REMEMBERING GENE WILDER
- By KEN WERTHER
The Producers, Silver Streak, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Stir Crazy, Hanky Panky, The Woman in Red, Haunted Honeymoon, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory … justsome of the films starring the beloved Gene Wilder. An actor, writer, and director, he died in 2016 at age 86 following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Remembering Gene Wilder is a new biographical documentary film about his life, career, and his struggle with Alzheimer’s. With Julie Nimoy and David Knight serving as executive producers and directed by Ron Frank, the movie had its world premiere in May 2023 at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival (winning the Audience Favorite and Best Film Awards). It arrives this month in movie theatres followed by home video and digital releases.
Along with rare home videos and scenes from his films, Remembering Gene Wilder includes interviews with former cast and crew members as well as personal memories from family and friends, who share their love for his comedic genius. Among them are Mel Brooks, Wilder’s widow Karen (who supported the project and granted the filmmakers access to personal photos and home movies to incorporate into the film), Alan Alda, Carol Kane, Harry Connick, Jr., Rain Pryor, Dick Cavett, Eric McCormack, and more. Wilder’s narration, also part of the film, is taken from the audiobook version of his 2005 memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art. I enthusiastically recommend that you see this film!
For more, click here.