The Arrangement (1969)

Plot: A middle-aged Adman looks back on his life after a failed suicide attempt
Stars: Kirk Douglas, Deborah Kerr, Richard Boone and Faye Dunaway

The Arrangement has been absurdly attacked by critics over the years (Kael called it “Monstrously unconvincing”) and even Kazan was disappointed in the final product. But it’s not that bad. The acting is fine, especially by Deborah Kerr and Faye Dunaway. And there’s some excellent – if flashy - camera work. Yet all the flash can’t cover the big hole in the movie -the lack of engaging characters and story. There’s nothing to connect to. I could never rouse any interest in “Eddie Anderson”, his wife, or his mistress. They’re not likable or admirable.  And no matter how much they shout, Eddie is still a nonentity. Who cares if he's "sold out"?

We see Kirk with his big house and beautiful wife and empty - if successful - life at the ad agency, and we're supposed to CARE he's going through a mid-life crisis.  We're supposed to care that he's lost his Greek roots and become "Eddie Anderson".  We're supposed to care he's a talented man - who's settled. We're supposed to - but we don't.  Because Eddie does nothing to earn our sympathy. His problems are all internal.  He's not being held down by others. And he often behaves like a jerk.

I think Kazan cared so deeply about Eddie Anderson (based on his own life), he just assumed we would.* Maybe Brando could’ve made us care, and given the middle-aged angst some meaning and energy. But Kirk can’t do that – he’s just adequate. He’s all surface, and doesn’t bring much to the party **.

Summary:  An empty movie with fine technique and nothing to say.  Kazan should have left the melodrama to Tennessee Williams. Or had someone else adapt his novel. However, its been over-criticized.  Its not bad, just very mediocre.  Rating 2 of 4

Notes
* The novel makes us sympathize with Eddie by getting inside his head, and we see things through his eyes. We know his motives and background in great detail. The movie can’t do this.

** The other problem is that Kirk was never good at romance. He has zero chemistry with Kerr, When you think leading men with warmth/ passion for the opposite sex, Kirk’s name doesn’t top the list. Finally, Kazan wrote in his autobiography that he should have cancelled the movie after Brando dropped out.  The role needed a great actor. He praises Douglas for being intelligent, hard working, and a good actor, but Douglas was wrong for the part.  Actors can only go so far from their basic personality.  Kirk Douglas was a fighter who never gave an inch.  Kirk didn't live a life of quiet desperation. Which is not Eddie Anderson..