Re: Young Frankenstein...if you have time AFTER you watch the film get extra credit - ok, more laughs at least - by watching the outtakes and bloopers on YouTube! Hilarious stuff!
Oct 27, 2023·edited Oct 27, 2023Liked by Justine Bateman
I have long loved Paul Mazursky's films. And two I've been itching to see again after a long time are:
ALEX IN WONDERLAND, a comedy from 1970, with Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn, about a film director agonizing over his sophomore film following his rookie success.
And especially NEXT STOP, GREENWICH VILLAGE -- from 1976, about a group of young actors in the 1950s Village and their many adventures. Among the cast of NSGV is a quite young Christopher Walken (a year before ANNIE HALL); the great Lois Smith; a star turn from Shelley Winters as an overbearing Jewish mother; and in his debut (not long before his sad passing from illness), the terrific Lenny Baker. And all of it is set to the Dave Brubeck classic TAKE FIVE album. A must, must see.
Depending upon availabilty, and interest, of course, maybe he is also ripe for a concentrated series of study.
I saw the subject line of your post and thought I had never seen any of his films and I’ve actually seen all of them that you mentioned! IMHO no better compliment for a filmmaker that an audience remember the effect and response they have from a story and acting and not focus on just one element of the whole. But to point one aspect out: Clayburgh putting her all into those scenes- that one where snot drips from nose as she pour it all out! 👏👏👏 I’m looking forward to seeing the films my fellow Film Club Member has suggested too, since I don’t know those.
These are great films. Was lucky enough to meet Mazursky many years ago... unfortunately before I knew his work. All these years later, I’ve become a huge fan of his warm and humanist films, have seen almost all of them, and am kicking my younger self for not understanding how special a moment it was.
Re: Young Frankenstein...if you have time AFTER you watch the film get extra credit - ok, more laughs at least - by watching the outtakes and bloopers on YouTube! Hilarious stuff!
I have long loved Paul Mazursky's films. And two I've been itching to see again after a long time are:
ALEX IN WONDERLAND, a comedy from 1970, with Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn, about a film director agonizing over his sophomore film following his rookie success.
And especially NEXT STOP, GREENWICH VILLAGE -- from 1976, about a group of young actors in the 1950s Village and their many adventures. Among the cast of NSGV is a quite young Christopher Walken (a year before ANNIE HALL); the great Lois Smith; a star turn from Shelley Winters as an overbearing Jewish mother; and in his debut (not long before his sad passing from illness), the terrific Lenny Baker. And all of it is set to the Dave Brubeck classic TAKE FIVE album. A must, must see.
Depending upon availabilty, and interest, of course, maybe he is also ripe for a concentrated series of study.
When not available online, I use my library card.
Our tax dollars at work !!
I saw the subject line of your post and thought I had never seen any of his films and I’ve actually seen all of them that you mentioned! IMHO no better compliment for a filmmaker that an audience remember the effect and response they have from a story and acting and not focus on just one element of the whole. But to point one aspect out: Clayburgh putting her all into those scenes- that one where snot drips from nose as she pour it all out! 👏👏👏 I’m looking forward to seeing the films my fellow Film Club Member has suggested too, since I don’t know those.
These are great films. Was lucky enough to meet Mazursky many years ago... unfortunately before I knew his work. All these years later, I’ve become a huge fan of his warm and humanist films, have seen almost all of them, and am kicking my younger self for not understanding how special a moment it was.