Studios: Kino Lorder/Health Point Productions
Plot: This loving tribute to Gene Wilder celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles, from his first collaboration with Mel Brooks in The Producers, to the enigmatic title role in the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, to his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak.
It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never before seen home movies, narration from Wilder's audio book memoir, and interviews with a roster of friends and collaborations like Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Remembering Gene Wilder shines a light on an essential performer, writer, director and all-around mensch (a person of integrity and honor).
Remembering Gene Wilder is one of the many films that are showing at a local film festival. And, this documentary about one of the most talented actors out there is an absolute must see.
This documentary takes you through the life of the late great Gene Wilder. The narration that's heard throughout the film is from Wilder himself, used from his autobiography. Hearing his voice in the documentary is a really nice touch.
The film shows us how Wilder was a great stage actor before making it big on the big screen. This amazing doc also gives us a look at how he met with the amazing Mel Brooks through someone whom he worked with on a Broadway production. And, just think about it, if Wilder didn't have this chance meeting with Brooks, we wouldn't have Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein or he wouldn't have had his start in The Producers.
We also see numerous interviews from people Wilder has worked with and have influenced. The documentary also goes into some of his personal life, including his marriages to Gilda Radner and Karen Boyer. Some of this film can be quite moving, especially when we look into his personal life and his fight with Alzheimer's.
Remembering Gene Wilder is an absolute must see!!!
Here's a few tidbits for Remembering Gene Wilder!
Gene Wilder's personal narration is from his autobiography audio book for Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art.
The idea for the film stemmed from Wilder's friendship with Leonard Nimoy, which began when Nimoy directed Wilder in Funny About Love, in 1990.
Producers Julie Nimoy and David Knight saw a press release announcing that Karen Wilder was partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness about the disease that ended her husband's life. Nimoy and Knight had produced the 2017 documentary, Remembering Leobard Nimroy, and suggested the idea of a similar film to honor Wilder.
Karen Wilder supported the project and granted the filmmakers access to personal photos and home movies from the estate incorporated into the film.
Production was delayed due to the pandemic, but the filmmakers were finally able to interview Mel Brooks, whose participation Knight said "made the difference" in the final film.
The film made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival in May 2023 and won the Audience Favorite and Best Film Awards.
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