Always (1985)

Always (1985)

“I really think it’s about coming out the other side.”

Synopsis:
A married couple (Patrice Townsend and Henry Jaglom) on the brink of an amicable divorce spend a Fourth of July weekend with their friends and family.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Divorce
  • Get Togethers and Reunions
  • Marital Problems

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary expresses little tolerance for this “confessional” film by independent director Henry Jaglom, noting, “We’re made to feel we got waylaid to an intense weekend therapy session.” Indeed, Always was Jaglom’s first attempt to use circumstances taken directly from his own life to tell a semi-fictional story — and, regardless of one’s tolerance for this type of movie (I happen to like it), it clearly shows Jaglom’s talent for such an approach; he went on to make numerous other films in much the same vein. Townsend (Jaglom’s real-life ex-wife, who never made another movie) is appealing here as Judy — though, as Peary notes, it gets annoying to watch her bursting into natural laughter (“usually through her tears”) every other minute.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • An oddly compelling look at the breakup of a friendly marriage

Must See?
No. Since the publication of Peary’s book, Jaglom has made other films — such as Eating (1990) — which are better candidates for “must see” viewing. But fans of Jaglom’s work will certainly want to check this one out.

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