John and Mary

Could two people fall in love before learning each other's names? John and Mary is one of those slaps in the face to anyone who categorically disses romantic comedies. The film has such a good grasp on real life and real situations, and the characters, complemented by Hoffman and Farrow's performances, are so round and well defined; their interaction sizzles with humor, frustration and sweetness. Following Bullitt with this, Yates conclusively proves his versatility.

Interesting but a little sluggish. A lot of this movie seems very genuine, but at the same time a lot of this movie seems sloppier and more uncertain than real life. Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow do well to define inconsistent characters and to steer a rudderless screenplay. For me John and Mary was more about cultural voyeurism. I wasn't alive in 1969 so it held my interest in that regard quite well.