The Art of Love

The Art of Love, directed by Norman Jewison in 1965, is an uproarious comedy featuring the remarkable performances of James Garner, Dick Van Dyke and Elke Sommer. The film is a creation of the internationally renowned American screenwriter Carl Reiner, known for infusing humor into the most seemingly mundane situation. This movie not only gives audience a compelling story but also offers thought-provoking themes and a unique, eccentric charm, embodying the 60's cinematic style to the hilt.

The plot navigates the uncontrollable tides of friendship and rivalry, love and humiliation, under the glamorous yet fickle Parisian art world. The story centers around the lives of aspiring artist Paul Sloane (Dick Van Dyke) and his best friend, unsuccessful author Casey Barnett (James Garner). Garner and Van Dyke deliver superb performances, adding the right dose of laughter, intrigue, and chemistry that makes the film an entertaining watch.

Barnett, living off charity including Sloane's, comes up with an ingenious, albeit unorthodox, scheme to assist his friend's struggling art career. Their friendship is construed, examined and later challenged as the story unfolds, showcasing the complicated relationship dynamics that can exist between close friends. Dick Van Dyke's melancholic artist character resonates with audience while James Garner's charming rogue is a classic portrayal that added to his growing fame.

Meanwhile, Elke Sommer, playing Nikki Dunnay, is a persuasive depiction of a hip and playful, yet feisty woman who sparks a love interest for both male leads. Sommer’s addition creates a romantic tension to the plot and provides an extra layer of complexity to the character dynamics. Her nuanced performance and glamour add a European elegance to the film.

The Art of Love unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of Paris. The City of Love is not just a setting but also another character of the plot, engulfing the protagonists in a world of beautiful and compelling art, swirling with deception and squabble. The cinematography is tactfully used to describe this, often projecting the beautiful Parisian landscapes as a face off of the conflicting interests of the characters.

The film is a fusion of a variety of emotions with the overarching theme of comedy. Comedy is spread throughout, whether in goofy dialogue, slapstick antics or even through various art world cliches, which gives audience a chance to laugh at both the art and our perception of it. But this comedy isn't without depth. The film subtly probes at the earnest desires, flawed ambitions, and human foibles, often provoking audiences to question what they would do in similar circumstances.

Through the outrageous plot of The Art of Love, Jewison uses laugher as a tool to challenge and satirize the artificiality and seductive power of rampant consumerism and cultural commodification. The film is not only an absorbing storyline but also offers a social commentary through satirical portrayal of the 60s art market. It's a witty and humorous reflection on the value society places on art and artists.

A wonderful comedic score by master composer Cy Coleman adds another layer of dynamism, capturing the film's humour and tragicomic spirit. The score is interspersed with the memorable theme song "The Art of Love," sung by bossa nova icon, Astrud Gilberto. His soulful voice and the romantic tune are aptly fit to enhance both comedic and critical elements of the film.

All in all, The Art of Love is a greatly entertaining film that offers much more than a laughter filled two-hour session. It's an engaging watch that beautifully captures the universal human themes of friendship, ambition, love, and the search for recognition and acceptance in society, all while using the realm of art as a backdrop. It's a jewel from the past that serves as both, an ageless source of amusement and a subtle commentary on the value of art and friendship. Veterans Garner, Van Dyke, and Sommer deliver incredible performances, breathing life into this eccentric and complex narrative. It's a must-watch if you're a fan of classic cinema and love movies that can make you laugh, think and enjoy at the same time.