Cast
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Ali MacGraw
as Jennifer Cavilleri
Ryan O'Neal
as Oliver Barrett IV
John Marley
as Phil Cavilleri
Ray Milland
as Oliver Barrett III
Russell Nype
as Dean Thompson
Tommy Lee Jones
as Hank - Oliver's Roommate
Sydney Walker
as Dr. Shapeley
Robert Modica
as Dr. Addison
Katherine Balfour
as Oliver's mother
Sudie Bond
as Woman buying Christmas tree
Walker Daniels
as Oliver's Roommate, Ray
John Merensky
as Oliver's Roommate, Steve
Andrew Duncan
as Rev. Blauvelt
Charlotte Ford
as Clerk
Julie Garfield
as Bystander at Harpsichord Concerto
Crew
Director
- Arthur Hiller
Producer
- Howard G. Minsky
- Robert Evans
Reviews
JPV852
Well acted tear-jerker has some nice scenes and dialogue between Ryan O'Neil and Ali MacGraw, and thankfully not overly schmaltzy. Today this sort of thing would be on Lifetime but back in 70 was a box office hit. Not sure it's something I'll watch again anytime soon but decent for a romance-drama. **3.5/5**
Jan 29, 2021
CinemaSerf
Ryan O'Neal ("Oliver") is the son of a wealthy family who falls in love with "Jenny"(Ali McGraw) - a working class girl of whom his father (Ray Milland) does not approve. When the couple decide they are serious, his relationship with his father breaks down. He is studying law, qualifies third in his class at Harvard, gets a decent job and their now married life together looks set fair - until, that is, they struggle to conceive a child. A visit to the doctor presents their idyllic lifestyle with a massive shock and the two, at just twenty four years of age, must come to terms with a looming tragedy. There is quite a bit of engaging, first love, chemistry between these actors, and the script is peppered with some gentle humour as their lively romance blossoms in front of us. The production is adequate, all it needs to be in a performance driven film like this but the nature of the ending served little purpose and felt really quite unnecessarily unfulfilling and downbeat. It is a good film, but I suspect that Francis Lai's theme tune will long outlive the memory of anything we see on screen.
Jun 24, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, 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 Arthur Hiller 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 1970, 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 Love Story took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.2 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 116 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1970, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While 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 Cold Skin, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Love Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Moriah's Lighthouse and The Fisherman's Daughter explore similar territory, 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: December 16, 1970
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Budget: $2,200,000
- Revenue: $136,400,000
Where to Watch
