Father of the Bride (1950)

American comedy film directed by Vincente Minnelli, starring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor.

With a terrific script, great performances from Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, and assured direction from Vincent Minnelli, Father of the Bride endures as a sparkling comedy of its era.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus

Story: The father of a young woman deals with the emotional pain of her getting married, along with the financial and organizational trouble of arranging the wedding. (IMDb)

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The Unsung Hero: Humor as Therapy in “Father of the Bride” (1950)

– Retrospective & Movie Review –

So, you’ve probably seen “Father of the Bride” (1950). It’s a classic, right? Spencer Tracy, the gruff but lovable dad grappling with his daughter’s wedding, Elizabeth Taylor looking impossibly radiant, and Joan Bennett as the ever-practical voice of reason. But beyond the charm and laughter, there’s something a little deeper going on, something that might surprise you: the film uses humor as a form of therapy.

Now, you might say: “Therapy in a movie about a wedding? Come on!” But hear me out. Stanley Banks, our man Spencer Tracy, is going through several emotional upheavals. His little girl is growing up, leaving the nest, and the prospect fills him with a mix of pride, sadness, and a touch of good old-fashioned grumpiness.

Here’s where the magic happens. The film doesn’t shy away from these emotions. We see Stanley struggle with the financial burden of the wedding, clash with his wife over seemingly trivial details (like the engraving on the invitations), and even dreamily envision running away to Alaska to escape it all.

Father of the Bride (1950), Spencer Tracy, Film critique and Essay

But instead of dwelling on the negativity, the film uses humor to defuse the tension and allow Stanley, and by extension, the audience, to process these complex emotions. Think about the scene where Stanley gets overwhelmed by the wedding planner and starts chucking furniture around. It’s hilarious, sure, but it also perfectly captures the frustration and helplessness he feels. We laugh, but we also understand.

This comedic therapy goes beyond slapstick. The witty banter between Stanley and his wife, Ellie, becomes a way for them to communicate their anxieties and frustrations in a safe space. Their playful jabs and shared inside jokes remind us that even amidst the chaos, their love and support for each other remain strong.

The film also uses humor to explore the broader societal expectations surrounding weddings in the 1950s. Remember the scene where Stanley insists on a simple ceremony, only to be met with Kay’s vision of a grand church wedding? It’s funny because it taps into a universal struggle between generations and personal desires. It shows us how societal norms can clash with individual preferences, and how humor can help navigate these differences.

But the true genius of the film lies in how it gradually transforms humor from a coping mechanism into a bridge of understanding. As the wedding day approaches, Stanley’s initial grumbling starts to soften. He begins to see the joy that the wedding brings to Kay and the importance it holds for her. He even starts to appreciate the camaraderie and shared experience with his family and friends.

Father of the Bride (1950), Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Movie Analysis

The film’s climax perfectly illustrates this transformation. During the wedding rehearsal, overwhelmed by the mounting pressure and emotional turmoil, Stanley breaks down. But instead of falling apart, he uses humor to express his vulnerability. He tells a poignant joke about feeling like “the last leaf clinging to a vine,” acknowledging his fear of letting go while simultaneously finding a way to connect with his family.

This moment is crucial because it allows Stanley to release his pent-up emotions in a safe and relatable way. His vulnerability prompts others to share their own anxieties, turning the rehearsal into a space of shared understanding and support. In the end, the humor not only helps Stanley cope, but it also strengthens the bonds within his family.

So, the next time you watch “Father of the Bride,” notice how humor is more than just entertainment. It’s a subtle yet powerful tool for exploring complex emotions, navigating cultural expectations, and forging deeper connections. It’s a testament to the enduring power of laughter to not just make us smile, but also to heal and connect.

Stephen Galen Estevan

A cinephile whose love for the Silver Screen transcends eras and genres. Armed with a deep passion for films, from classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, I’m on a lifelong quest to explore all 100+ years of Cinema, one Frame at a time. Care to join the adventure?

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