That Uncertain Feeling

Plot

Jill Baker is a happily married woman living in New York with her devoted husband Larry, a successful lawyer. After developing persistent hiccups that won't respond to treatment, she seeks help from a psychoanalyst, Dr. Alexander Sebastian, who suggests her physical symptoms stem from emotional dissatisfaction in her marriage. Under the doctor's sophisticated influence, Jill begins to question her relationship and considers having an affair with the charismatic analyst, leading to various comic situations as she navigates her feelings for both men. As Jill becomes increasingly confused about her desires, she attempts to make Larry jealous while simultaneously being drawn to Dr. Sebastian's intellectual charm. Eventually, Jill realizes her deep love for Larry and recognizes the superficial nature of her attraction to the doctor, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation that strengthens their marriage.

Historical Background

'That Uncertain Feeling' was released in May 1941, at a pivotal moment in American history. The film emerged during a period when psychoanalysis was gaining mainstream acceptance in American culture, with Freud's ideas increasingly discussed in popular media and literature. This cultural shift allowed the film to explore themes of subconscious desire and marital dissatisfaction in ways that would have been impossible just a few years earlier. The movie was produced and released before the United States entered World War II, representing the final flowering of the sophisticated, escapist comedy genre that had flourished during the 1930s. Its release came just six months before Pearl Harbor, and its light-hearted treatment of marital problems and personal fulfillment would soon give way to more serious wartime themes in American cinema. The film also reflects the transition of European directors like Lubitsch, who brought their sophisticated sensibilities to Hollywood while adapting to American tastes and the constraints of the Production Code.

Making Of

The production of 'That Uncertain Feeling' faced several challenges during its development. Originally conceived as a vehicle for Miriam Hopkins, who had worked successfully with Lubitsch on previous films, the project was recast when Hopkins and the director had creative differences over the character's motivation. Merle Oberon was brought in as a replacement, requiring script adjustments to suit her more glamorous screen persona. The film's exploration of psychoanalysis was considered somewhat daring for 1941, as it touched on themes of marital dissatisfaction and female desire that were typically handled more circumspectly in Hollywood films of the era. Lubitsch worked closely with screenwriter Charles Brackett to ensure the film maintained his signature sophisticated wit while navigating the Production Code's restrictions. The famous 'Lubitsch touch' - the director's ability to suggest intimacy and emotion through visual subtlety rather than explicit dialogue - was particularly evident in scenes where Jill's confusion about her feelings is conveyed through props, lighting, and composition rather than overt statements.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Charles Lang Jr. exemplifies the elegant visual style that characterized Paramount's sophisticated comedies of the early 1940s. Lang employed soft focus lighting and careful composition to create a romantic atmosphere that complemented Lubitsch's nuanced approach to the material. The camera work subtly emphasizes the contrast between the sterile, modern world of the psychoanalyst's office and the warm, intimate spaces of the Baker's home, visually reinforcing Jill's emotional journey. Lang's use of lighting is particularly noteworthy in scenes where Jill's inner conflict is suggested through shadows and illumination rather than through dialogue. The film's visual style maintains the 'Lubitsch touch' through its emphasis on visual storytelling, with many key emotional beats conveyed through composition, props, and the actors' movements within the frame rather than through explicit verbal statements.

Innovations

While 'That Uncertain Feeling' was not particularly innovative in its technical aspects, it demonstrated mastery of established film techniques to achieve sophisticated emotional effects. The film's sound recording, nominated for an Academy Award, was notable for its clarity in capturing the subtle nuances of the actors' performances, particularly in scenes where emotions are conveyed through tone and inflection rather than explicit dialogue. The production design, also Academy Award-nominated, created distinct visual environments that effectively supported the film's psychological themes. The editing by William Shea maintained a smooth, elegant pace that allowed the comedy to develop naturally while advancing the emotional arc of the story. The film's technical achievements lie primarily in how these various elements were integrated to serve Lubitsch's vision of sophisticated, emotionally complex comedy that suggested more than it explicitly showed.

Music

The musical score for 'That Uncertain Feeling' was composed by Werner R. Heymann, who had worked with Lubitsch on several previous films. Heymann's music perfectly captures the sophisticated, slightly melancholic tone of the film, with light, romantic themes that underscore the comedy without overwhelming it. The score incorporates elements of both traditional American popular music and European classical influences, reflecting Lubitsch's transatlantic sensibilities. Particularly effective is the use of leitmotifs to represent the different emotional states of the characters, with Jill's confusion often accompanied by slightly discordant musical passages that resolve into harmonious themes when she recognizes her true feelings. The soundtrack also makes subtle use of popular songs of the period to establish the film's contemporary setting, though these are integrated into the score rather than presented as performance numbers.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where Jill's persistent hiccups disrupt a sophisticated dinner party, establishing both her character and the film's comic tone
• Jill's first session with Dr. Sebastian, where the psychoanalyst's office is presented as sterile and modern in contrast to the warmth of her home
• The scene where Jill attempts to make Larry jealous by flirting with another man at a party, resulting in comic misunderstandings
• The emotional climax where Jill realizes her true feelings while watching her husband sleep, conveyed through visual storytelling rather than dialogue
• The final reconciliation scene where Larry and Jill acknowledge their love for each other, combining humor with genuine emotion

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'That Uncertain Feeling' for its sophisticated wit and elegant direction, with many reviews highlighting Lubitsch's masterful touch in handling potentially controversial material with grace and humor. The New York Times called it 'a delightful comedy of modern manners' and praised the performances of all three leads. Variety noted that the film 'maintains the Lubitsch tradition of intelligent entertainment' while successfully updating silent film themes for contemporary audiences. Modern critics have reevaluated the film as a significant work in Lubitsch's oeuvre, with some suggesting it represents a more mature and psychologically nuanced approach to romantic comedy than his earlier work. The film is often cited as an example of how Lubitsch managed to address adult themes within the constraints of the Production Code, using suggestion and implication rather than explicit content. While not as widely known as some of Lubitsch's other films like 'Ninotchka' or 'To Be or Not to Be,' 'That Uncertain Feeling' is regarded by film scholars as a sophisticated and underappreciated example of the director's art.

What Audiences Thought

Contemporary audience response to 'That Uncertain Feeling' was generally positive, though the film performed only moderately at the box office compared to some of Lubitsch's bigger hits. Moviegoers of the time appreciated the film's sophisticated humor and the chemistry between the leads, with many finding the psychoanalysis theme novel and entertaining. The film's exploration of marital doubts resonated with some viewers, particularly women who identified with Jill's confusion about her desires and needs within marriage. However, some audience members found the film's intellectual approach to comedy less accessible than Lubitsch's more overtly humorous works. In the years since its release, the film has developed a cult following among classic film enthusiasts and Lubitsch devotees, who appreciate its subtle wit and elegant style. Modern audiences viewing the film through streaming platforms and classic film revivals often comment on its surprisingly progressive treatment of female desire and its sophisticated approach to adult relationships.

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