Two for the Seesaw (1962)

**Two for the Seesaw (1962)** finds Jerry Ryan (Robert Mitchum), a disillusioned Nebraskan lawyer, aimlessly wandering through New York after abandoning his practice and receiving a request for divorce from his wife. His path unexpectedly crosses with Gittel Mosca (Shirley MacLaine), a struggling, free-spirited dancer from Greenwich Village. As these two solitary souls navigate their respective personal crises, they attempt to sort out their lives and find connection in a bustling metropolis. The film distinguishes itself as an extended conversation piece, often employing a static camera to emphasize the intimate, dialogue-driven nature of their evolving relationship, thereby reflecting the moral and social climate of the early 1960s with its exploration of loneliness, independence, and the complexities of human connection. While Robert Wise is renowned for his expansive epics and groundbreaking genre films like *West Side Story* and *The Sound of Music*, *Two for the Seesaw* unequivocally earns its place on a "Best Robert Wise Movies" list by showcasing his remarkable versatility and mastery of intimate, character-driven drama. This film highlights Wise's exceptional ability to draw nuanced, compelling performances from his actors, particularly in a dialogue-heavy, two-hander format, allowing Mitchum and MacLaine to deliver powerful, emotionally resonant portrayals. His understated direction and focus on the psychological interplay between the characters, rather than grand spectacle, demonstrate a sensitive hand capable of exploring the intricacies of human relationships with profound depth and honesty, proving his genius extended far beyond his more celebrated blockbuster achievements.