A Smile Like Yours ( 1997 )

A Smile Like Yours (1997): A Deep Dive into Fertility, Relationships, and Finding Happiness

A Smile Like Yours, released in 1997, is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Keith Samples. While often categorized as a lighthearted film, it delves into serious themes of infertility, marital stress, the complexities of relationships, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Starring Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly as Danny and Jennifer Robertson, the movie explores their struggle to conceive a child, the impact this has on their marriage, and the individual journeys they undertake to rediscover themselves and their priorities. This article offers a detailed analysis of the film, examining its plot, characters, themes, critical reception, and lasting impact.

Plot Summary

Danny and Jennifer Robertson are a seemingly perfect couple, happily married and financially stable. Danny is a successful architect, and Jennifer works as a dentist. They decide the time is right to start a family, but their attempts to conceive are unsuccessful. As months turn into years, the pressure mounts, and their initial excitement gives way to frustration and anxiety.

Their struggle to conceive becomes all-consuming. They undergo various fertility treatments, track ovulation cycles meticulously, and adhere to strict routines. The spontaneity and intimacy in their relationship diminish, replaced by a clinical and regimented approach to sex. Jennifer becomes increasingly obsessed with getting pregnant, feeling a sense of inadequacy and failure. Danny, while supportive, feels increasingly alienated and emotionally detached from Jennifer's intense focus on conception.

The strain on their marriage becomes palpable. They argue more frequently, and their communication breaks down. Jennifer feels Danny isn't taking their fertility problems seriously enough, while Danny feels suffocated by Jennifer's constant pressure and the loss of the fun, loving connection they once shared. Both start to question their future and their relationship.

As the film progresses, both Danny and Jennifer begin to seek solace and connection outside their marriage. Danny finds himself drawn to a younger woman, Tina (Jill Hennessy), who is working on a construction project he's overseeing. Tina is carefree and adventurous, offering a stark contrast to Jennifer's seriousness and preoccupation. Jennifer, in turn, develops a close friendship with a patient, Frank (Jay Thomas), who offers her emotional support and understanding.

These relationships, while not necessarily physical, further complicate their already fragile marriage. Danny and Jennifer are forced to confront their own desires and insecurities, and to question whether they are truly meant to be together. The film culminates in a moment of crisis where both Danny and Jennifer must decide what they truly want and whether they are willing to fight for their marriage. They both make mistakes, learn valuable lessons, and ultimately, find a way to redefine their relationship and find happiness, even if it's not exactly the way they initially envisioned it. The ending is ambiguous, hinting at a possible reconciliation and a renewed commitment to each other, but leaving the future open to interpretation.

Character Analysis

Danny Robertson (Greg Kinnear)

Danny is portrayed as a good-natured and generally easygoing man. He loves Jennifer and initially shares her desire to have children. However, as their fertility struggles continue, he becomes increasingly overwhelmed and frustrated. He feels pressured to perform and misses the spontaneity of their earlier relationship. Danny's affair with Tina is a symptom of his feelings of inadequacy and a desperate attempt to escape the stress and expectations surrounding him. Ultimately, Danny is a flawed but relatable character who is trying to navigate a difficult situation and rediscover his own happiness.

Jennifer Robertson (Lauren Holly)

Jennifer is a successful and driven woman who initially seems to have everything she wants. Her inability to conceive deeply affects her sense of self-worth and femininity. She becomes consumed by the desire to become a mother, which leads her to become obsessive and controlling. Jennifer's friendship with Frank provides her with emotional support, but it also blurs the boundaries of their relationship. She is a complex character who struggles with feelings of inadequacy, fear, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations of motherhood. Jennifer's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to accept herself and find happiness outside of motherhood.

Tina (Jill Hennessy)

Tina represents freedom and spontaneity, a stark contrast to Jennifer's rigidity. She is attracted to Danny's artistic talent and finds him charming and easy to talk to. While her relationship with Danny is brief, it serves as a catalyst for him to re-evaluate his priorities and consider what he truly wants from life.

Frank (Jay Thomas)

Frank is a patient of Jennifer's who provides her with a listening ear and a supportive presence. He offers her a different perspective on life and helps her to see that her worth is not defined by her ability to have children. While their relationship is primarily platonic, it becomes emotionally intimate and challenges Jennifer to examine her own needs and desires.

Themes

Infertility and its Impact on Relationships

The central theme of the film is the impact of infertility on a marriage. The movie realistically portrays the emotional toll that infertility can take on both partners. The pressure to conceive, the constant medical interventions, and the feelings of inadequacy can strain even the strongest relationships. A Smile Like Yours highlights the importance of communication, empathy, and support in navigating these challenges.

The Pressure to Conform to Societal Expectations

The film also explores the societal pressure on women to become mothers. Jennifer feels judged and inadequate because she is unable to conceive. She is constantly reminded of her perceived failure by friends, family, and even strangers. The movie challenges the notion that a woman's worth is solely defined by her ability to have children.

The Search for Identity and Happiness

Both Danny and Jennifer embark on individual journeys of self-discovery. Danny questions his career choices and his relationship with Jennifer. Jennifer learns to find fulfillment outside of motherhood. The film suggests that happiness is not contingent on achieving specific goals, but rather on accepting oneself and finding joy in the present moment.

Communication and Intimacy

The breakdown of communication between Danny and Jennifer is a key factor in their marital struggles. They struggle to express their feelings and needs to each other, which leads to misunderstandings and resentment. The film underscores the importance of open and honest communication in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The ending of the film suggests the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation. While Danny and Jennifer have made mistakes, they ultimately recognize the value of their relationship and are willing to work towards rebuilding it. The film offers a message of hope and suggests that even after infidelity and disappointment, relationships can be repaired.

Critical Reception

A Smile Like Yours received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its honest and realistic portrayal of infertility and marital struggles, while others criticized its reliance on clichés and its ambiguous ending. Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly were generally praised for their performances, particularly their ability to convey the emotional complexities of their characters.

Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars, noting that while the performances were strong, the plot felt predictable and the ending lacked resolution. He wrote, The problem is, the characters seem to be running through a checklist of possible problems in a marriage, rather than actually living through them.

Other critics praised the film's sensitivity and its willingness to tackle difficult issues. Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a B+, praising Kinnear and Holly's performances and noting that the film treats the subject of infertility with surprising sensitivity and humor.

The film's commercial success was modest. It grossed approximately $20 million in the United States, a decent return given its relatively low budget. While not a blockbuster, A Smile Like Yours resonated with audiences who appreciated its honest and relatable portrayal of marital challenges.

Analysis of Key Scenes

The Fertility Clinic Scene

A pivotal scene occurs early in the film at the fertility clinic. This scene visually and emotionally depicts the clinical and dehumanizing nature of the fertility treatment process. Jennifer is shown undergoing tests and consultations, feeling increasingly like a specimen rather than a person. Danny is present but feels largely disconnected, unable to fully comprehend Jennifer's physical and emotional experience. This scene establishes the initial cracks in their relationship as a result of the stress and pressure of fertility treatments.

Danny and Tina's Encounter at the Construction Site

The scenes between Danny and Tina are significant because they highlight Danny's growing dissatisfaction with his life and his marriage. Tina represents a carefree alternative to the responsibilities and anxieties that weigh him down. Their conversations are lighthearted and flirtatious, offering Danny a temporary escape from the pressures of trying to conceive. These scenes demonstrate the allure of something different and the temptation to stray from his commitments.

Jennifer's Confession to Frank

Jennifer's growing relationship with Frank culminates in a deeply personal confession where she reveals her feelings of inadequacy and her fears about her marriage. This scene showcases Jennifer's vulnerability and her need for emotional support. While Frank offers her a listening ear and understanding, it also raises questions about the boundaries of their relationship and the potential for infidelity.

The Argument in the Car

The argument in the car represents a breaking point in Danny and Jennifer's marriage. They finally confront each other with their pent-up frustrations and resentments. Jennifer accuses Danny of not taking their fertility problems seriously enough, while Danny accuses Jennifer of being obsessed and controlling. This scene is raw and emotional, highlighting the deep divisions that have formed between them.

Lasting Impact

While not a widely acclaimed film, A Smile Like Yours has remained relevant due to its honest and relatable portrayal of infertility and marital struggles. The film's themes of communication, identity, and the search for happiness continue to resonate with audiences today. It offers a valuable perspective on the challenges of modern relationships and the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being.

The film's exploration of infertility helped to destigmatize the issue and encourage open conversations about reproductive health. It also shed light on the emotional toll that infertility can take on both men and women. By portraying the complexities of the situation, A Smile Like Yours contributed to a greater understanding and empathy for couples struggling to conceive.

Ultimately, A Smile Like Yours is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of love, marriage, and the search for happiness. While its ending may be ambiguous, it leaves the audience with a sense of hope and the reminder that even in the face of adversity, relationships can be redefined and strengthened.

Film Facts and Figures

Character Summary

Thematic Breakdown