The Arrangement

A successful, but deeply unhappy, advertising executive fakes his own suicide in an attempt to escape his marriage and career. His plan goes awry when his wife discovers his deception, leading to a tumultuous series of events that forces him to confront his own self-destructive tendencies and the complex nature of his relationships.

The Arrangement received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics finding the film to be melodramatic and overly long. While Kirk Douglas's performance was often praised, the film's narrative and tone were frequently criticized. Audience reception was similarly divided.

• Praised for Kirk Douglas's committed performance.
• Criticized for its excessive length and melodramatic tone.
• The film's exploration of existential angst was seen as heavy-handed by many.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a split reception. Some appreciated the film's raw portrayal of a man's mid-life crisis and the performances, while others found it tedious, overly serious, and lacking in clear resolution.

Elia Kazan based the film partly on his own experiences and feelings of disillusionment, which he had also explored in his controversial novel of the same name.