Something Wild

Believe it or not, my mother took me to the drive in to see this movie with her in the early 60's. At the time the drive-in was the place to go to cool off during family arguments or in times of extreme boredom. I was only about 10 at the time, but now 40 years later I still remember this film, and researched IMDB to find it again. I have not seen a recent copy, and understand that it is not available for purchase, but I think it would be a fine addition to classic black and white film history, so I hope it is re-released on video or DVD. Even as a young girl I was haunted by Carole Baker's character, not understanding exactly what had happened to her, but realizing that the love she developed with Ralph Meeker was somehow sad, but sweet and deeply emotional at the same time. I remember how desolate the character of Ralph Meeker was, and his apartment reflected this barren soul. They were two people who hurt desperately, and could only relieve their pain by coming together and sharing their emotionally tortured souls. I recommend you watch this movie if you get a chance.

I must have seen this shortly after it came out, certainly in the early '60s. What I remembered was Mike's apartment and what went on there... what I couldn't remember was the name of the movie... when I saw Ralph Meeker in the Dirty Dozen I used the IMDB to methodically go thru his credits until I found this. You wouldn't believe how many movie 'experts' I've queried and come up empty looking for this movie's title... Now the big task is going to find a copy to view again, 30+ years later and see if I can exorcise these memories. All the so-called experts could suggest based on my recollections was The Collector with Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar. Both good, some similarities. See them both.

This movie is somber, downbeat, and really really weird. Many women hate this movie because of the ending. And for good reason. I guess you can say this is the kind of movie that leaves one with a bad taste in the mouth. It is the kind of movie where you want to scream at the characters--"what the hell are you doing?" But this film is hypnotic in its strange way. The performances are terrific, and the locations are stunning. They may not have been viewed that way 40 years ago, but today it is a kind of museum piece, very accurately capturing the atmosphere of New York City in the early Sixties. There is an excellent score by Aaron Copland, which was later released as "Symphony for a Great City." Since this was a low-budget movie, one really has to wonder how much he was paid to score this film. You also have to wonder why this movie was such poison for everyone associated with it. The author of the novel never wrote anything significant again. The director, Baker's hubby, faded away. Baker divorced him and Ralph Meeker hit the skids. Something Wild has many tragic dimensions, for both its characters and its stars.

I remember watching this movie when i was in grade school and getting reprimanded by parents for viewing an"adult" film. I have seen it through various stages of my life and still find it intriguing. Both Mike and Maryann are not endearing characters and have many physical and psychological problems. When I say they deserve one another;I don't mean it in a harsh way, but rather a statement of practicality. We are not shed too much light on their past, but know it is affecting their present. Only with the help and love of each other can they survive their all too bleak future. The filming in black and white certainly adds to the dreariness of their situations. They are not "people" persons, but seem to have respect and commiseration for one another. Though Mike (RalphMeeker) seems to be controlling and possessive, it is something Maryann unconsciously needs. He builds her stamina and literally sharpens her survival skills. Maryann had problems before the rape as seen in flashbacks of her school and home life. Mike seems to be more mysterious, living a desolate and pitiful existence..only confiding to her that she is his last chance. It is only through their incredible acting that you forgive their shortcomings.

Student traumatized by a rape is saved from suicide by a lonely mechanic, who feels she may be his last chance for happiness. Beguiling art film missed cult status by that much. Director Jack Garfien, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Alex Karmel from Karmel's novel "Mary Ann", and his wife, actress Carroll Baker, put everything on the line for this production, but it didn't connect with audiences at the time. It looks good today, however, and has an unusual, unnerving, voyeuristic quality. Baker and Ralph Meeker have intriguing chemistry, though the premise--that the mechanic keeps the girl like a wounded pet in his little hovel--is often creepy instead of romantic (although I'm not sure of the actual intention here). Incredible jazz score by Aaron Copland; striking black-and-white cinematography from Eugen Shuftan. A mixed bag, mostly effective. **1/2 from ****