A Smile Like Yours ( 1997 )

A Smile Like Yours (1997): A Deeper Look

A Smile Like Yours, released in 1997, is a romantic comedy-drama that delves into the complexities of marriage, infertility, and the pressures of societal expectations. Directed by Keith Samples and starring Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly as Danny and Jennifer Robertson, the film explores the emotional rollercoaster of a couple struggling to conceive. While initially perceived as a lighthearted romantic comedy, the film subtly navigates deeper themes of commitment, sacrifice, and the evolving definition of family.

Synopsis

Danny and Jennifer Robertson are a successful, happily married couple living in Chicago. They decide to start a family and quickly discover that getting pregnant isn't as easy as they thought. As months turn into years with no success, the initial excitement gives way to frustration, stress, and ultimately, a strain on their relationship. They undergo various fertility treatments, face insensitive comments from friends and family, and grapple with the feeling of inadequacy. Danny, a dentist, initially tries to remain optimistic and supportive, but the constant pressure and the medical interventions take their toll. Jennifer, a museum curator, bears the brunt of the emotional burden, feeling the pressure to conceive and questioning her own worth as a woman. The film follows their journey, highlighting the challenges, heartaches, and moments of humor they experience as they navigate the emotional landscape of infertility. It also explores their individual vulnerabilities and how their struggle affects their personal growth and their marriage.

Cast and Characters

The success of A Smile Like Yours hinges significantly on the performances of its lead actors. Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly deliver nuanced and believable portrayals of a couple dealing with a deeply personal and challenging situation.

Themes Explored

Beyond the surface-level romantic comedy elements, A Smile Like Yours delves into several significant themes that resonate with audiences. These themes elevate the film beyond a typical romantic comedy and provide a more profound exploration of human relationships.

• The Stigma of Infertility: The film confronts the often-unspoken pain and shame associated with infertility. It highlights the societal pressures on couples to have children and the insensitive comments and questions they often face. The film portrays the emotional isolation and the feeling of inadequacy that can accompany infertility.
• The Strain on Marriage: The film vividly depicts how infertility can put immense strain on a marriage. The constant focus on conception, the invasive medical procedures, and the emotional rollercoaster can lead to resentment, anger, and a breakdown in communication. Danny and Jennifer's relationship is tested by the stress and the differing ways they cope with the situation.
• Societal Expectations: The film explores the pervasive societal expectation that marriage equals parenthood. It showcases how couples without children are often viewed as incomplete or unfulfilled. The characters face pressure from family, friends, and even strangers to conform to this societal norm.
• The Definition of Family: The film subtly challenges the traditional definition of family. It raises the question of whether a couple needs to have children to be considered a complete family. It suggests that love, commitment, and companionship are the essential elements of a family, regardless of whether they have children.
• Male Vulnerability: Danny's character provides a nuanced portrayal of male vulnerability. He initially tries to be strong and supportive, but he also struggles with his own feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. The film shows how men can also be deeply affected by infertility and how they may express their emotions differently.
• The Importance of Communication: The film underscores the importance of open and honest communication in a relationship, especially when facing difficult challenges. Danny and Jennifer's relationship suffers when they fail to communicate their true feelings and needs to each other.
• The Power of Support Systems: The film highlights the importance of having a strong support system when dealing with infertility. Jennifer's friendship with Nancy provides her with much-needed emotional support and a sense of understanding.

Critical Reception

A Smile Like Yours received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the performances of Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly, as well as the film's willingness to tackle a sensitive and often-taboo subject. Other critics found the film to be uneven in tone, oscillating between lighthearted comedy and heavy drama without fully committing to either. The pacing was also criticized by some, who felt that the film meandered at times. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film resonated with audiences who appreciated its honest and relatable portrayal of the challenges of infertility.

Analysis of Key Scenes

Several scenes in A Smile Like Yours stand out as particularly effective in conveying the emotional depth of the film.

• The Doctor's Office Scenes: The scenes depicting Danny and Jennifer's visits to the fertility specialist, Dr. Katz, are often awkward and uncomfortable. These scenes highlight the clinical and impersonal nature of fertility treatments and the emotional disconnect that can exist between doctors and patients. The scene where Dr. Katz nonchalantly discusses the couple's chances of conceiving is particularly jarring.
• The Thanksgiving Dinner Scene: The Thanksgiving dinner scene is a microcosm of the societal pressures that Danny and Jennifer face. Family members ask insensitive questions about their plans to have children, and the couple feels increasingly isolated and judged. This scene perfectly captures the awkwardness and discomfort that often accompany family gatherings for couples struggling with infertility.
• The Argument Scene: The argument scene between Danny and Jennifer is a pivotal moment in the film. They finally express their pent-up frustrations and resentments, revealing the toll that infertility has taken on their relationship. This scene is raw and emotional, highlighting the breakdown in communication that has occurred between them.
• The Final Scene: The final scene, where Danny and Jennifer decide to adopt a child, is a hopeful and uplifting conclusion to their journey. It emphasizes that family can be created in many different ways and that love and commitment are the most important ingredients. This scene provides a sense of closure and suggests that Danny and Jennifer have emerged from their struggle stronger and more united.

The Soundtrack

The soundtrack of A Smile Like Yours plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional impact of the film. The music is a blend of contemporary pop songs and a score that effectively underscores the various emotional states of the characters. Key songs include “I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince, used ironically in a scene depicting their struggle to conceive, and other popular tracks that reflect the late 90s vibe. The musical choices complement the film's tone, emphasizing both the comedic and dramatic elements of the story.

Impact and Legacy

While not a box-office blockbuster, A Smile Like Yours has had a lasting impact on viewers who have personally experienced infertility or who know someone who has. The film's honest and relatable portrayal of the challenges of infertility has helped to break down the stigma surrounding the issue and has sparked conversations about the emotional toll it can take on individuals and couples. The film also serves as a reminder that family can be created in many different ways and that the most important thing is love and commitment.

Conclusion

A Smile Like Yours is more than just a romantic comedy; it's a poignant exploration of marriage, infertility, and the search for meaning in life. While the film may have its flaws, its willingness to tackle a sensitive and often-taboo subject makes it a valuable contribution to the cinematic landscape. The film's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences who have experienced similar struggles and in its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The performances of Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly, combined with the film's exploration of universal themes, make A Smile Like Yours a film worth revisiting.