Remembering Gene Wilder

I find it ironic that sometimes it takes something serious, like a documentary, to showcase the somewhat less than serious abilities of someone gifted at comedy, like actor-writer-director Gene Wilder (1933-2016). But that's just what viewers can expect from director Ron Frank's reverent but often-hilarious tribute to this iconic talent, one whose accomplishments in film, on television and on stage haven't always received the kind of recognition that they deserve. As documentaries go, this offering largely plays it straight in terms of its content and structure, exploring Wilder's roots in Milwaukee and chronicling his rise to fame, told in chronological sequence. But, despite this conventional approach, "Remembering Gene Wilder" offers viewers much. The film features a number of recent interviews with such collaborators as Mel Brooks, Carol Kane and Eric McCormack, as well as friends Alan Alda and Harry Connick Jr., Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, wife Karen Wilder and an array of Hollywood production professionals. It also includes ample clips from Wilder's films, including "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), "The Producers" (1967), "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971), "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask)" (1972), "Blazing Saddles" (1974), "Young Frankenstein" (1974) and "See No Evil, Hear No Evil" (1989), along with his guest appearances on television's Will & Grace (2002-2003). And then there's plenty of archive video and still photograph footage of Wilder's family, friends, influences and co-stars, those who helped shape him and that he, in turn, helped shape. Most importantly, though, this offering examines what made Wilder unique as an artist and as a private individual, someone known for his singular vision as a comedic (yet vulnerable) actor and as a compassionate, generous colleague toward those he loved and worked with. There's also a touching segment examining his profound but bittersweet marriage to wife and co-star Gilda Radner (1946-1989), a heartbreaking love story that brought out these personal qualities in abundance and in a very high-profile way. The result is a surprisingly eye-opening look at its subject, revealing sides of Wilder personally and professionally that many outside of his inner circle may not have known. The overall approach of this offering may not be particularly inventive, but the result is well worth a watch nevertheless.

Ludicrous MA rating on Netflix. Really? This was a kind and wholesome look at Gene Wilder as a person and his unique career.

The last section of his life with dementia is especially moving. Though this documentary doesn't include all his work, all the obvious high points are explored .

What's remarkable as a side note is the longevity of the now 98 year old Mel Brooks, who crucially helped create Wilder's career. His sense of loss is palpable.

Overall this is as good a documentary as could done.

MA must be a lazy marketing gimmick, since it suggests raw material. This is as sweet a production befitting Wilder's gentle persona.

A wonderful telling of the actor and comedian's life story. The movie showcases key moments in Gene's life and career. The movie handles his memory with such care and compassion. You can tell a lot of love went into this project and that they loved Gene and his work. The writer and director showcase a loving tribute to the late actor. The movie really made you feel like you were a friend of the comedian. Whether it was the personal or professional stories, they all showcased a truly remarkable man. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the actor and his works. I would also recommend this to fans of documentaries as well!

I loved this film. The writer and director matched Gene Wilder's wit, heart, and humanity with their own. They brought Gene Wilder to life. It's a wonderful celebration of Wilder's life and art. I laughed throughout and it inspired me to see some of the films I've missed. Reminded me of the one I loved the most: The Fresco Kid. The interviews with people he worked with, including some child actors, were a wonderful added dimension. And the film brings some important lessons about life's difficulties. Not writing more. No spoilers. But watch this. You will be so glad you did. This film left its mark on me.

A wonderful documentary on probably the gentlest human beings ever to become a movie star. Tracing his roots as a stage performer from the Midwest, he managed to impress none other than Mel Brooks since he was starring on Broadway in a production w/his wife, Anne Bancroft & he needed to fill a part in a script that he was writing which would become The Producers. And from there you could pretty much say the rest was history as roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles (in a part Oscar winner Gig Young had to dismiss himself from due to his heavy drinking) & Young Frankenstein (which he co-wrote) & a partnership w/Richard Pryor through a series of comedies (Stir Crazy, Silver Streak & a couple of others) would solidify his legend. On the personal front he'd eventually find love w/fellow comedienne Gilda Radner but after her death from cancer, Wilder was lost until he partnered w/a hearing impaired therapist named Karen Boyer who he'd be w/for the rest of his life. Through all the talking head testimonials & interviews w/Wilder himself, we appreciate even now how much he gave us & how cherished we were to know him even though a celluloid screen would keep him & us apart.