The Way We Were [DVD]

In this film, revolving around the class of 1937, Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand) is a strident, political activist who is way to the left. Working her way through college, Katie is not the most popular figure on campus, but rather, the butt of jokes, often at her expense. She is a young, working class, Jewish woman with an edge and a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Humorless and dour, with her wild fro of hair, she is an individualist who is dedicated to causes that she feels will make the world a better place. She does not hesitate to speak her mind. This stance often finds her on the outside looking in.

Hubbell Gardner (Robert Redford), on the other hand, is the quintessential Wasp, living the American dream. Blessed with All-American, golden boy good looks, charm, and grace, burnished by privilege, Hubbell is a poster boy for the old guard. He is a living icon for Wasp values. He is more than the sum of his parts, however, as he is also an aspiring writer with a way with words. While Katie, undeniably, has a crush on him, she despises his world. Hubbell, ever the gentleman, sees a spark in Katie that somehow draws him to her. Yet, while in college they are never more than passing acquaintances.

Years later, they meet up again. This time, Katie has since improved her appearance, and Hubbell has written his first book. Katie is still sweet on Hubbell, and her energy, intensity, and zest for life attract him.

This is an entertaining film in which romance and love are played out against a backdrop of historical events. Both Katie and Hubbell are caught in a wave of social issues that sweep both them and the nation and provide the background against which the embers of their love initially flame up only to smother and die a painful death .

Robert Redford is terrific as the golden boy whose dreams were not the dreams of the woman that he married. His is a well-nuanced, sensitive performance. The viewer can certainly see why Katie would fall in love with him. Barbra Streisand, on the other hand, is really just playing the same role that she played in all her early films with an added passion that resonates throughout the film. At times, however, I found her performance grating.

The title song of this film adds to its bittersweet quality and went on to win an Academy Award in 1973 for Best Song. Sung by Ms. Streisand, it became a chart topping hit.