Up the Sandbox

Up the Sandbox is a 1972 American film that subtly combines elements of drama and comedy. Directed by Irvin Kershner and starring Barbra Streisand in a characteristically strong role, alongside leading man David Selby and young talent Ariane Heller, the film takes the audience on a captivating exploration of a woman's mind, liberation, identity, and untold fantasies in the midst of the feminist movement and societal expectations of the time.

Barbra Streisand plays Margaret Reynolds, a young and vivacious New Yorker wrestling with different facets of her existence; as a wife, a mother, and above all, an independent woman. Margaret's tormented internal life takes a sharp turn when she becomes pregnant for the third time. Instead of rejoicing, she finds herself swamped with recurring fantasies and flights of imagination that leave her unsure. She purports these propensities of mental evasion as a defense mechanism against the "suffocation" of domesticity.

The plot navigates through the realms of Margaret's vivid and absurdly whimsical daydreams, ranging from political assassination plots to guerilla warfare in Africa, distinguishing it from its contemporaries by allowing viewers a magnetic, incisive look in the mind of the protagonist. Though many of these dreams are driven by her frustrations and desires for autonomy, they effectively serve as metaphors for Margaret's dissatisfaction with her life's present state and her longing for a life beyond conventional societal norms.

Her day-to-day experiences harmonize with her fantasies, as she interacts with various characters who embody different aspects of the changing society she is both living in and contesting. These interactions have a two-way manifestation. They either make her feel stifled or inspire her aspirations, effectively stoking the fire of her revolutionary thoughts and unfulfilled desires.

David Selby, playing Margaret's husband Paul Reynolds, appears as a modest, charming yet somewhat oblivious man, unaware of the depth of his wife's disgruntlement. His portrayal clearly demonstrates the patriarchal stereotypes of the era and offers viewers a direct contrast to Margaret's unconventional thought process.

Up the Sandbox is not just a cultural artifact of an era, but a deeply personal portrait of a woman's hidden angst and ultimate assertion of her individuality. It exemplifies the common societal notions from the '70s era when feminism was a rising trend, yet far from being universally accepted.

Barbra Streisand’s performance does justice to the beautifully layered character she plays. As Margaret, she infuses a sense of charm, decorum and dignified resistance into a woman facing claustrophobia within her life's mundane realities. Despite being set in her daydreams, she never loses sight of the human connection in favor of these broader themes, making her performance sincerely compelling.

The young Ariane Heller adds another layer of depth to the narrative, personifying innocence vis-à-vis Margaret's maturity. The dynamic between these two, undoubtedly, brings an element of sweetness and gentle humor to the film.

The film is also highly lauded for Irvin Kershner’s mature direction, which confidently threads the lines between reality and fantasy, without getting chaotic or confusing. Also worth mentioning is the cinematography, which evokes a dynamic ‘70s era New York City in its subtlety. The storyline with urban elements, coupled with an experimentally surreal dream sequence, makes it a unique watch.

Though filled with elements of fantasy, the movie never drifts far from its central themes of identity, liberation, and womanhood. Up The Sandbox is an embodiment of feminine introspection, a masterful blend of 70s pop psychology, and a woman at the crossroads of her daunting reality and liberating dreams.

Up the Sandbox, indeed, is regarded as one of the dazzling entries in the roster of Streisand’s diverse filmography. It serves as a notable testament to her acting prowess and her ability to capture the essence of her characters. For the audience, it provides a blend of sharp wit, insightful explorations of a woman's psyche and, an idiosyncratic journey into the parts of the mind that we often keep hidden, rightfully earning its place in the treasure trove of the cinema of the 70s.