Title: THE BABY MAKER
Year of Release: 1970Director: James Bridges
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: A couple unable to conceive a child enlist seek a surrogate to give birth to their child, locating a suitable young woman for this, the husband subsequently impregnating her.
Within a film history context: Infertility in male, and female characters has been presented several times in cinema before THE BABY MAKER. One of the first examples was William Keighley's DR. MONICA (1934). An infertile obstetrician discovers that her friend's baby, which she is set to deliver, is actually fathered by her husband. This causes waves between the women, with both willing to make sacrifices on account of their future happiness, and for the baby. JOURNEY FOR MARGARET (1942), directed by W. S. Van Dyke, was set during World War II. An American and his wife in London are affected by the war, the pregnant wife injured during The Blitz, and losing their baby as a result. The husband visits an orphanage and becomes enamored of two children, whom he wishes to adopt for him and his wife, but certain obstacles make themselves apparent in this touching movie. In a similar vein, Henry Koster's MY BLUE HEAVEN (1950), centered around a showbusiness couple, with the wife losing her baby, and unable to conceive again. She and her husband determine to adopt a child, all the while maintaining their television series appearances. Another drama about a couple unable to have a child was CLOSE TO MY HEART (1951), directed by William Keighley. A couple who cannot have one of their own begin enquiries about adopting a child, but run into hurdles based upon its parentage, of which the husband is most concerned. Matters were equally somber in Rudolph Mate's PAULA (1952). After suffering her second miscarriage, and consumed by the fact she cannot have other children, a tormented woman injures a child at night, leaving him unattended. Guilt overcoming her, she volunteers at the hospital to assist the child, who is an orphan. The woman and child bond, but the events of that fateful night may come back to haunt her in this compelling movie.
Within a film history context: Infertility in male, and female characters has been presented several times in cinema before THE BABY MAKER. One of the first examples was William Keighley's DR. MONICA (1934). An infertile obstetrician discovers that her friend's baby, which she is set to deliver, is actually fathered by her husband. This causes waves between the women, with both willing to make sacrifices on account of their future happiness, and for the baby. JOURNEY FOR MARGARET (1942), directed by W. S. Van Dyke, was set during World War II. An American and his wife in London are affected by the war, the pregnant wife injured during The Blitz, and losing their baby as a result. The husband visits an orphanage and becomes enamored of two children, whom he wishes to adopt for him and his wife, but certain obstacles make themselves apparent in this touching movie. In a similar vein, Henry Koster's MY BLUE HEAVEN (1950), centered around a showbusiness couple, with the wife losing her baby, and unable to conceive again. She and her husband determine to adopt a child, all the while maintaining their television series appearances. Another drama about a couple unable to have a child was CLOSE TO MY HEART (1951), directed by William Keighley. A couple who cannot have one of their own begin enquiries about adopting a child, but run into hurdles based upon its parentage, of which the husband is most concerned. Matters were equally somber in Rudolph Mate's PAULA (1952). After suffering her second miscarriage, and consumed by the fact she cannot have other children, a tormented woman injures a child at night, leaving him unattended. Guilt overcoming her, she volunteers at the hospital to assist the child, who is an orphan. The woman and child bond, but the events of that fateful night may come back to haunt her in this compelling movie.
Things were not as innocent in THE BIGAMIST (1953), directed by Ida Lupino. A woman's infertility, and how she and her husband wish to adopt a baby, are the starting points of the story. An adoption agent's investigation of the couple unearths certain truths about the husband, and his two wives, which makes up the content of this film. In the next example, comedy was at the fore of Gene Kelly's THE TUNNEL OF LOVE (1958). A couple unable to conceive a child visit an adoption agency to initiate the process, and come against many hurdles and misunderstandings, both serious and comic, in their quest. Into the 1960s, John Rich's THE NEW INTERNS (1964) was a multi-character drama set in a hospital, following the lives and loves of its staff members. Infertility is a subject in this movie, with a doctor finding out he cannot have children, the movie detailing the consequences of this for him. In utter contrast, Mike Nichols' raucous WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966), had a couple unable to conceive a baby concoct the presence of an imaginary child to hide their pain and disappointment at their predicament. One of the most pungent, honest examinations of marriage, it was a credit to all participants, with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in the lead roles as the tortured couple. THE BABY MAKER had several elements in common with earlier films in the genre, but stood out from these for other reasons.
The movie was similar in structure to the many films where a married couple seek the services of an agency to adopt a child, such as MY BLUE HEAVEN, CLOSE TO MY HEART, and THE TUNNEL OF LOVE. Either the wife, or both parties cannot conceive a child for one reason or another, as with the wife in THE BABY MAKER. Putting on a unified front, they go through the process of adoption, with the many examples such as in the pre-mentioned films charting the roadblocks the couple may encounter in reaching their aim. Where THE BABY MAKER changes course from other samples is that the couple do not deal with an agency which is cold and bureaucratic. Their advocate is a mature, understanding lady who seeks to make the process as seamless as possible. As the couple appears to have not done anything to sabotage their adoption desires, the sometimes melodramatic obstacles of other films, placed in the way of the adoption are not present in THE BABY MAKER. Instead, the movie lays bare the many issues the couple face having the surrogate in their home, and part of their lives for nine months. There is enough material here without other stumbling blocks being placed in their way, which gives the movie a more naturalistic, adult feel. Another aspect of THE BABY MAKER is also refreshing for its treatment.
In movies such as CLOSE TO MY HEART, where the identity of the adoptee's biological parents was placed under the microscope, causing issues for those wishing to adopt the child, matters in THE BABY MAKER take another direction. Aside from the fact that THE BABY MAKER deals with Tish, a surrogate being impregnated by a sterile woman, Suzanne's husband Jay, both the couple, and the audience, find out exactly who the surrogate mother is in the movie. Tish is not a shadowy figure in any respect, but a flesh and blood presence whose intimate thoughts, and life, are put on display for the spectator. This also provides the movie with both layers of obvious, and less evident emotional undercurrents that the other movies could never explore. This was mainly due to the fact that biological parents were either deceased, or never shown, in movies such as JOURNEY FOR MARGARET, and PAULA. Aside from this, the effect of Tish's surrogate pregnancy is also explored in secondary characters such as Tish's boyfriend Tad, and how he handles her situation.
Tad's quizzical reaction gives THE BABY MAKER a point of difference, moving away from the viewpoints of just the central trio of Jay, Suzanne, and Tish. A further interesting counterpoint can be found in Tish's friend Charlotte, and how she envisions Jay. There is the perception, mainly comical, that he is too dry and middle-class, but passable as a person. This fills out another perspective on how Jay is envisioned, who, apart from Tish, is also a 'baby maker', thereby assisting the audience to see him in another light. A perceptive movie with many memorable scenes, THE BABY MAKER is not only an absorbing motion picture but also, makes viewers see the issue of infertility from all sides of the equation.
Overview: James Bridges was the director of eight motion pictures over a period of eighteen years. Generally dealing in dramatic themes with a nod to issues of the times, his movies deftly combined social awareness with stimulating entertainment values. Mr Bridges' second film, THE PAPER CHASE (1973) was about a young law student, and the ups and downs of his academic life. In particular it followed his relationship with his professor, and the blossoming romance between him, and the professor's daughter. SEPTEMBER 30, 1955 (1977) detailed the events in a life of a young man who was a fan of James Dean, and both his, and the reactions of his friends, to the actor's death. Next came one of James Bridges' most famous movies, THE CHINA SYNDROME (1979). A tense exploration of events at a nuclear plant, and the cover up about certain safety procedures, it was a box-office success that also enjoyed considerable critical praise.
Mr Bridges' fifth film, URBAN COWBOY (1980), was a change of pace for the director. A character study of a young man and woman, with western and country music overtones, it nevertheless made money, and was an interesting addition to the director's oeuvre. Unfortunately, James Bridges' next movie, MIKE'S MURDER (1984) was not as notable. The story of a woman investigating the death of her lover, discovering things she never knew about him, was not a financial success for its studio. James Bridges' penultimate film, PERFECT (1985) also did not perform as well as expected at the box office. The story of a reporter composing a piece on fitness clubs, then becoming involved with an aerobics instructor, did not resonate with the public and lost money, critical opinion anything but friendly. The final film of James Bridges, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY (1988) was a drama about a young writer in New York City, especially concerned with his drug addiction, and emotional issues. As with his previous two movies, it was not a money-maker, and received with mixed critiques. THE BABY MAKER, being James Bridges' first motion picture, was one of his better projects, and an insightful film.
James Bridges has crafted a movie that approaches the delicate subjects of surrogacy, and infertility, with a humanistic, sympathetic slant. Mr Bridges ensures that the audience comprehends the feelings of all parties involved in this exchange, which is one of the best features of the film. THE BABY MAKER makes crystal clear exactly what married couple Suzanne and Jay are seeking to make their lives complete, which is a child, and how Tish is the one who can assist them with this. The narrative is nicely-paced, and fluidly moves from one situation to another with ease and precision. One feels as they are being afforded an intimate glimpse into the lives of these characters, with a level of depth that makes them three-dimensional. While a dramatic film at heart, THE BABY MAKER is not all gloom and doom, which gives it an easy watchability. There are some lightly humorous sequences which meld well with the more serious stretches, but these are not antic-based in nature. Everything is pertinent to the characters, and where they are in their journey. Some of the information relating to pregnancy and surrogacy, though, may be dated in retrospect, but this is irrelevant overall - the intention is to inform the audience, which is an achievement that should not be underestimated. THE BABY MAKER does have a number of positive facets such as those mentioned, but there are some aspects which needed further work.
It is admirable that THE BABY MAKER dives into the story, immediately letting audiences know of the movie's burning issue, but the lack of a prologue from the characters is a little jarring. Scenes which could have established Tish's thoughts on surrogacy, and Suzanne and Jay's likewise on their situation, would have added immeasurably to a sense of smoothness in the beginning of the film. On the other hand, there are some scenes which could have been shortened, as they do not do much for the film. The sequence where Tish is in the nightclub with the music blaring, and psychedelic images popping on the screen is something which skillfully reflects late 1960s/early 1970s culture, but the imagery in this segment is a little too much. Similarly, the protest scene feels as if it has just been added in for social relevance purposes, but it is also extraneous. The only real meaning to be gleaned from this was that it showed Jay was not as cool emotionally as first thought, as he jumps to Charlotte, and the crowd's, defense.
THE BABY MAKER, in all, works best when it explores those little moments of keen character interaction. Scenes such as Tish's visit to her mother and grandmother in the trailer, and Tish trying to make Jay breakfast, but not succeeding, are all excellent. They give the audience character information to savor, and relish for its honesty. These particular sequences have a sense of emotional veracity which give the characters added dimension, and are surprising in, and of themselves. In summing up, there are some things which can be said about THE BABY MAKER as a movie. Although the film does have its lapses, overall, THE BABY MAKER is an engaging motion picture that deals with a difficult topic in a truthful, forthright manner.
Acting: Acting in THE BABY MAKER is of a high standard, with several earnest performances standing out. In the lead role of Tish, Barbara Hershey contributes another complex character to her cinematic credits. What could have been a one-dimensional hippie girl is made into a flesh and blood person in THE BABY MAKER, whose innermost emotions and thoughts have been laid bare to the audience by Miss Hershey. Collin Wilcox Paxton, as Suzanne, the woman wanting a child, but unable to conceive, makes her feelings of inadequacy, and sadness, transparent to the audience without overt shows of emotion. Her quiet reactions to situations, such as Jay's growing connection to Tish, makes them all the more heartrending. As Suzanne's husband Jay, Sam Groom is an actor whose polished presence in the movie gives it another layer of intricacy. While in the beginning it appears Jay is uncomfortable with his part in the conception of his child with another woman, Mr Groom's facial expressions, and eyes, say this without any dialogue, his subtle personality slowly weaving its way into the movie. Jay is a low-key character with a warmth that wins over not only Tish, but the audience as well. There are three other performers who make also their mark in THE BABY MAKER.
As Tad Jacks, Tish's boyfriend, Scott Glenn is another multi-faceted protagonist, and a polar opposite to Jay. Where Jay is reserved and gentlemanly, Tad is working class, and brusque. There are also telling contrasts between the sexuality of THE BABY MAKER's male characters which are of note. Jay is only depicted shirtless within the confines of his marriage, and with Tish at the swimming pool; a 'safe' masculinity. On the other hand, Tad is shirtless for much of the movie, and naked in some scenes. There is the concept posited that Tad's 'dangerous' masculinity is not within the parameters of suburban morality, and Scott Glenn plays this for all it is worth in the movie. As Mrs Culnick, who brings Tish into the lives of Jay and Suzanne, Lili Valenty is authoritative as the initiator of the couple's surrogacy agreement, her diplomatic manner adding a touch of class, and Europe, to the movie. The final performance of note is by Phyllis Coates as Tish's mother. Despite being featured in only a handful of scenes, Miss Coates makes her presence felt as Tish's knowing, humorous mother.
Soundtrack: THE BABY MAKER does not have a soundtrack laden with tunes, which works to give the scenes, especially the intimate conversations between characters, appropriate space. The most notable piece is Fred Carlin's 'People Come People Go' which, as with many 1970s movies, is played at both the beginning, and end of the film. It gives the movie a bittersweet, melancholy feel when taking into account what has occurred between both points of time in the film.
Mise-en-scene: THE BABY MAKER is beautifully photographed courtesy of cinematographer Charles Rosher Jr., who makes the pretty California locales appear picturesque without disintegrating into a travelogue. There are scenes at the beach and at the theme park which are not too bright, but thankfully blend into the movie as a whole. Regarding Raymond Paul's set design, he makes clear effective contrasts between Tad and Tish's scruffy artist's den, and Jay and Suzanne's lush home, with its modern appliances and furnishings. Aside from set design, costuming has also been well utilized to make certain points about characters in THE BABY MAKER. The economic, and social differences between both couples are also evident in their apparel. Jay and Suzanne's costuming is refined and classic, while Tad and Tish's is of the early 1970s, more laidback and funky, with mini dresses and long hair for both sexes the order of the day.
Notable Acting Performances: Barbara Hershey, Collin Wilcox Paxton, Sam Groom, Scott Glenn, Lili Valenty, Phyllis Coates.
Notable Acting Performances: Barbara Hershey, Collin Wilcox Paxton, Sam Groom, Scott Glenn, Lili Valenty, Phyllis Coates.
Suitability for young viewers: No. Infrequent coarse language, male nudity, female nudity, adult themes.
Link: IMDB Page
Movie Excerpt
