Back in 1984, when I was 35, I saw this movie and liked it very much. Watching it this time around, on cable, I almost turned it off after the first 20 minutes. And I began thinking...what was it that I liked about Gene Wilder? What is it about Gene Wilder that makes him seem so much more dated than actors from the 1940s? Ah well. But I didn't turn off the movie, and I was glad I didn't...with a few reservations. First, the reservations. Today we call Gene Wilder's actions in this film "stalking". We call some of the comments and actions by other male characters in the film "sexual harassment". And, Gilda Radner all but disappears halfway through the film. But worst of all, this film has to have one of the lousiest endings in cinema history. Does his marriage live or die? Very unsatisfactory.
However, the movie also has its redeeming facets. A dignified gay character at a time when that was rare in American cinema. Some sentimental snippets about what friendship really is (along with some about what friendship isn't).
The actors here are interesting, if not good. Gene Wilder was Gene Wilder; nothing new there; pleasant on screen. Kelly LeBrock as the super model; well, a rather short film career with little real depth. Gilda Radner was fun. Charles Grodin, whom I never saw as a "real" actor, comes off nicely here as the gay character that manages to hang onto straight friendships; Grodin was always a pleasant man to see on screen. Joseph Bologna...well, difficult to like the role, but he played it well. Judith Ivey as Wilder's wife...perhaps the best acting in the film.
Dated, very imperfect, disappointing...but still worth a watch...one more time.
However, the movie also has its redeeming facets. A dignified gay character at a time when that was rare in American cinema. Some sentimental snippets about what friendship really is (along with some about what friendship isn't).
The actors here are interesting, if not good. Gene Wilder was Gene Wilder; nothing new there; pleasant on screen. Kelly LeBrock as the super model; well, a rather short film career with little real depth. Gilda Radner was fun. Charles Grodin, whom I never saw as a "real" actor, comes off nicely here as the gay character that manages to hang onto straight friendships; Grodin was always a pleasant man to see on screen. Joseph Bologna...well, difficult to like the role, but he played it well. Judith Ivey as Wilder's wife...perhaps the best acting in the film.
Dated, very imperfect, disappointing...but still worth a watch...one more time.