Review of The Way We Were (1973) by Tiffany B — 19 Feb 2017

This isn't the story about people who drift apart because of politics, this is the story of a woman with convictions (whether you agree with them or not) and intelligence, and a pussy-ass (drop dead beautiful) white boy who has never had to care about or fight for anything in his life.

They're initially attracted to each other because they each have something the other wishes they could possess. For Redford, Streisand represents the exciting world of fringe living, of struggle and fight and true meaning. In Streisand's case, Redford represents everything comfortable and conventional she's always been denied in her life as a strong smart non-christian woman. Both then proceed to lie to each other in order to make it work, despite the fact that neither are truly willing to give up their way of life. It's only after they're both too mired in lies that things start to truly fall apart, and Streisand realizes she's been lying to herself.

This is frankly one of the most honest portrayals of a real relationship in cinema. Hell, I have BEEN in this relationship! (Though thankfully got out before making any irreversible decisions.) What a breath of fresh air to have such a layered female lead. Even when she's vulnerable it's shown in an empathetic way - that scene with him drunk in her bed is so killer. Even better, we get to see her mature and grow even further as the movie goes on (from her naturally curly hair to straight hair to curly hair again is symbolic AF!), while Redford's character is shown having slammed into a brick wall back in college and has no interest or drive to move past it. Then there's every time Streisand begs to know what part of herself she should change to fit Redford's mold better and make their relationship work it was like oof- this is the realist shit.

Damn. I was expecting something sappy but this movie has legit teeth. Know thyself, your passions are what make you attractive - don't compromise or lie to try and make the relationship work if only one side of it fits sometimes when the wind blows a specific way. There's a lot of people out there (*coughmencough*) want to possess you when it's comfortable for them to, but they're not interested in reciprocating. They don't want somebody who will challenge them and help them grow, they just want to feel interesting by proxy via you. But only in their own time and at their own request, otherwise they want you to shut up. Those people, whether they're "good" or "bad," aren't worth your time - even if they're as beautiful as Robert Redford (sigh).