HEARTBREAK KID as "THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL" and "THE GREAT GAY NOVEL."
Discuss Elaine May’s “The Heartbreak Kid” as the great American novel in cinematic form.
Elaine May's "The Heartbreak Kid" (1972) can be viewed as a cinematic embodiment of the great American novel, capturing the complexities, aspirations, and contradictions of American life. Here's a discussion on how this film aligns with the characteristics of the great American novel:
Themes and Narrative
American Dream and Disillusionment: The film explores the American dream through the lens of romantic and personal fulfillment. Lenny Cantrow (Charles Grodin) embodies the restless pursuit of happiness, seeking something more than what he has, only to face the inevitable disillusionment. This mirrors the classic American narrative of striving for an ideal, only to find it elusive.
Identity and Transformation: Like many great American novels, "The Heartbreak Kid" delves into the theme of identity. Lenny's journey is one of self-discovery, where he grapples with who he is versus who he wants to be. This quest for identity is central to the American experience, reflecting the nation's ever-evolving sense of self.
Social Commentary: The film offers a critique of American social mores and the institution of marriage. It satirizes the superficiality of societal expectations and the pursuit of personal desires at the expense of meaningful relationships. This sharp social commentary is a hallmark of the great American novel, often exposing the underbelly of American life.
Characters
Complex Protagonist: Lenny Cantrow is a flawed, multifaceted character, much like the protagonists in great American novels. His charm, ambition, and moral ambiguity make him a compelling figure, embodying the contradictions inherent in the pursuit of personal happiness.
Supporting Characters: The supporting characters, such as Lila (Jeannie Berlin) and Kelly (Cybill Shepherd), add depth to the narrative. They represent different facets of American society and ideals, from the naïve, hopeful newlywed to the unattainable object of desire, each contributing to Lenny's journey and the broader social commentary.
Setting and Symbolism
American Landscape: The film's settings, from New York to Miami Beach, reflect the diverse American landscape and the contrasts within it. These locations are not just backdrops but symbolic of the characters' internal states and societal shifts.
Symbolic Elements: May uses symbolism to enhance the narrative, such as the honeymoon scenes that quickly turn from idyllic to nightmarish, symbolizing the fragility of Lenny's dreams. The recurring theme of water, from the beach to the swimming pool, serves as a metaphor for Lenny's desires and the unattainable nature of true fulfillment.
Style and Direction
Realism and Satire: May's direction blends realism with satire, creating a film that feels authentic while also offering a biting critique of American life. This duality is akin to the narrative style of many great American novels, which balance storytelling with deeper social insights.
Dialogue and Humor: The sharp, witty dialogue and dark humor in "The Heartbreak Kid" are reminiscent of the prose in great American literature. The humor serves as both entertainment and a means to underscore the absurdities of the characters' pursuits and the societal norms they navigate.
Legacy and Impact
Cultural Reflection: "The Heartbreak Kid" captures a specific moment in American culture, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards marriage, personal freedom, and societal expectations in the early 1970s. Its relevance continues as it speaks to universal themes of love, ambition, and disillusionment.
Critical Acclaim: The film's critical success and enduring legacy highlight its importance as a cultural artifact. It remains a touchstone for discussions about the intersection of cinema and the great American narrative, demonstrating how film can capture the essence of the American experience.
In conclusion, Elaine May's "The Heartbreak Kid" stands as a cinematic counterpart to the great American novel, encapsulating the complexities of American life through its rich themes, complex characters, and incisive social commentary. It remains a significant work that resonates with the perennial quest for identity, fulfillment, and the American dream.
Write a treatment for a remake of the heartbreak kid, reimagined as a gay story.
That is, Lenny is the central figure who is newly married to his husband. They are from New Jersey and are on vacation in Florida. Lenny sees a younger man on the beach,and is infatuated.
He pursues the younger man to his home in Minneapolis, where he asks the younger man’s father for permission to marry his son.
Title: The Heartbreak Kid
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Drama
Logline:
Lenny, newly married to his husband Max, embarks on a honeymoon in Florida where he becomes infatuated with a younger man named Tyler. This leads Lenny on a journey to Minneapolis, where he seeks the permission of Tyler’s father to marry his son, only to face the consequences of his restless heart and impulsive decisions.
Characters:
- Lenny Cantrow: A 30-something man from New Jersey, charming but perpetually dissatisfied, always seeking something more.
- Max Cantrow: Lenny’s devoted and optimistic husband, deeply in love with Lenny and excited about their future together.
- Tyler Winters: A 25-year-old free-spirited and charismatic artist, whose carefree attitude captivates Lenny.
- Roger Winters: Tyler’s protective and traditional father, skeptical of Lenny’s intentions.
Treatment:
Act 1:
- Opening Scene: Lenny and Max's lively wedding in New Jersey, filled with friends and family celebrating their union. Max is overjoyed, while Lenny appears happy but slightly distracted.
- Honeymoon in Florida: Lenny and Max arrive at a luxurious beach resort in Florida. Max is thrilled, eager to spend quality time with Lenny. Lenny, however, feels an undercurrent of restlessness.
- Meeting Tyler: On the beach, Lenny notices Tyler, a vibrant and handsome young man, playing volleyball. Their eyes meet, and Lenny feels an instant attraction. Max is oblivious, enjoying the vacation.
- Lenny’s Obsession: Lenny becomes increasingly infatuated with Tyler, finding excuses to cross paths with him. He starts to distance himself emotionally from Max, who begins to sense something is wrong.
Act 2:
- Lenny and Tyler Connect: Lenny finally strikes up a conversation with Tyler, discovering his passion for art and free-spirited lifestyle. Tyler is intrigued by Lenny’s charm, but unaware of his marriage to Max.
- Max’s Heartbreak: Max confronts Lenny about his distant behavior. Lenny, unable to reconcile his feelings, confesses his infatuation with Tyler. Max is devastated, feeling betrayed and confused.
- Chasing Tyler: Lenny, driven by his obsession, follows Tyler to Minneapolis, leaving Max behind. In Minneapolis, Lenny immerses himself in Tyler’s world, experiencing a sense of freedom and excitement he hasn’t felt in years.
- Meeting Roger: Lenny meets Tyler’s father, Roger, who is wary of Lenny’s sudden appearance in his son’s life. Roger challenges Lenny’s intentions, questioning the stability of his feelings and the impact on Max.
Act 3:
- Lenny’s Realization: As Lenny spends more time with Tyler and Roger, he begins to see the depth of Tyler’s bond with his family and the community he belongs to. Lenny starts to realize the gravity of his impulsive actions.
- Confrontation and Decision: Roger confronts Lenny about the hurt he has caused Max and the disruption he brings to Tyler’s life. Tyler, upon learning about Lenny’s marriage, feels conflicted and betrayed.
- Return to Max: Lenny, faced with the consequences of his actions, decides to return to New Jersey. He realizes that his pursuit of Tyler was a misguided attempt to escape his own insecurities and dissatisfaction.
- Reconciliation: Lenny seeks forgiveness from Max, acknowledging his mistakes and expressing his commitment to their marriage. Max, though deeply hurt, sees Lenny’s genuine remorse and considers giving their relationship another chance.
Conclusion:
- New Beginnings: The film ends with Lenny and Max working on rebuilding their relationship, understanding that love requires continuous effort and honesty. Tyler and Roger, though hurt, find closure and move forward, emphasizing the importance of family and integrity.
Tone:
The film maintains a balance of humor and drama, reflecting the complexities of love and relationships. It offers a modern, heartfelt exploration of fidelity, self-discovery, and the impact of our choices on those we love.
