MAKING LOVE

US, 1982, 113 minutes, Colour.
Michael Ontkean, Kate Jackson, Harry Hamlin, Wendy Hiller, Arthur Hill, Nancy Olson.
Directed by Arthur Hiller.

Making Love is, on the surface, a popular American romantic drama. However, while it received mediocre reviews in its time, it is considered something of a breakthrough film in its presentation of homosexual characters. Up till the early 80s, there was some reticence in presenting such characters or else presenting them as aberrant or victims. Here they are presented in the context of very ordinary life.

The film focuses on a marriage between Michael Ontkean and Kate Jackson. As the film progresses, Ontkean comes to realise his sexual orientation and is attracted towards a writer played by Harry Hamlin. He breaks with his wife, moves in with the author. The film shows the repercussions for each of the characters, not in a judgmental fashion, but as people trying to cope with difficulties in life. One of the consequences, felt very much by the Kate Jackson character, is that she can never have children with the man she loved and married. There is a strong supporting cast with Wendy Hiller and Arthur Hill.

The screenplay was written by Barry Sandler who had written a wide range of films including W.C. Fields and Me, The Mirror Crack’d, The Other Side of Midnight. It was directed by veteran Arthur Hiller who began working in television in the 1950s, moved to films in the mid-60s with The Miracle of the White Stallion and Wheeler Dealers. He achieved some fame and Oscar nominations with Love Story in 1970. He continued to make a great range of films during the 70s and 80s.

1. Interesting, enjoyable? Issues of relationships, love, sexuality? The popular treatment? Entertainment and insight? Too glossy a treatment?

2. The interests of the '80s? The discussion of homosexuality? The need for understanding? Compassion? Decisions? The popular love story treatment? Colour photography, locations, affluent background of the central characters? The media world? Medicine? Authors? The background of the 'gay' scene?

3. The film's treatment of its issues by parallel with heterosexual relationships? Drawing of characters, incidents, mood? The validity of the comparisons between heterosexual relationships and homosexual? The song?

4. Homosexuality as a reality? The tradition of taboo? Discussion about causes? Condemnation, puzzle? Judgments of a deviant way of life? Gay Liberation and the justification of the homosexual way of life? Audience response to these stances? The issue as a reality to be understood? How is this best communicated to the wide audience? Sentiment and sympathy? The presentation of ideals?

5. The impact of the introduction with the talking heads? The continued use of this device? As illustrating character? As giving a strong point of view? The dramatic introduction of the talking heads throughout the film? A means of quick communication? The psychiatric and therapeutic backgrounds? The irony of the man and woman talking about another man? The two views of the same man? Honesty, forthrightness of viewpoint? The revelation of selves, needs? Relationship with Zack?

6. Zack and Claire: a happy couple, his medical career, her media career? The discussion about the house. the plans for their new homes? The detail of them both at work? Their buying of the house? Their comfortableness together e.g. talking, watching An Affair To Remember on television, the night out and their enjoyment as well as saving the reputation of the girl with the worst item. their comic touch? Their friendship with Wilma and enjoyment of meals with her. listening to her memories? Gilbert and distance from her father, the visit to Zack's father and the very efficient family? The picture of the ideal American couple? The American dream to shatter?

7. The picture of Claire: strong personality, her love for Zack, the worth of her career, her views on television, seriousness? opportunities for advancement? Sharing so much with Zack? The beginning of the clash, her suspicions, tantrums? Her decision to take a year off to help the marriage?

8. The comparison with Zack: a pleasant American, work as a doctor, charming manner, going out in the middle of the night, trying to console patients? Playing basketball? The bonds with Claire? The indications of his curiosity with his watching the homosexuals on the motor bike? His cruising? His backing out? The encounter with Bart? Discussions, meal, his ringing him up, expressing his curiosity?

9. The introduction to Bart via the talking head: background, his decision about homosexuality, his work as an author? His life at home, apartment, physical exercises? His cruising the gay bars? Picking up men and the night together? Writing? Hypochondria about his pimple? Watching Raintree County and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on video ? and the homosexual background of these films? His going out with Zack, talking?

10. The bond between Zack and Bart? Shared interests, talk, Zack and his curiosity, Bart and his forcing Zack to be honest? The beginning of the affair and the devices of heterosexual relationship to indicate the homosexual relationship? Mutual interests, the strength of friendship, sexual encounter? Their weekend together, swimming? The overtones of innocence?

11. Bart and his relationship with Zack, his forcing Zack truth, not wanting to commit himself? The discussion of the outline of the novel and Zack's reaction? The break? Bart with his more accepting attitude towards himself? His being a catalyst for Zack's awareness?

12. Zack and his indecision about telling Claire? The decision? Having it out with Claire and her inability to cope? His wanting to tell the truth? Going to the motel? Claire's pleading? The break and his sadness?

13. Claire and her wanting to cope, her wanting the truth but unable to hear it? The discussions with Wilma? Her phone call to her father? Her finding the address and visiting the homosexual, seeing something of the gay scene for herself, not understanding? The pain of the separation?

14. The time passing and Zack established with companion in New York? The glossy picture of happiness? Discussion about going to the funeral? His presence and devotion to Wilma? Claire and her son Rupert? His meeting Claire's husband? His return to New York? His future and self-acceptance?

15. Claire and her husband, the funeral, calling her son Rupert, her grief at Zack's departure, her love for him for eight years and the effect on her? The helplessness of loving Zack?

16. Wilma and her style, wisdom, memories, advice? The atmosphere of the intellectual world?

17. Zack's parents, busy, no explanations? An explanation of Zack's orientation or not? Claire's phone call to her father about the Roman Holiday series?

18. The title and its implications? Raising questions for wide audiences? Making the questions palatable for reflection? A pioneering popular film of the 80s?