Cast
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Shirley MacLaine
as Aurora Greenway
Debra Winger
as Emma Greenway Horton
Jack Nicholson
as Garrett Breedlove
Danny DeVito
as Vernon Dahlart
Jeff Daniels
as Flap Horton
John Lithgow
as Sam Burns
Lisa Hart Carroll
as Patsy Clark
Betty King
as Rosie Dunlop
Huckleberry Fox
as Teddy Horton
Troy Bishop
as Tommy Horton
Shane Serwin
as Younger Tommy Horton
Megan Morris
as Melanie Horton
Tara Yeakey
as Baby Melanie
Norman Bennett
as Edward Johnson
Jennifer Josey
as Young Emma
Crew
Director
- James L. Brooks
Producer
- James L. Brooks
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I hated the story, let's get that out of the way first. This film is about character acting at it's best, though, and Shirley MacLaine ("Aurora") and Jack Nicholson ("Garrett") bring us charisma and entertainment in spades which thankfully rescues the really pedestrian plot from abject mediocrity. Since her birth, "Aurora" has fussed over her daughter "Emma" (Debra Winger) and upon the death of her husband, settles down to a rather vicarious existence living life through her daughter, her husband "Flap" (Jeff Daniels) and their children. She is a strong willed woman, with love that can be gentle and kindly, or that can be rude and interfering with much of the frequently sardonic humour emanating from her disinclination to let them live their own lives. Next door we find "Garrett", a somewhat disreputable womaniser. A former astronaut who trades well on his erstwhile status, but who takes a bit of a shine to "Aurora" - and that's another source of lively comedy as the two clash with engaging regularity. The last hour descends rather quickly into melancholy, though, as the young "Emma" has to deal with her own problem husband, and an illness that starts to focus the attention from all concerned onto what really matters with their relationships. MacLaine is always good with these rough-round-the-edges roles and here there is plenty of chemistry on the sparing occasions in which she and Nicholson feature. Sadly, for me anyway, the rest of this hovers way too close to melodrama and though at its best it is really good, for the most part I was rather underwhelmed by the family antics that underpinned so much of the (over-long) story.
Jun 24, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Terms of Endearment examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director James L. Brooks brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Terms of Endearment took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 173 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 159 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Terms of Endearment shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike How Old Are You, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Terms of Endearment subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Elmer Gantry and Lymelife explore similar territory, Terms of Endearment stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 20, 1983
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $108,423,749
