Zee and Co. (1971)

Film Overview
"Zee and Co". is a British drama movie launched in 1971, directed by Brian G. Hutton and featuring Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine, and Susannah York in the lead roles. The screenplay, penned by novelist Edna O'Brien, tells a tale of distressed marriage, jealousy and resentment, physical violence, and extramarital affairs. The narrative unfolds to showcase a conflict-laden love triangle between Zee Blakeley, her husband Robert, and his more youthful girlfriend, Stella.

Plot Synopsis
The film begins with Zee (Elizabeth Taylor), a flamboyantly eccentric, headstrong, and wealthy woman, wed to Robert (Michael Caine), a silently thoughtful and smart designer. Despite their apparent social incompatibility, they cohabit in London with familiarity and bickering, marking an unstable but mentally reliant relationship. The problems develop when Robert, in the middle of a mid-life crisis, starts an affair with Stella (Susannah York), a stylish, independent girl who runs a store.

Zee's Conspiracy
Upon discovering her partner's betrayal, Zee, instead of nursing a damaged heart in silence, decides to confront Stella honestly. This leads to several unusual encounters where Zee, in an effort to outdo Stella, humiliates her in public places, tries to befriend her, and even welcomes her to their house. The stress keeps escalating amongst the three, particularly between the women, each figured out to keep Robert for herself.

Complex Love Triangle
As the story establishes, Robert's affair with Stella continues while Zee efforts to win back her other half through numerous manipulative techniques. She puts on an act, pretending to be ill, and even attempts to seduce Stella's disregarded fiancé. All these actions display Zee's desperation and mental instability, fuelling the narrative's remarkable stress and showcasing the intricacies of human relationships.

Climax and Ending
Regardless of her efforts, Zee's methods appear to fail as Robert continues his affair with Stella. In a fit of anger and humiliation, Zee lashes out violently towards Robert at a late-night party. Consequently, Robert leaves Zee to live with Stella, just to understand his love for his spouse. The film ends on a tragic note with Zee and Robert reuniting, representing the destructive power of desire, jealousy and belongings.

Reception and Impact
"Zee and Co". gotten moderate evaluations, with some praising the performances and others criticizing the storyline. Elizabeth Taylor's performance as the unstable and determined Zee was particularly noteworthy, together with Michael Caine's portrayal of Robert. The movie's storyline was considered a strong action towards exploring the complexities of adulterous relationships and broken marriages at its time. The movie likewise serves as a declaration on gender politics and social standards in the context of the swinging sixties and early seventies in London.

In conclusion, "Zee and Co.", though released in 1971, still keeps its relevance due to its raw portrayal of marital relationship's complexities, infidelity, and love triangles. Its unforgettable performances and difficult narrative make it a milestone in British cinema.

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