An Unmarried Woman
dir. Paul Mazursky · 1978
Plot
Erica is unmarried only temporarily, in that her successful, wealthy husband of 16 years has just left her for a girl he met while buying a shirt in Bloomingdale's. This movie shows Erica coming to terms with the break-up while revising her opinions of herself, redefining that self in its own right rather than as an extension of somebody else's personality, and finally going out with another man. Erica refuses to drop everything for Saul, an abstract expressionist painter, simply out of love for him, because he expects this of her. It is not so much loneliness that is her problem, and the problems that men, flitting around this newly "available" woman like moths round a flame, bring to her sense of independence.
Why watch
"An Unmarried Woman" is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and independence, capturing the bittersweet journey of a woman redefining her identity in the wake of a sudden divorce. With its intimate portrayal of urban life and the complexities of modern relationships, this film resonates deeply with anyone navigating the intricacies of love and self-acceptance.
Talking points
- the impact of divorce on identity
- the role of art in personal expression
- societal expectations of women
- the journey of self-acceptance