Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing

Infobox Film
name = Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing


image_size =
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director = Alan J. Pakula
producer = Alan J. Pakula
writer = Alvin Sargent
narrator =
starring = Maggie Smith
Timothy Bottoms
music = Michael Small
cinematography = Geoffrey Unsworth
editing = Russell Lloyd
distributor = Columbia Pictures
released = April 19 1973
runtime = 110 mins
country = USA
language = English
budget =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website =
amg_id =
imdb_id = 0068850

"Love and Pain And The Whole Damn Thing" is a 1973 drama film directed by Alan J. Pakula.

Plot

Timothy Bottoms plays Walter Elbertson, a young, shy asthmatic who lacks direction in his life and the confidence to tackle his future. His father, in an effort to instill some spirit into his son, sends him on a biking holiday in Spain. Walter goes to Spain but finds the bike riding torturous to his asthma and lags behind the rest of the group. Meanwhile, Lila Fisher (Maggie Smith) is on a tour of her own. She too is awkward with people and keeps to herself, and looks very uncomfortable when a Spaniard tries to woo her with bird noises.

Soon the two tours coincide and, seeing the bus getting ready to leave, Walter decides he has had enough of the bike tour and leaves his bike behind and joins the bus tour. He ends up alongside Lila on the rear bus seat, and is wheezing terribly from the ordeal of running for the bus and making such a radical gesture.

The two soon are forced out of necessity to spend time together, but neither seems particulalry confident in the growing relationship, Lila particularly. However, their similar dispositions soon bring them closer and they move past their fear and consummate their relationship. Their relationship does not always run smoothly, as both show intermittent doubt of the other's loyalty. They have fights which, as they resolve and they are compelled to make pledges of their commitment to one another, increase their intimacy, and strenthen their bond.

They eventually decide to leave the bus tour behind and Walter reveals to Lila that he has organised a small caravan to take them around the country. At one point, they meet The Duke, who lives in a large Spanish castle, and seems to be very taken with Lila. This awakens the fever of jealousy in Walter, and for the first time he acts with strength and resolve to keep her with him.

The film ends with Lila, who has shown signs of illness at various points in the film, confessing to Walter that she has not long to live. The two determine, with Walter as the main instigator, to spend the days remaining to her travelling, free and following their hearts, together.

Alternate title

Also known as "The Widower" (a working title in the U.S.)

External links

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