Despite "Divorce American Style" being listed as a comedy (IMDB even calls it a 'screwball comedy'), I see it instead as a sort of morality tale about the awfulness of divorce. This is also surprising since the film was made by Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin...the guys responsible for zany comedies like "Start the Revolution Without Me" and the TV show "All in the Family". Well, this movie is nothing like them and if you're looking for a laugh out loud comedy, I'd pick a different film. Now this is NOT to say I don't recommend the movie. If you are ever contemplating divorce, you might want to see the story...it might give you some ideas what to expect.
Richard and Barbara (Dick Van Dyke and Debbie Reynolds) seem to have a good life. He was a nice job, they live in a lovely home and they have two kids who seem nice. However, their marriage is starting to crumble...even if they don't know it. And, soon they go from a slightly troubled marriage to divorce court. What's next for the pair?
As I said above, this isn't exactly a comedy. It has a few humorous scenes but it really isn't funny...which makes sense, as divorce also isn't particularly funny. Instead, I see it an some insight into the pitfalls of divorce...which isn't a bad thing to consider. Well acted and enjoyable...but not exactly funny most of the time.
