I was always impressed with how he could direct such different films—“Misery” could hardly be more different from “Spinal Tap” and he nailed both. Such a broad talent.
And he was always underrated as Meathead. Not just a foil taking pot shots at Archie, but a complicated character who was trying to better himself, coming from working class roots like Archie but resentful of being dependent on him and with an undercurrent of guilt over feeling he owed him. Very layered relationship between the two iconic characters and Reiner did it so well.
Thank you for your astute observations about artists with “tremendous heart.”
Yes: “Film snobs can sometimes elevate cynicism over sentiment.” The same thing happens with literary criticism. Fiction with happy endings is dismissed as trite or sentimental.
But, you know what? Even Shakespeare knew that real life had enough happy endings that merited artistic representation. Most often as comedies. Knowing that things go “right,” as often as they go wrong is what keeps humans going. Especially during times as heavy as these are.
Thanks again for this beautiful tribute to Reiner. And for the reminder that I haven’t seen “The American President” yet.
Reiner’s films were prescient. Or maybe that was Sorkin too but this certainly made me want to watch “American President” since I never have. I can imagine that all his films are in the top viewing lists right now. And apparently he was also great in his casting choices. Thank you again. And Godspeed Rob and Michelle. I cannot even imagine what this family is going through right now. Hopefully his death will not be in vain if it shines a light on how mental health needs more attention.
Please do check out, American President! If you've seen the West Wing, it will take a moment to adjust to seeing Martin Sheen in the White House and he's *not* the president.
Dreyfuss is great as the villainous Bob Rumson, who is almost noble by today's GOP standards.
"Harry was cynical and distrusting of life — always reading the ending of book he’d just started in case he died before finishing it. (A habit 15-year-old me picked up.)"
That would have saved me some heartburn; I finally got a chance to read "The Godfather" when I found it in my then girlfriend's pile of books.
She let me read it all the way through to the end of that copy...which was missing some 15 or so pages from the end. "Oh yeah" she said, "I should have told you...the last part of the book fell out ages ago"
I occasionally remind her of that...because we still see each other...daily...40 years later :-)
I had the great pleasure of introducing "When Harry Met Sally" to my 20 something daughter a few years ago, who absolutely loved it.
On the other hand, the only Woody Allen movie I've seen was Manhattan. I saw that back in the day and just decided I never needed to see another one. He icked me out in the 80's.
I saw MANHATTAN for the first time as a college freshman. Of course, at 18, I imagined myself hanging out and trading witticisms with sophisticated adults at Elaine's. But once I actually reached 42 (Allen's age in the film), I was horrified at the idea of *dating* a high school student. She even spends the night at his place regularly. It's repulsive.
Lesser men = Trump.
Lovely tribute, thank you for this.
"(A habit 15-year-old me picked up.)"
You do that too? LMAO
I was always impressed with how he could direct such different films—“Misery” could hardly be more different from “Spinal Tap” and he nailed both. Such a broad talent.
And he was always underrated as Meathead. Not just a foil taking pot shots at Archie, but a complicated character who was trying to better himself, coming from working class roots like Archie but resentful of being dependent on him and with an undercurrent of guilt over feeling he owed him. Very layered relationship between the two iconic characters and Reiner did it so well.
Thank you for your astute observations about artists with “tremendous heart.”
Yes: “Film snobs can sometimes elevate cynicism over sentiment.” The same thing happens with literary criticism. Fiction with happy endings is dismissed as trite or sentimental.
But, you know what? Even Shakespeare knew that real life had enough happy endings that merited artistic representation. Most often as comedies. Knowing that things go “right,” as often as they go wrong is what keeps humans going. Especially during times as heavy as these are.
Thanks again for this beautiful tribute to Reiner. And for the reminder that I haven’t seen “The American President” yet.
Oh, you're in for a treat!
It's easy to be cynical. The world sometimes seems to do everything it can to reinforce a response of cynicism. People too.
Easy to shut yourself off. Build walls. Define tribes. Enforce tribal boundaries.
Harder to see the beauty in the world and the beauty in people. Hard to remain hopeful. Hard to remain kind. Hard to love.
But it's the better choice.
Wow SER! This was a great post. Thank you.
Reiner’s films were prescient. Or maybe that was Sorkin too but this certainly made me want to watch “American President” since I never have. I can imagine that all his films are in the top viewing lists right now. And apparently he was also great in his casting choices. Thank you again. And Godspeed Rob and Michelle. I cannot even imagine what this family is going through right now. Hopefully his death will not be in vain if it shines a light on how mental health needs more attention.
Please do check out, American President! If you've seen the West Wing, it will take a moment to adjust to seeing Martin Sheen in the White House and he's *not* the president.
Dreyfuss is great as the villainous Bob Rumson, who is almost noble by today's GOP standards.
What a beautiful tribute! And of his works I managed to see, I enjoyed each one.
RIP.
Lovely tribute. Thank you.
"Harry was cynical and distrusting of life — always reading the ending of book he’d just started in case he died before finishing it. (A habit 15-year-old me picked up.)"
That would have saved me some heartburn; I finally got a chance to read "The Godfather" when I found it in my then girlfriend's pile of books.
She let me read it all the way through to the end of that copy...which was missing some 15 or so pages from the end. "Oh yeah" she said, "I should have told you...the last part of the book fell out ages ago"
I occasionally remind her of that...because we still see each other...daily...40 years later :-)
I had the great pleasure of introducing "When Harry Met Sally" to my 20 something daughter a few years ago, who absolutely loved it.
On the other hand, the only Woody Allen movie I've seen was Manhattan. I saw that back in the day and just decided I never needed to see another one. He icked me out in the 80's.
Yeah a forty something man dating a high schooler is big red flag.
I saw MANHATTAN for the first time as a college freshman. Of course, at 18, I imagined myself hanging out and trading witticisms with sophisticated adults at Elaine's. But once I actually reached 42 (Allen's age in the film), I was horrified at the idea of *dating* a high school student. She even spends the night at his place regularly. It's repulsive.
Thank you.