“The Getaway” – the Love Story of Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen
Title: The Getaway
Release Date: 1972
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Cast: Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw
Some films function in the history of cinema as a romantic monument to a famous acting couple. In addition to the famous “The Swimming Pool” with Romy Schneider and Alain Delon, we can also mention “The Getaway” from 1972. It was on the set of this film that Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen met, going on to become one of Hollywood’s most popular couples in the following years. In Sam Peckinpah’s film, they both look phenomenal, becoming true style icons of the 1970s. Tenderness and passion intertwine on screen with violent jealousy, astonishingly reflecting the true nature of this explosive couple’s relationship.
“The Getaway” – a love road story
“The Getaway” is a typical action movie that was a huge commercial success. Thanks to the efforts of his beautiful wife Carol (Ali MacGraw), notorious criminal Doc McCoy (Steve McQueen) is released from prison to organize another bank heist. This time, a large sum of money is supposed to enable the couple to escape and start a new, prosperous life in Mexico. However, it soon turns out that despite the precise plan, there are unforeseen surprises, and the clients set a trap for the gangster. As a result, Doc and his wife have to flee from a double pursuit: the police and the dangerous mafia.
Road movie and sensational plot coexist here with a fascinating romance, because the greatest threat to the characters turns out to be their mutual relationships. Love is intertwined with distrust and jealousy, especially when Doc learns that he left prison not so much thanks to his criminal skills as to Carol’s charms. On screen, we observe a psychological game between the characters, who constantly hesitate between staying together or parting ways for good.
The progressive entrapment and worsening situation reflect the crisis in their romantic relationship. The climax of this process is the scene where they hide in a garbage truck and, covered in waste, end up in a disgusting landfill. It is then that they decide to stay together, and love rises to the rank of a purifying and absolving force that can save the characters from death.
The great romance of Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen on the set of “The Getaway”
When watching “The Getaway,” it is hard not to notice the genuine passion between the actors. The couple met on the set of this film and became inseparable for the next few years. They both left their long-term partners. Ali MacGraw left her husband, film producer Robert Evans, with whom she had a two-year-old son, for McQueen. It was Evans who hired Ali for Love Story, and when her star faded, confident that her performance alongside a big name would make her shine again, he got his wife a role in The Getaway. However, things turned out differently. Ali MacGraw fell head over heels in love with the wildly popular Steve McQueen, who was in a relationship with Neile Adams.
They married in 1973. It is well known that the actor was no stranger to affairs and that both lived on the edge, addicted to alcohol and drugs. In addition, MacQueen was pathologically jealous and did not allow his wife to continue her career. He forbade her from accepting roles, even though the film world was open to her. They finally separated in 1978.
“The Getaway” – an explosive couple in fast cars
It must be admitted, however, that Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen made a wonderful screen couple. Their chemistry is delightful and keeps you in more suspense than the sensational plot, car chases, and shootouts. They both look incredibly stylish. Ali MacGraw appears in costumes designed by Ray Summers in typical Halston style. We see her in exclusive, simple blouses, skirts, and pants, often in belted trench coats in subdued white or earthy colors.
Steve McQueen, on the other hand, appears in a classic black suit, light-colored shirt, and tie, and in some scenes wears sunglasses with amber lenses. Of course, fast cars play a key role, as they were a constant attribute of the famous actor both on screen and in his private life. Ali MacGraw learned to drive and shoot specifically for this role.
In 1994, a remake of “The Getaway” was made, starring Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. However, the original version still has its unique charm, thanks to the atmosphere of the 1970s and the magnetic pair of actors playing the main roles.