Some Call It Loving (1973)

Some Call It Loving Poster

A jazz musician falls in love with a comatose woman at a carny sideshow and takes her to his mansion to join his cabinet of sexual curiosities.

Introduction
"Some Call It Loving" is a movie launched in 1973, composed and directed by James B. Harris. Being a surreal and symbolic cinematic production, the movie checks out themes of desire, understanding, and surprise fantasies. Based Upon John Collier's short story "Sleeping Beauty", the story is detailed and deeply psychological. It focuses around an isolated character who is captured in his own web of fantasies, developing a brilliant illustration of how understanding can form reality.

Plot Summary
"Some Call It Loving" showcases Robert (Zalman King), a rich jazz musician living in a remote mansion. He leads a peculiar life, acting out dreams with paid individuals, including his live-in lovers Scarlett (Carol White) and Angelica (Veronica Anderson).

Robert's life takes a mystical turn when he comes across a lady referred to as "Sleeping Beauty" (Tisa Farrow) at a carnival. She is under a trance-like sleep, displayed as part of a sideshow. Oddly fascinated by her, Robert buys her from the carnival owner and takes her home, where he restores her with a kiss, echoing the popular fairy tale. However, unlike the fairytale character, she has no memory of her past or identity.

Conflict and Intrigue
The story ends up being significantly complex as Robert's dreams start to blur with reality. He tries to integrate Sleeping Beauty into his uncommon way of life but struggles to control his increasing fascination for her. The attempt to fit her into his fantasy world becomes a task in itself as she doesn't adhere to his imaginations. She stays passive and indifferent, declining to participate in his fantasy scenarios.

Robert even more makes complex things by proposing to Sleeping Beauty after she wins a surprise 'lottery.' Regardless of his live-in fans' protests, Robert weds her in a home event, causing increased tensions in their currently non-traditional relationships.

Conclusion and Message
The climax comes when Robert understands that he can not control Sleeping Beauty as he did with his dreams. After their marital relationship, Sleeping Beauty leaves him, leading Robert to challenge the extreme truth. He recognizes that his dreams, detached from genuine emotional connection, were sterile and empty.

In the end, Robert winds up where he began, alone in his mansion, caught once again in his intricate fantasies. He is haunted by the realization of his actions and their effect on his life.

"Some Call It Loving" uses jail time, fantasy, and truth as signs to explore human desire, impression, and belief. The movie communicates that when individuals are cut off from real human interactions, they could develop a world of fantasies that feels safer and manageable. However, these impressions can eventually cause seclusion and a disturbing sense of truth.

Total Review
Unnerving and dreamlike, "Some Call It Loving" is an intriguing exploration of human desires and their dark implications. Despite the movie's slow pace and in some cases ambiguous symbolism, its informative and layered themes remain poignant. It conveys the message that a life resided in seclusion and fantasies can lead to a distorted understanding of reality and individual dissonance. This film may not be thought about a classic, however its unique storyline and intense depiction of human psychology make it notable in the annals of mental thrillers.

Top Cast

  • Zalman King (small)
    Zalman King
    Robert Troy
  • Carol White (small)
    Carol White
    Scarlett
  • Tisa Farrow (small)
    Tisa Farrow
    Jennifer
  • Richard Pryor (small)
    Richard Pryor
    Jeff
  • Veronica Anderson
    Angelica
  • Logan Ramsey (small)
    Logan Ramsey
    Carnival Doctor
  • Brandy Herred
    Cheerleader
  • Ed Rue
    Mortician
  • Joseph DeMeo
    Bartender
  • Luther Fear
    Kissed Sleeping Beauty
  • Pat Priest (small)
    Pat Priest
    Carnival Nurse