Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing
Encyclopedia
Love and Pain And The Whole Damn Thing is a 1973 American
film directed by Alan J. Pakula
. It is often categorized as a drama, but contains many comic elements.
tic who lacks direction in his life and the confidence to tackle his future. His father, in an effort to instill some spirit into his son, sends him on a biking holiday in Spain
. Walter goes to Spain but finds the bike riding torturous to his asthma and lags behind the rest of the group. Meanwhile, Lila Fisher is also touring. She too is awkward with people and keeps to herself, and looks uncomfortable when a Spaniard tries to woo her with bird noises.
Soon the two tours coincide and, seeing the bus about to depart, Walter decides he has had enough of the bike tour and joins the bus tour. He ends up alongside Lila on the rear bus seat, and is wheezing terribly from the ordeal of running for the bus.
The two begin spending time together out of necessity, but neither seems particularly confident in the growing relationship, Lila particularly. However, their similar dispositions soon bring them closer and they move past their fear and consummate their relationship. Their relationship does not always run smoothly, as both show intermittent doubt of the other's loyalty. They have fights which, as they resolve and they are compelled to make pledges of their commitment to one another, increase their intimacy, and strengthen their bond.
They eventually decide to leave the bus tour behind and Walter organises a small caravan to take them around the country. At one point, they meet The Duke, who lives in a large Spanish castle, and seems to be very taken with Lila. This awakens the fever of jealousy in Walter, and for the first time he acts with strength and resolve to keep her with him.
The film ends with Lila, who has shown signs of illness at various points in the film, confessing to Walter that she has not long to live. The two determine, with Walter as the main instigator, to spend the days remaining to her travelling, free and following their hearts, together.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
film directed by Alan J. Pakula
Alan J. Pakula
Alan Jay Pakula was an American film director, writer and producer noted for his contributions to the conspiracy thriller genre.-Career:...
. It is often categorized as a drama, but contains many comic elements.
Plot
Walter Elbertson is a young, shy asthmaAsthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
tic who lacks direction in his life and the confidence to tackle his future. His father, in an effort to instill some spirit into his son, sends him on a biking holiday in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. Walter goes to Spain but finds the bike riding torturous to his asthma and lags behind the rest of the group. Meanwhile, Lila Fisher is also touring. She too is awkward with people and keeps to herself, and looks uncomfortable when a Spaniard tries to woo her with bird noises.
Soon the two tours coincide and, seeing the bus about to depart, Walter decides he has had enough of the bike tour and joins the bus tour. He ends up alongside Lila on the rear bus seat, and is wheezing terribly from the ordeal of running for the bus.
The two begin spending time together out of necessity, but neither seems particularly confident in the growing relationship, Lila particularly. However, their similar dispositions soon bring them closer and they move past their fear and consummate their relationship. Their relationship does not always run smoothly, as both show intermittent doubt of the other's loyalty. They have fights which, as they resolve and they are compelled to make pledges of their commitment to one another, increase their intimacy, and strengthen their bond.
They eventually decide to leave the bus tour behind and Walter organises a small caravan to take them around the country. At one point, they meet The Duke, who lives in a large Spanish castle, and seems to be very taken with Lila. This awakens the fever of jealousy in Walter, and for the first time he acts with strength and resolve to keep her with him.
The film ends with Lila, who has shown signs of illness at various points in the film, confessing to Walter that she has not long to live. The two determine, with Walter as the main instigator, to spend the days remaining to her travelling, free and following their hearts, together.
Cast
- Lila Fisher - Maggie SmithMaggie SmithDame Margaret Natalie Smith, DBE , better known as Maggie Smith, is an English film, stage, and television actress who made her stage debut in 1952 and is still performing after 59 years...
- Walter Elbertson - Timothy BottomsTimothy Bottoms-Early life:Bottoms was born in Santa Barbara, California, the eldest son of Betty and James "Bud" Bottoms, who is a sculptor and art teacher. He is the brother of actors Joseph Bottoms , Sam Bottoms and Ben Bottoms . In 1967, Bottoms toured Europe as part of the Santa Barbara Madrigal...
- The Duke - Don Jaime de Mora y Aragon
- Spanish Gentleman - Emiliano Redondo
- Dr Elbertson - Charles Baxter
- Mrs Elbertson - Margaret Modlin
- Melanie Elbertson - May Heatherly (aka May Heatherley)
- Carl - Lloyd Brimhall
- Dr Edelheidt - Elmer Modling
- Tourist Guide - Andrés Monreal