Thursday, November 18, 2021
The Way We Were - 2
- Commentary: Yes, I know, a lot of people consider this a pedestrian movie. Many critics who initially reviewed it chose to snipe at it even when granting the occasional kudo for this or that aspect. Frankly, I decided to obtain this movie because every time I watch the Sex and the City episode (season 2, episode 18, Ex in the City in case you're ever curious, too) in which "the girls" compare Carrie's relationship with Big to this movie and, subsequently, Carrie quotes the line from The Way We Were, "Your girl is lovely, Hubbell", in a chance meeting with Big at the end, I always wonder, hmmm, maybe I should watch that! I have checked it out from the library at least a couple of times, including before my mom died. She loved Sex in the City [her favorite character was Samantha Jones (I know, sounds crazy, but my mom was calm, cool and collected and adventurous in many of the same ways Samantha Jones is)] and was curious about this movie, too. I don't remember her reaction to it, though, so it must have been underwhelming. And, actually, I never remember my own reaction to it. So, I decided, since this movie continues to cross my mind every time I watch that Sex and the City episode and I suddenly, again, have a desire to watch it, I should add it to my collection.
By the way, although most critics were nit-pickety harsh, not all of them were. All three of the Three Movie Buffs (all of whom are men) thoughtfully gave this movie high praise. I've attached a link to their reviews to the link for this movie just before the infamous Carrie quote. All three opinions are an enlightening read, especially if you've ever felt conflicted about this movie.
Rewatched 3/5/22 As I rewatched this movie, I had in the back of my mind that I might, once again, eliminate it from my collection. I've decided to continue to keep it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Barbra Streisand Katy Morosky Robert Redford Hubbell Gardiner Bradford Dillman J. J. Lois Chiles Carol Ann Patrick O'Neal George Bissinger Viveca Lindfors Paula Reisner Herb Edelman Bill Verso James Woods Frankie McVeigh
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1973
Directed by Stanley Pollack.
Labels: barbra-streisand, dramaE, james-woods, political5, robert-redford, romance5
