The first half of the movie takes place basically aboard ship and creates a fantastic romantic atmosphere where the lovers' creative passions are allowed to grow. Their present romantic commitments are pushed aside after a day on shore visiting Nickie's Grandmother Janou (Cathleen Nesbitt). The pleasant religious lady, living on memories of her own true love, silently prophesizes that Nickie's and Terry's love is true. Having their love sanctioned by God in the chapel and Janou's speechless "knowing," the couple struggle with their undeniable passion and plan to break off their current engagements and vow to meet and fulfil their matrimonial promise in six months' time. The second part of the film focuses on the reality of the intruding obstacles that keep this couple from fulfilling their dream and this is symbolized by the verticle Empire State Building that looms predominantly before them.
An Affair to Remember is a remake of the 1939 original Love Affair starring Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer, (also directed by Leo McCarey) and promises a tender love story that has lasted through time. I am inspired by the purity and sensitivity of their love and the honest commitment of eternal togetherness that is echoed by the lyrics of the captivating title song popularized by Vic Damone. I found the dialogue genuine and comedic, and the drama soul-searching and honest. Their love compels them to abandon the superficiality of their lives and settle for pure love and devotion to marriage and family. This kind of love from the 50's had the faith to face all obstacles and persevere throughout eternity. A love that kept families together, that sent men to war to protect their country, and brought them back with the same determination to build and protect family and country.
The combined features in An Affair to Remember open a doorway to further enlighten the intensity of this film. Leo McCarey and Jerry Wald were paramount workaholics in their fields and took their craft seriously. The symbolism and sensitivity brought by McCarey's direction and Wald's producing go deep within the framework of the visual portrayal of an intense love story riddled by obstacles. The wide-screen and artistic coloration of the cinematography helped frame the central characters. The spouses of both Deborah Kerr and Carey Grant shed light on the passion that was intensified in their acting by their deep personal relationships and struggles. All the ingredients were present to make this an "eternal" movie about an eternal love.
The Blu-ray transfer is pristine and brings a magnification of highlights and features that were unforeseen in the original movie. "AMC Backstory" tells of Grant's passionate affair with actress Sophia Loren, while "The Look of An Affair to Remember" gives commentary by industry greats on the making of the film. Commentary by singer Marnie Nixon and film historian Joseph McBride share stage secrets of features that made the audience more intimate with the characters. The original Trailer is included as well. A 24-page booklet is contained in the packaging to further portray the movie and its stars and director, however the print type is really small so get out your reading glass.
I gave this movie 100 as a rating because I thought these two geniuses, McCarey and Wald, spent much time impacting this movie with symbolism and technique. The movie bears their signature styles and the enduring quality stands as its own merit. The humanistic qualities of Grant and Kerr speak much of genuine feelings and their every gesture and move emanates truth, righteousness, and love. I will cry every time I see this movie, and for one reason, because it's so hard to find such quality and honesty in a film. If you already have the 50th Anniversary Edition of An Affair to Remember in your DVD collection, you won't get any added special features in this version. However, if you want the absolute best version of this film that exists to date, this is it.
