The Last Movie Stars (2022) User Reviews

Thank you Ethan Hawke and the Newman-Woodward families.

[pamgar56 · 8/10 · 23 July 2022]

I binged watched this wonderful documentary in one day. Long time fan of both stars and admirer of Newmans philanthropic works. I am also a long time fan of Ethan Hawke's and enjoyed his sincere and sometimes, humorous commentary. Don't miss the renewal of their wedding vows reading towards the end. Words to live by. Will definitely watch again.

Politics ?

[bbigdiddle · 7/10 · 23 July 2022]

I didn't hear anyone pushing their beliefs or politics. They may have been quoting someone, & more than likely those beliefs were not someone like you - the hordes now who hear someone say their opinion & if it is not YOURS - you say they are pushing beliefs / politics.

Does everything have to match YOUR beliefs. My God. Listen to someone besides Fox News for a change.

An easy 10 without Hawke

[brmccorkle · 7/10 · 25 July 2022]

WTF. I have never been so turned off by anyone as I was with Ethan Hawke in this documentary. His performance as a goofy homeless idiot was beyond distracting. Every time the film settled into something so very interesting, here come the village idiot with his goofy smile. The subject matter is as good as it gets for a movie buff like myself. It is rich with anecdotes and insights that kept me viewing despite the never ending interruptions by the so called director / moderator. Newman and Woodward stand apart as the most beloved power couple Hollywood ever saw and they gave back in more ways than one. Now I feel compelled to watch so many of their wonderful films starting with The Three Faces of Eve.

Enjoyable

[conway3000 · 10/10 · 23 July 2022]

Since I am old enough to remember the beginning of Joanne and Paul's career, I thoroughly enjoyed this mini series documentary. I wish after going over all of Paul's 10 Oscar nominations, I wish Paul had been at the Oscars to accept. It was so wonderful that they showed the total Kennedy Center Honors Presentation. All I can say is so many very ill children have benefited from their charitable endeavors. I know I always buy Newman Popcorn, salad dressing etc. Two great actors/ who gave back to their craft as well as humanity. I am sure I will rewatch this documentary at some time. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

Brilliant

[rachealkash · 10/10 · 24 July 2022]

I loved this so much. It was very thoughtful, engaging, and well put together! I also loved the choice of voice over actors and interviews from the family. The old videos were priceless as well as scenes from movie classics I now feel the urge to see. Very impressive documentary from Mr Hawke.

A Beloved Hollywood Couple -

[debrahnava-52496 · 10/10 · 21 July 2022]

Who accomplished so much. Their liberal politics and philanthropy should be inspiring to everybody. These are 2 of my favorite actors ever and they deserve every bit of admiration and accolades and then some more. Thank you Ethan Hawke and all the others for providing us with this beautiful documentary of 2 talented and good people! We binge watched once and plan 2 do it again. We even made note of the great movies we want 2 see again. Movies 2 watch w/Joanne & Paul 3 faces of Eve The Fugitive Kind The Down Payment A Kiss Before Dying The Stripper Long Hot Summer The Sound and the Fury Hud Paris Blues New Kind of Love The Hustler Hombre Cool Hand Luke Rachel Rachel.

I Am Still Absorbing It All

[tsfnnnn · 10/10 · 26 July 2022]

I watched this doc in two days. I have a lot of different thoughts about this documentary (Not all included below).

None of my thoughts that I am contemplating have anything to do with the INTEGRITY of the purpose of this doc being made. I have no problem with the interview process, nor the substitution of voice overs for those particular folks that are no longer among us...,What the hay are you commenters talking about with negating Ethan communing with his voice over actors 🤷‍♀️...not to mention the tidbits of history shared...

About absorbing it all...P&J's lives, including the lives that they affected has hit home for me. I do think, for those of us that have been through a similar parenting and or marriage situation...right or wrong, it is life that we are observing/living, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, since we all are human beings are we not...

I know that I have seen what TCM airs of Joanne's movies because they were airing a male name (I could have missed tcm's focus on JW)...just saying that TCM needs to up their focus (I did view TCM's sit down with Ethan Hawk), and so does all of the other streamers that have access to Joanne Woodward's work. Can we get the stage plays...I'm willing to pay...

Thank you, Ethan Hawke, for following through on this documentary to its airing and then some.. I am a long time admirer of your talent and passion for your craft.

My complete empathy for the families of JW and PLN for the airing of your families "laundry" whether you agreed to it or not. I've walked your walk albeit with less the infamy. You will survive this 💪

Newman and Woodward deserved better than this...

[backura · 6/10 · 23 July 2022]

There was so much video and audio of these 2 actors. WHY did they have to insert Hawke, Clooney, Linney, etc?

This documentary was fragmented and a bit chaotic. What a shame!

Honest Insights into a Legendary Relationship with Woodward Finally Appreciated

[EUyeshima · 9/10 · 31 July 2022]

At first, I thought a six-episode series about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward would turn into an excessive fan treatment, but director Ethan Hawke effectively combines film clips, archival footage, Zoom interviews with family members and close colleagues, and voiceovers from famous colleagues to present the complex though clearly loving relationship between the two icons. While Newman's professional success and personal inner demons are explored honestly, the series provides intriguing insights into Woodward's strength of character and an invaluable tribute to her considerable talents which have been greatly overlooked over the years.

Fell short

[rlda-38329 · 6/10 · 23 July 2022]

It was ok. Had the potential to be great. Ethan Hawke, and others on screen were wearisome. I didn't watch to see them, comment. Photobombing at its best. Many clips that were missing, would've been better than the inane chattering. A last chance to set back, see and hear a clip, spoiled by actors, etc. Family recollections were excellent, and honest. All in all, we hit the FF button a lot..so sad, so disappointing.

Layered, complex portrait of layered, complex people

[jahaugh · 10/10 · 1 August 2022]

It's difficult to encapsulate everything I want to in a short and succinct review, but I'll try.

Ethan Hawke's effort here to paint the complete, well-rounded, warts-and-all portrait of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is a triumph. He upends the typical documentary format with a set of subtle transitions, told through several means: his conversations with fellow modern-day actors, re-voiced transcripts from taped interviews, historical live television interviews, and from messages within the films themselves. This is an extensively researched passion project, a doctoral thesis in the form of a love letter.

In E5, as Ethan Hawke is expressing to his daughter the challenge of what should be the focus of this colossal documentary subject, Maya Hawke hits it on the head: it's not about each individual, but about the being that emerges from their relationship-a sentiment perfectly captured by the subjects themselves, as they describe the "ego of their marriage" taking precedence over their own as individuals.

One of the Newman daughters describes a hint of guilt she feels in bursting the public's bubble about her parents' "perfect" marriage. But my response is that the fact that they went through plenty of personal and marital difficulties, juggled intense and irregular careers with a family life of six children, endured the loss of one of those children, and, by the way, were likely some of the most recognizable stars in the world, I'd say they are all the more admirable. They always found their way back, maybe because of their mutual respect for each other's talents and differences, similar hearts, generosity, and senses of humor.

So thank you, Newman family and Ethan Hawke, for allowing us to bask in the presence of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward for a while. I'm even more in awe of them now.

Less would have been more

[JaneYork8178 · 7/10 · 21 November 2022]

I've seen some criticism of the Zooms- I liked the zooms. I enjoyed watching actors share their experiences with Paul and Joanne, and I think there's something to the historical reference of starting this during CoVid - which changed the movie industry forever . The movies, as they were, will never be again. The Oscars, as they were, will never be that important again. The movie star era is truly over and CoVid was the final nail in the coffin.

I enjoyed the old movie footage, but not the way it was presented. I didn't like the voice overs during the footage. I didn't like the "art imitating life" over and over and over. I would have preferred more interviews with people who knew them, and, although there was mention of Rocky times during their marriage, this was REALLY watered down. The alcoholism / adultery was addressed too lightly. Her motivation for staying in the marriage wasn't clear- and their loving bond was made to look like it was strong throughout the marriage, which, may be true, but there would also have been rage, betrayal, isolation, depression. I never got a real picture of what this family life was really like when the kids were children .

Such a waste

[janehills-51557 · 1/10 · 25 July 2022]

All this material and it's just not used correctly. It's all over the place and Hawk is plugging his daughter and his own crappy music.

Such a shame it could have been done sommuch better.

Newman & Woodward Were the Last Movie Stars!

[blpkst · 8/10 · 7 August 2022]

I was looking forward to this and watched the whole six. It made me search for more of their films together and separately to watch, many of the early ones I haven't seen since I was as a teen. I own the DVD for "From the Terrace" which is an interesting film but very Hollywood. The music swells a bit too much, but Newman and Woodward shone on screen and the script isn't bad. The sets are gorgeous as the story revolves around the wealthiest one-percent. Woodward's costumes are to die for, even better than Grace Kelly's in Hitchcock films. I also love "Mr & Mrs Bridge" and agree with Scorsese's opinion that "Bridge" is a masterpiece.

I am glad that Ethan Hawke took this project on. It is obvious that he loved them and their work and had great admiration for their talent. It was generous of the children of Paul and Joanne to share this intimate portrait. We are treated to family phots, home movies and early career footage.

Hawke has mentioned that many young people are unaware of many people connected with their story, like for example, Gore Vidal, the writer and one of the great minds of the 20th century. But Hawke does little to bring young people in to understand who these people were. When film clips of the actual movies are shown, they are labeled or not labeled inconsistently which is a shame. When Paul & Joanne are being interviewed, it would have served the audience well to have a caption of the interviewer, the program title and a date. As I am an older viewer, I knew some but not all. Dick Cavett was HUGE but I'll bet there are viewers who are unfamiliar with him.

Still, I am grateful for the opportunity to see these two on screen again. Their contribution was massive to both the arts and humanity due to their charity work.

Stunning and Original: A Masterpiece for Cinephiles

[mlhimber · 10/10 · 9 August 2022]

This isn't just a series about two legendary stars. It's a story about the complexity of storytelling itself, about the rhythmic and incessant progression of events in time transforming into a kaleidoscope of ephemeral memories. It's about how we become who we are, the people, places, and events who inspire us and the ones that feed our demons, doubts and insecurities. It's about how the imperfect people we become will inspire, help, and hurt others and how together we can create the magic unfathomable to just one mind alone. It's about the space between two people as an entity itself and the broken glass lurking just under the impenetrable armor of enduring love. It's an authentic love story to the craft of acting and moviemaking that explores the triumphs and tragedies of choices, luck, and consequences through its enigmatic subjects. What is truly outstanding about this project is that stripped to its core, Mr. Hawke and the production team accomplished this using primarily old interview transcripts, Zoom interviews, excellent voice casting with a talented ensemble cast, archival footage, and high end original post-production. The series remains grounded in the intelligent and honest insights of the highly articulate Newman family. We see the vulnerability not only of the series primary subjects but also its makers and featured contributors. Throughout the series, Mr. Hawke wrestles with the responsibility of being a documentarian of the lives of others and an artform close to his heart. This exhilarating and poignant series will leave you with an appreciation for imperfect lives well-lived and gratitude for the growth and wisdom gained along the way. A must watch for adults of all ages who love the movies and the magic of storytelling.

A powerful, passion piece by Ethan Hawke about two talented, genuine movie stars, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward

[Sasha_Lauren · 10/10 · 4 September 2022]

The concierges of the Omni Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago called me in regularly to give massages to their famous guests. I wouldn't know who the client was until I got there. One day in the 90s, I rolled my massage table into the lobby and the concierge who paged me looked like he was going to jump out of his seat. He wildly gestured me over. "It's Paul Newman!" He whispered. I don't think I moved for a few minutes. He handed me the slip with Mr. Newman's name on it, "Thanks for getting here so quickly. He's waiting for you. He hurt his back on the film he's working on. He's very kind."

I was a calm presence for their guests, but on the elevator ride up, my heart was pounding. By the time I got in front of THE Mr. Newman's room, I was sweating, and it was winter in Chicago. I paced in the hall for a minute, but since he was waiting for me in pain, I had to just knock, no time to waste.

Paul, erm, Mr. Newman, opened the door and reached for my table, like the gentleman he is. All my nervousness disappeared as I went into protective mode. "Put that down! It's my job to lift my table. What do you want to do, hurt your back worse and make me work harder?" He laughed, surprised and delighted I was so bold, funny, and direct. I shook his hand, introduced myself, and we were off to a beautiful friendship. The ice was melted.

Mr. Newman and I worked together several times a week though his whole shoot. We hit it off as though we'd known each other for lifetimes. We got to know each other's lives and routines. At over seventy, he ran the stairs in the hotel for his morning workout, then showered while I set up the table, and chatted sometimes to a friend named Bob Redford with whom he had a friendly rivalry like twelve year-old-boys at a slumber party. He told me all about his love for race cars. I told him about my early morning runs and yoga sessions on the lakefront, my love for running stairs too, and my acting and dating escapades. This man who'd been my childhood crush was now like a really cool grandfatherly friend.

We were good together, warm, natural, open, fun. He wanted me to work on his wife, Joanne, when she came to town, but somehow that never happened. We talked like friends, like ongoing massage clients and I do, after all there's an intimacy to being someone's massage therapist, especially when they are in pain. During the month I worked with him, I watched his films when I was home doing yoga in between my sessions. I'd watch The Long Hot Summer with my former heartthrob, and then get a call from the young actor, now matured, thirty-five years later. I had to bite my tongue to not comment on his blue eyes, which were extraordinary in person, because he hated that and it would have been completely inappropriate for him and out of character for me.

Some clients are quiet during massages. I made sure they had the space to be if they wanted to. Newman chatted with me all the time. He gushed about Joanne. He talked about how he thought he was a hotshot actor for about five minutes early in his career and then he came back to earth and became humble. I could feel the integrity and modesty in his soul, see it in his blue eyes that I would not comment on.

I was a theatre actress. He told me to enjoy acting, but not depend on it because it is a fickle, often cutthroat business. I had to pinch myself sometimes because I was working with Cool Hand Luke, or the grandfather version of. I grew to love Paul Newman, not the movie star. He was warm and comfortable in our sessions. His eyes twinkled when he felt safe and relaxed.

Ethan Hawke's mini-series about Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is excellent. I got a real sense of the person I got to know that winter in Chicago, Newman the man, not the movie star and learned a lot about him and his wife. I love the way Ethan Hawke took this documentary about Paul and Joanne on as a passion project and got his daughter involved. They did a beautiful job with it. I enjoyed the actors who played a role of someone in the Newman-Woodward circle. I could feel awe emanate from the actors who cleary revere these two last movie stars. This mini-series was incredibly enjoyable to me. A great job by all.

A look into the lives of Newman/Woodward that shows things most never heard about

[ThomasJ_9120 · 10/10 · 30 July 2022]

An amazing look at Paul Newnan and Joanne Woodward that shows and tells so many things I never knew about. Ethan Hawk couldn't have done a better job of bringing these stories from interviews done with Newnan, Woodward, family, friends, coworkers etc that were recordings on cassette tapes unfortunately for unknown reasons Paul Newnan destroyed. But someone transcribed them all so with thousands of pages of what was on these tapes Ethan got a handful of his actor friends to read the transcripts like George Clooney (read Newman's part) Laura Linney (read Woodward's) with many other well known actors reading transcripts from the interviews from friends, actors and directors Newnan/Woodward worked with also their children did some interviews themselves. It really is fascinating to discover a lot of the important parts of their lives most people never knew about. Highly Recommend! This is a must see documentary especially for any Paul Newnan/Joanne Woodward fans and even if you're not fans at all there's a story here that about 90% of it I never heard about, it's fascinating to say the least 10/10.

Spoiler alert: do not watch episode 3!

[byayoi · 6/10 · 24 July 2022]

I was plodding along this ego-mentary about Ethan Hawke, I mean, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, when I was unpleasantly surprise because he decided to show the most important parts of a movie that he also considers to be one of Newman's most important films: "Cold Hand Luke". What kind of documentary does that! He spoiled it for me!

If you are like me, a person that hasn't watched much of Paul Newman´s movies and would like to correct that, this episode has just deprived us of a (probably) wonderful experience!

Curse you Ethan Hawke!

And don't get me started on the awful unrelated music, the self-satisfied selfie clips of Mr. Hawke and his actor pals discussing acting tips between them, and George Clooney "reading" as George Clooney!

This is so painful that I'm just watching it because Newman and Woodward are interesting, and because there's nothing else to watch at this moment.

Amazing

[bmiller59 · 9/10 · 25 July 2022]

Though, I almost discontinued watching it after Episode 1. Yea, I understand that Ethan Hawke was approached to do this, but he was a huge distraction. Everything about him took away from the brilliance that the documentary was. I was tired of his messed up hair and always running his fingers through it. Hus clothing, he looked like a bum at times. His mannerisms were over the top (read bad) was he auditioning for something? I stayed with it because I owed it to Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward to disregard Ethan Hawke.

My other complaint which I could not dismiss from my ear drums was George Clooney. His voice, George Clooney's voice was a distraction. All I saw when he spoke, being Paul Newman was George Clooney. Maybe a bigger distraction than Ethan Hawke. Have you ever paid attention to a movie star and every time you saw him in a role all you saw was that star (Tom Cruise comes to mind) and you didn't see the role he was playing? That was my issue with George Clooney, who by the way I enjoy.

I learned a lot about Newman & Woodward. Though I've always enjoyed them, I am now motivated to see their movies again and really pay attention to the movies they did together.

This documentary was kind of tragic, of course they had their fair share of tragedy in their lives. I liked how the discussions of their lives, relationship with each other, and relationships with others were interwoven between their movies.

I have always said and will continue to say that they don't make actors today like back in the day. Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward fit this model.

Well done ... but also, overdone.

[jimfinger-47793 · 7/10 · 22 July 2022]

Interesting set of interviews (transcripts of which are voiced by capable performers providing the insights of industry professionals as well as first person footage of family members) that shed light on the careers of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Extensive use of film clips (to a fault) grows wearisome after a while and bloats the project. Too many points made repitiously. Fans of the stars are sure to enjoy; cinema enthusiasts may be generally pleased. At the end of it all, one might be left wondering if, even given the longevity and success of their respective careers, are these two such significant contributors to the art that they merit a six-hour mini series? Hard to say. Still, what's here is well assembled.

Outstanding is all I can say

[brett-76260 · 10/10 · 9 August 2022]

Easily one of the best documentaries of its kind I've ever sat through. It was such a good concept on the way Ethan put it together and went through the life of both actors. It flowed so flawlessly and was so informative, I basically watched it in one sitting. Makes me want to go back and watch all those movies I remember as a young kid. Well done on a great series and is one not to miss. Man it was so well made and what a love story...

Ethan Hawke is too present in this 'documentary'

[twiss54 · 5/10 · 21 July 2022]

So the first five minutes looked great... Butch Cassidy and Sundance are riding into the Hole in the Wall... and then Ethan Hawke interjects himself... sort of like he interrupts my suspension of disbelief in every role I have ever seen him in... and introduces all his 'friends' who are going to take on the voices of Paul and Joanne and others... and I try, I really try, to watch what I thought would be a documentary of two beloved movie icons. I truly appreciate the talent doing the voices, but if Hawke hadn't put himself and his Zoom meetings into those first few minutes, it would have been SO much better.

He should take a lesson from Ken Burns and just tell us which voice did what character at the end credits.

Maybe I am too sensitive to what a true documentary is... just so upset at Hawke's ruining what should have been a wonderful experience.

Well executed.

[patfurnare-14519 · 8/10 · 1 August 2022]

A palpable sadness casts a pall over the presentation of the Paul and Joanne Newman marriage. Having said that, they clearly worked it with a lifetime result of a net positive. It's obvious, he was the true movie star and I think a part of Joanne resented Paul for it, which is only human for ambitious competitive artists.

It Has a Strong Finish

[BoomerDT · 9/10 · 25 July 2022]

Like some of the other reviewers, I wasn't enamored with this after the first episode. Too much Ethan Hawke and his pals and after the Covid malarkey I don't ever care to do another conversation of conference via Zoom again. But there is some amazing footage and transcipts from Newman and Woodard's life to share. In particular, I'm glad some transcripts from Newman's first wife, Jackie-they had three children together before Paul hooked up with Joanne and left her. Part 4 dealt heavily with Paul's infidelities while married to Joanne and his alcoholism, while Joanne was jealous of Paul becoming the biggest star in film while her career was at a bit of an impasse raising their 3 children-admitting that had she had to do it all over, it wasn't worth putting her career on hold. While Newman and Woodward were film royalty, like all of us they have faults and deep insecurities. The final episode wraps it well and shows that time does make most of us wiser and appreciate the smaller things that life gives us. Newman gave back big time, his foundation through his food business gave many millions to unfortunate kids.

BTW, met Newman once. Very nice guy and didn't act like a "movie star."

Entertaining and Fascinating tribute to 2 Great Actors and their lives

[tm-sheehan · 9/10 · 28 July 2022]

My Review- The Last Movie Stars A HBO Max 6 part Documentary

My Rating 9/10

This fascinating retrospective look at the lives and work of Paul Newman and his wife of over 50 years Joanne Woodward is an intimate documentary that evolved as a Covid film project for actor producer writer Ethan Hawke.

It's of special appeal to any film historian or the many fans of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward who were undoubtedly two of the greatest movie actors in the history of Hollywood.

This documentary is more than just movie trivia it's the greatest insight I've seen into the lives and careers of two major film stars and their long marriage .

In comparison to the great Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor who's on again off again tempestuous relationship was displayed in every tabloid press headline Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward managed to keep their personal relationship away from prying eyes.

In a way I think it's a bit sad that their lives up's and downs are now so public but their great love and strength comes through in each episode even when they were both faced with great challenges.

Thankfully it's obvious from the transcripts and family interviews that theirs was a true love match despite some great challenges .

Joanne Woodward was a bigger star when they first met in early 1950 and we see Paul Newman's film career eclipse his wife's when Joanne Woodward's box office draw and fame dropped . This was a direct result of a growing family and her decision to manage their home while her husband became the most desired male star in Hollywood with hit movie after hit movie.

They both had huge career and marriage hurdles to overcome with Paul Newman's heavy boozing and the death of his son Scott in 1978 as a result of Barbiturate and alcohol poisoning.

Paul Newman died in 2008 and sadly Joanne Woodward who is over 90 years old and hasn't been photographed since 2013 suffers from advanced Alzheimer's disease and is in care.

It's reported her family who participated in this fine documentary requested it to be released while their mother and grandmother was still alive so that she could see it and to be a support for her .

The series as well as its Director Ethan Hawke also features other notable Hollywood celebrities including Laura Linney ,George Clooney and Sam Rockwell who all voice over the characters like Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Gore Vidal that feature in the long lost interview transcripts that were found by the Newman family in 2019.

The writer credited with this series the late Stewart Stern wrote the interview transcripts used in the series that brings it to life through the voices of George Clooney as Paul Newman and Laura Linney who played Joanne Woodward's troublesome daughter in the 1993 Tele movie Blind Spot.

Stewart Stern also wrote the screenplays for some of Joanne Woodward'S greatest movies and television roles like Sybil 1976) Summer Wishes Winter Dreams ( 1973) Rachel Rachel (1966) plus the classic 1955 Rebel Without a Cause so no wonder the transcripts used in the series are interesting.

This great documentary is much more than a behind the scenes of great movies story some I haven't seen yet and will search out .

It's primarily a love story about two dedicated and good human beings widely respected by their peers who both gave back more than they took from their fame and wealth.

Paul Newman was also a businessman and philanthropist who launched a line of food products in 1982 that sold worldwide. It was reported that $250 million of profits were donated to charity prompting Paul Newman to joke that he was embarrassed that his salad dressing was outgrossing his films.

I thoroughly recommend this fine documentary to anyone interested in movies or anyone wanting to know more about the history of Hollywood and the stars that contributed their talent to the films they appeared in.