Watch Splendor in the Grass

Splendor in the Grass is an American drama from 1961, directed by Elia Kazan and starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, and Pat Hingle. The movie is set in the 1920s and follows the love story of two teenagers from different social backgrounds. Natalie Wood plays Deanie Loomis, a beautiful and intelligent young girl from a wealthy family in Kansas. She is deeply in love with Bud Stamper, played by Warren Beatty, the son of a local oil tycoon. Bud is a popular high school athlete who enjoys his privileged life, but he also has some deep emotional scars from his relationship with his father.

The movie explores the themes of sexual repression, social expectations, and mental illness. Deanie and Bud struggle to come to terms with their feelings and desires, even as they face pressure from their families and society to conform to traditional norms. Deanie's mother, played by Audrey Christie, insists that her daughter remain chaste until marriage, while Bud's father, played by Pat Hingle, expects him to devote his life to business and ignore his romantic inclinations.

As the relationship between Deanie and Bud deepens, they begin to push against these stifling expectations. However, their budding love faces challenges on all sides, including jealousy, betrayal, and even institutionalization. The struggle between their passionate desires and the demands of their families ultimately leads to a heart-wrenching and tragic conclusion.

The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, particularly Natalie Wood's portrayal of the vulnerable and conflicted Deanie. She captures the pain and confusion of a young woman trying to navigate the conflicting messages of a conservative society and her own inner desires. Warren Beatty is also excellent as the charming and tortured Bud, who is torn between his love for Deanie and his fear of disappointing his father.

The movie is notable for its frank depiction of adolescent sexuality and its exploration of psychological trauma. It was groundbreaking at the time it was released and signaled a new era in Hollywood filmmaking that explored deeper and darker themes. The score by David Amram is also noteworthy for its use of jazz and classical elements, which add to the sense of melancholy and longing that permeates the film.

Overall, Splendor in the Grass is a classic of American cinema that still resonates today. Its themes of love, repression, and mental illness are just as relevant now as they were in the 1960s, and its performances and direction remain powerful and affecting. Whether you are a fan of classic cinema or just looking for a deeply emotional and nuanced drama, Splendor in the Grass is a must-see movie.

Splendor in the Grass is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 74.