this charming and production-oriented scholar to life on the big screen with his authentic portrayal. Marv is an idealist, a young man filled with innovative ideas and committed to causes of social justice and academic integrity.

After an unfortunate incident where his dissertation gets rejected by the university's scheming president (Larry Hagman), an indignant Marv conceives an ingenious revenge plot. Larry Hagman lends an air of authority and manipulative charisma to his character as the corrupted university head, Dr. Louis T. Gob (Hinting at the name 'Louis the gob', it's the film subtly making fun of campus administrations).

Marv's crude retaliation doesn't come with any ordinary prank, but instead, a rather innovative and mischievous strategy - seducing the wives of the university's board of trustees. Marv's revenge spree becomes more convoluted when he becomes romantically entangled with Maurice Camber's wife, a multimillionaire oil tycoon. This incredibly sexy and confident character is played to perfection by Joan Collins - a British actress known for her glamourous look and bewitching performances. Her character is manipulative yet remains charming and seductive, adding yet another layer to the already complex narrative.

The film also taps into the late sixties' political climate, subtly transforming Marv's personal plight for revenge into a commentary on student protests and the moral decay of institutions. The film doesn't shy away from tackling heavy subjects related to socio-political issues of the time and intertwines them with the central plot, enhancing the narrative's texture and depth.

The film's creative narrative style, marked by sharp screenplay and sparkling dialogue, grips the audience right from the start, keeping them entertained through its unexpected story twists. Flicker's direction balances light-hearted comedy and emotional intensity perfectly while maintaining a sensitive hand in dealing with the generation gap and the political controversies of the time.

The film's cinematography is also worthy of appreciation, capturing the 70s college ambiance effectively and providing a genuine sense of time and place. Furthermore, the score by Quincy Jones supplements the film perfectly, creating a fitting atmosphere that accents the wild circumstances and shenanigans that occur throughout the narrative.

Up In The Cellar is a unique piece of cinema that beautifully entwines humour, political satire, and generational conflicts into an engaging story. It provides substantive roles to its actors, letting them explore a broad range of emotional and comic expressiveness, which, coupled with their remarkable performances, makes each character unforgettable. The film's hilarious but meaningful narrative, combined with excellent performances from the cast, makes it a must-watch for film enthusiasts interested in the rich tapestry of motion pictures from the late 60s and early 70s.