Perfect Understanding

Set in the glamorous world of the British upper class in the early 1930s, Perfect Understanding (1933) is an elegant romantic drama that explores the complexities of modern marriage and the limits of traditional gender roles. Starring the legendary actress Gloria Swanson and the rising star Laurence Olivier, the film tells the story of a married couple who decides to part ways for a year to experience life as single individuals, only to discover that their newfound freedom is fraught with unforeseen challenges and emotional struggles.

The film opens with a lavish party hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Mursford (played by John Halliday and Gloria Swanson, respectively) at their elegant estate, where the cream of the British aristocracy gathers to socialize and dance under the sparkling chandeliers. Among the guests is a handsome American artist named Jerry (Laurence Olivier), who catches the eye of the Duchess with his wit and charm. Despite her husband's jealousy, the Duchess flirts with Jerry and invites him to paint her portrait in her studio, a seductive, candle-lit room filled with sensual sculptures and exotic fabrics.

The Duchess is bored with her life and her marriage, which has become routine and predictable, and yearns for excitement and adventure. She confides in Jerry that she is considering divorce, and he suggests a radical solution: why not take a break from each other for a year, explore their own desires and passions, and then come back together with a perfect understanding of themselves and each other? The Duchess is intrigued by the idea, and after some hesitation, the Duke agrees to the plan, hoping that his wife will return to him renewed and refreshed.

The rest of the film follows the separate adventures of the Duke and the Duchess, as they navigate the treacherous waters of singledom in their own ways. The Duke, who is initially hesitant to take advantage of his newfound freedom, gradually becomes more assertive and independent, taking up golf, going on a fishing trip, and even flirting with a beautiful widow (played by Nora Swinburne). Meanwhile, the Duchess throws herself into the bohemian life of Paris, adopting a new wardrobe, a new hairstyle, and a new group of friends, including a witty Frenchman (played by Henry Stephenson) who challenges her preconceptions about love and sexuality.

As the year comes to a close, the Duke and the Duchess find themselves longing for each other, but uncertain about how to resume their marriage. They meet by chance in Venice, where they are both staying at a luxurious hotel, and engage in a poignant, emotional conversation that reveals their fears, their regrets, and their hopes for the future. Ultimately, they decide to renew their vows and start anew, but not before experiencing a moment of doubt that threatens to derail their reconciliation.

Throughout the film, the themes of love, marriage, and gender roles are explored with intelligence and sensitivity, as the characters grapple with the conflicting demands of tradition and modernity, passion and reason, freedom and commitment. Gloria Swanson delivers a luminous performance as the Duchess, exuding a mixture of sultry allure, emotional complexity, and aristocratic poise, while Laurence Olivier captures the essence of a sensitive, idealistic artist who longs for meaningful connection and creative expression. John Halliday is equally impressive as the Duke, depicting a man torn between his pride and his vulnerability, his duty and his desire.

The film is also notable for its stylish, sophisticated cinematography, its exquisite Art Deco sets and costumes, and its evocative soundtrack, which features music by Richard A. Whiting and Johnny Mercer. Directed by Cyril Gardner, Perfect Understanding is a timeless and poignant masterpiece that explores the eternal mysteries of love and human relationships with subtlety, grace, and wit.