Films in the 70s about Relationships
The 1970s was a decade known for its groundbreaking and thought-provoking films, many of which explored the complexities of human relationships. From romantic dramas to introspective character studies, these films captured the essence of love, friendship, and family dynamics during this period. Here are some notable films from the 70s that delved into the intricacies of relationships:
“An Unmarried Woman”, 1978
Director: Paul Mazursky
Directed by Paul Mazursky, this film follows the journey of Erica, a successful New York City woman, as she navigates life after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. It explores themes of female empowerment, self-discovery, and the challenges of starting over.
Starring: Jill Clayburgh, Alan Bates, Michael Murphy, Cliff Gorman, Patricia Quinn, Kelly Bishop, Lisa Lucas, Linda Miller, Andrew Duncan, Daniel Seltzer, Matthew Arkin, Penelope Russianoff, Novella Nelson, Raymond J. Barry, Ivan Karp, Jill Eikenberry, Michael Tucker, Chico Martínez, Clint Chin, Ken Chapin, Tom Elios, Karen Ford, Alice J. Kane, Pamela Meunier, Donna Perich, Vincent Schiavelli, John Stravinsky, Ultra Violet, Paul Jenkins, Marianne Muellerleile, David Rasche, Alison Tucker;
Production year: 1978;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “An Unmarried Woman” on the website imdb.com
“Annie Hall”, 1977
Director: Woody Allen
Directed by Woody Allen, this iconic romantic comedy tells the story of Alvy Singer and Annie Hall, two neurotic individuals who form an unlikely relationship. With its witty dialogue and unconventional narrative structure, the film explores the ups and downs of a modern romantic relationship.
Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Janet Margolin, Colleen Dewhurst, Christopher Walken, Donald Symington, Helen Ludlam, Mordecai Lawner, Joan Neuman, Jonathan Munk, Ruth Volner, Martin Rosenblatt, Hy Anzell, Rashel Novikoff, Russell Horton, Marshall McLuhan, Christine Jones, Mary Boylan, Wendy Girard, John Doumanian, Bob Maroff, Rick Petrucelli, Lee Callahan, Chris Gampel, Dick Cavett, Mark Lenard, Dan Ruskin, John Glover, Bernie Styles, Johnny Haymer, Ved Bandhu, John Dennis Johnston, Laurie Bird, James MacKrell, Jeff Goldblum, William Callaway, Roger Newman, Alan Landers, Jean Sarah Frost, Vince O'Brien, Humphrey Davis, Veronica Radburn, Robin Mary Paris, Charles Levin, Wayne Carson, Michael Karm;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Annie Hall” on the website imdb.com
“Kramer vs. Kramer”, 1979
Director: Robert Benton
Directed by Robert Benton, this powerful drama revolves around the divorce and custody battle between Ted Kramer and his ex-wife Joanna. The film explores the impact of divorce on the couple and their young son, delving into themes of parenthood, sacrifice, and personal growth.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, Howland Chamberlain, Jack Ramage, Jess Osuna, Nicholas Hormann, Ellen Parker, Shelby Brammer, Carol Nadell, Donald Gantry, Judith Calder, Peter Lownds, Kathleen Keller, Ingeborg Sørensen, Iris Klein, Richard Barris, Evelyn Hope Bunn, Joann Friedman, Quentin J. Hruska, Joe Seneca, Dan Tyra, David Golden, Petra King, Melissa Morell, Frederick W. Hand, Scott Kuney, Sean Albertson, Matteo Cafiso, Llewellyn Lafford, Marisa Petroro, Conrad Pomerleau;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Kramer vs. Kramer” on the website imdb.com
“The Last Picture Show”, 1971
Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, this coming-of-age drama is set in a small Texas town in the early 1950s. It follows the lives of a group of teenagers as they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of growing up. The film offers a poignant portrayal of the challenges and heartbreaks experienced during adolescence.
Starring: Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Eileen Brennan, Clu Gulager, Sam Bottoms, Sharon Ullrick, Randy Quaid, Joe Heathcock, Bill Thurman, Barc Doyle, Jessie Lee Fulton, Gary Brockette, Helena Humann, Loyd Catlett, Robert Glenn, John Hillerman, Janice E. O'Malley, Floyd Mahaney, Kimberly Hyde, Noble Willingham, Marjorie Jay, Joye Hash, Pamela Keller, Gordon Hurst, Mike Hosford, Faye Jordan, Charles Seybert, Grover Lewis, Rebecca Ulrick, Merrill Shepherd, Buddy Wood, Kenny Wood, Leon Brown, Bobby McGriff, Jack Mueller, Robert Arnold, Frank Marshall, Tom Martin, Otis Elmore, Charles Salmon, George Gaulden, Will Morris Hannis, The Leon Miller Band, Stuart Spates;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Last Picture Show” on the website imdb.com
“Five Easy Pieces”, 1970
Director: Bob Rafelson
Directed by Bob Rafelson, this character-driven drama follows the journey of Bobby Dupea, a talented pianist who abandons his privileged life to work in the oil fields. The film explores Bobby's strained relationships with his family, particularly his emotionally distant father, as he grapples with his own identity and desires.
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Billy Green Bush, Fannie Flagg, Sally Struthers, Marlena MacGuire, Richard Stahl, Lois Smith, Helena Kallianiotes, Toni Basil, Lorna Thayer, Susan Anspach, Ralph Waite, William Challee, John P. Ryan, Irene Dailey, Garrett Cassell, Clay Greenbush;
Production year: 1970;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Five Easy Pieces” on the website imdb.com
“The Way We Were”, 1973
Director: Sydney Pollack
Directed by Sydney Pollack, this romantic drama stars Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford as Katie Morosky and Hubbell Gardiner. The film depicts their passionate but tumultuous relationship against the backdrop of social and political unrest in America during the 1940s and 1950s.
Starring: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles, Patrick O'Neal, Viveca Lindfors, Allyn Ann McLerie, Murray Hamilton, Herb Edelman, Diana Ewing, Sally Kirkland, Marcia Mae Jones, Don Keefer, George Gaynes, Eric Boles, Barbara Peterson, Roy Jenson, Brendan Kelly, James Woods, Constance Forslund, Robert Gerringer, Susan Blakely, Edward Power, Susanne Zenor, Dan Seymour, Mikel Angel, Nick Borgani, Dick Cherney, Robert Cole, Sean Collins, Dorian Cusick, Robert Dahdah, Brent Dunsford, Sig Frohlich, Beverly Goodman, Buzz Green, Bob Harks, Robert Hitchcock, Michael Jeffers, R.C. Keene, Don Koll, John Marlin, Hans Moebus, Bruce Pecheur, Leoda Richards, Al Roberts, Clark Ross, Cornelia Sharpe, Robert Strong;
Production year: 1973;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Way We Were” on the website imdb.com
“Carnal Knowledge”, 1971
Director: Mike Nichols
Directed by Mike Nichols, this provocative film examines the sexual and emotional relationships of two college friends, Jonathan and Sandy, over a span of two decades. It delves into themes of masculinity, power dynamics, and the complexities of human desire.
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Art Garfunkel, Ann-Margret, Rita Moreno, Cynthia O'Neal, Carol Kane, Ray Cass;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Carnal Knowledge” on the website imdb.com
These films from the 1970s captured the essence of relationships in their various forms and provided audiences with thought-provoking stories that continue to resonate today.
The films of the 70s about relationships offer a raw and unfiltered portrayal of human connection, reflecting the societal upheavals of the era. From the poignant exploration of love and loss in “Annie Hall” to the tumultuous and passionate relationships depicted in “Five Easy Pieces,” these films capture the complexities of human emotions and the struggles of intimacy. The 70s relationship films delve into the depths of human experience, presenting flawed yet compelling characters whose interactions mirror the societal changes of the time, making them timeless and deeply resonant for audiences across generations.
