I agree with most of the negative comments already posted about LOVE STORY. The acting by the two leads is dreadful (McGraw got better; O'Neal never could act). The storyline is trite and predictable, to say the least. Above all, the two leads are so totally unlikeable and unsympathetic. We're supposed to feel sorry for Oliver while he's crusing around Boston in an expensive European hot rod? (here's a clue: sell the damn car and you won't need a scholarship to law school!) Jenny isn't any better, but her excessive and gratuitious profanity makes her totally repulsive on top of her arrogance, nastiness and self-absorption. Sorry -- it's just hard to get into a romance when you absolutely despise the couple.
I will say, however, that I thought the cinematography was pretty good. The hockey scenes at the beginning are very well done in particular, and the scene at the end where Oliver III and Oliver IV face each other through a revolving door (as one leaves and the other enters) is a very powerful shot. Indeed, it's the cinematography that makes Oliver and Jenny seem even remotely human and likable.
I found this to be an interesting contrast to a film from the same era -- Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), which has a large number of similarities (relationships; illness; success / failure; death; parents). The contrast is that the story in "Drum" is outstanding, while the cinematography is absolutely dreadful. LOVE STORY is the direct opposite. I found this to be an interesting comparison, at least.
I will say, however, that I thought the cinematography was pretty good. The hockey scenes at the beginning are very well done in particular, and the scene at the end where Oliver III and Oliver IV face each other through a revolving door (as one leaves and the other enters) is a very powerful shot. Indeed, it's the cinematography that makes Oliver and Jenny seem even remotely human and likable.
I found this to be an interesting contrast to a film from the same era -- Bang the Drum Slowly (1973), which has a large number of similarities (relationships; illness; success / failure; death; parents). The contrast is that the story in "Drum" is outstanding, while the cinematography is absolutely dreadful. LOVE STORY is the direct opposite. I found this to be an interesting comparison, at least.