Smile (1975)

"Smile" (1975) plunges us into the dazzling, yet often hollow, world of the "Young American Miss" beauty pageant, California's premier event. The film meticulously captures the behind-the-scenes frenzy as organizers Big Bob Freelander and Brenda DiCarlo pour their energy into orchestrating a flawless spectacle. However, beneath the surface of glitz and glamour, marital discord plagues Brenda, and Bob's son is engaged in increasingly unsettling activities, casting a shadow of doubt over whether this year's pageant can truly succeed, or if the carefully constructed facade will crumble. This film earns its place on a "Best Michael Ritchie Movies" list due to its incisive and often darkly comedic examination of American cultural obsessions. Ritchie, a master of satirizing societal rituals, uses the pageant as a microcosm to dissect themes of ambition, superficiality, and the desperate pursuit of perfection. "Smile" is a prime example of his ability to blend genuine drama with a razor-sharp, critical perspective, revealing the anxieties and absurdities lurking beneath seemingly wholesome events. His signature directorial style, characterized by sprawling narratives and a nuanced portrayal of flawed characters, is on full display, making "Smile" a compelling and enduring piece of filmmaking.