Cast
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Tom Selleck
as Jack Sturgess
Jane Curtin
as Vickey Sturgess
Joan Bennett
as Adele Burgess
Viveca Lindfors
as Barbara Harper
Candice Azzara
as Sylvia Bemous
Charles Haid
as Fred Bemous
Joe Regalbuto
as Barry Fields
Mimi Rogers
as Belinda Wittiker
Alan Oppenheimer
as Arthur Lazar
Maggie Cooper
as Leslie Fields
Philip Sterling
as Max Bernheimer
Dorothy Fielding
as Cleo
Erica Yohn
as Martha Lazar
David Young
as Greg Zapelli
Lara Swimmer
as Amanda Sturgess
Crew
Director
- Donald Wrye
Writer
- Linda Elstad
- Donald Wrye
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Divorce Wars: A Love Story 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 Donald Wrye 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 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Divorce Wars: A Love Story took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Divorce Wars: A Love Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lymelife, which focuses more on action than character development, Divorce Wars: A Love Story subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ardor and Journey to Italy explore similar territory, Divorce Wars: A Love Story stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 36m
