The Affair

source: There's Always Vanilla

Trailer—There's Always Vanilla

There's Always Vanilla

This film is not as good as not of the living dead but it still has it's merit if not just for the fact that George A. Romero directed this. It is his least favorite film, I don't know why that award should go to Two Evil Eyes. This film has spots where it is heard to understand what is going on but with the narration that Romero wisely added as a wrap around the film comes together and tells a fine story about a misguided man trying to make it in the early 1970's. He has to decide what is important live a life of excess or grow up and become a man for his family. I think the film does a great job of showing his journey and what this man needs to do. For a none horror effort this is superb Romero here. Not for the casual viewer but for the fans.

The house seems to be divided on this one, so let me break the deadlock with a rave review: this is one terrific little movie. Funny, surprising, sharply directed, engagingly written (great movie line: "our very existence depends on that beer"), well performed, and absorbing all the way. Great title, too! (Yes, it is explained in the film.) As Jonathan Rosenbaum has pointed out, There's Always Vanilla is highly evocative of the early 70s; and like many timely films of that era, it has been unjustly neglected. A realistic romantic comedy with a deft side-take on television and advertising, it turns interestingly serious in an abortionist sequence that illuminates the era of Roe v. Wade. Lead actor Raymond Laine is a find, charming yet believable. This movie is only screened very occasionally, and the print I saw (with the less memorable alternate title The Affair) is unfortunately color-faded. But if you ever get the chance to see this, it is a must. Romero at his best.

THERE'S ALWAYS VANILLA isn't a bad movie; it's slow and mired in the late '60s/early '70s sensibilities- but it's also an accurate snapshot of that period, in Cinematic terms. One can't help but imagine that this one echoes Romero's own Existential Angst at that time: the scenes involving the ad agency execs clearly suggest as much. (And I STILL say that a movie about a group of commercial filmmakers wanting to break away from advertising and make their own movies would be a great idea... Imagine the insights someone like Romero could bring to such a movie...) THERE'S ALWAYS VANILLA, whatever its merits (or lack of same), is evidence enough that Romero as a Filmmaker was capable from early on of making WHATEVER kind of movie he might've WANTED to make- Horror or Western or Contemporary Drama or anything else. (The abortion scene is short but powerful Dramatically.) Romero's movies are always worth a look.

Low budget and extremely dated. The only reason to watch this is so that you can say you've seen all of George Romero's movies. It's a totally uninteresting time capsule. It's feels like an hour and a half long student film and about as much fun.

There's Always Vanilla (1971) was a film that I saw a few years ago at a local video store. I was intrigued by the title and the clerk told me it was George A. Romero that was rarely seen. I felt at first that I've give it a try and scan it. I was surprised how good the movie was. Ray Laine is great as the lead in this movie. Judith Streiner (Ridley) plays the model/actress that he falls for with cameos by Russ Streiner, Bill Hinzmen and Richard France. I liked how Ray Laine's character addresses the camera giving the audience a insight into his life and times. Romero's camera work, direction and editing are real good in this flick. I enjoyed the social commentary and the ending. I thought it would be a snooze fest but once again Romero proved me wrong. The title refers to a line in the movie that Laine's father tells him when he sees him for advice. The actor who plays his father is also great. Try and get a hold of it!! Highly recommended.