Watch The Arrangement

The Arrangement is a 1969 drama film that delves into the mid-life crisis of a successful advertising executive. Directed by Elia Kazan, the movie features an all-star cast comprising Kirk Douglas, Faye Dunaway, and Deborah Kerr. The plot revolves around Eddie Anderson (Kirk Douglas) who seemingly has it all - a high-paying job, a beautiful wife, a luxurious home, and a fancy car. However, as he approaches his 40th birthday, Eddie begins to feel disillusioned with his life. He has lost touch with his true aspirations, and his marriage to Florence (Deborah Kerr) has become stagnant, despite their attempts to rekindle their love life.

Eddie is plagued with memories of his dysfunctional family background, his father's suicide, and his own failed suicide attempt. He finds himself drawn to Gwen (Faye Dunaway), a free-spirited artist who is in love with Eddie but is hesitant to get involved with a married man.

As Eddie tries to sort through his emotions, he decides to quit his high-powered job, sell his possessions and start a new life, freed from the shackles of his conventional life. Along the way, he discovers new aspects of himself and begins to explore his creativity, something that he had suppressed in his quest for success.

Through his interactions with Gwen, Eddie learns the power of living in the moment and being true to oneself. However, his decision to abandon his past life is not without its consequences, which puts a strain on his relationships with his wife, his brother, and his mother.

The film is notable for its exploration of the theme of midlife crisis, a phenomenon that was not well understood at the time. It portrays the struggle of a man who feels trapped by his conventional life and yearns for something more meaningful. The movie tackles themes of love, marriage, creativity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Kirk Douglas delivers a striking performance as Eddie, portraying a man who is dealing with the emotional turmoil of his mid-life crisis. Faye Dunaway provides strong support as Gwen, a non-conformist artist who represents the free spirit that Eddie yearns for. Deborah Kerr portrays Florence, Eddie's wife, with her usual class and grace, showing the complexities of a marriage that has lost its spark.

The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between Eddie's luxurious lifestyle, and the gritty reality of Gwen's bohemian lifestyle. The music by David Amram sets the mood for the film with its jazzy and upbeat tones.

Overall, The Arrangement is a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the struggles of mid-life crisis, and the need for self-discovery. It is a powerful commentary on the emptiness of material success and the importance of pursuing one's passions.

The Arrangement is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.