Monday, March 13, 2023

The Way We Were by Tom Santopietro

 
First Line: In the beginning, screenwriter Arthur Laurents agreed to write a movie for Barbra Streisand.
 
There's nothing more guaranteed to make a person feel old than learning that one of her all-time favorite films is coming up on its fiftieth anniversary. I had just started college when The Way We Were opened, and I made a beeline for the theater and what would turn out to be one of the most memorable movie experiences of my life.

There's a reason why the movie theater experience is hands-down better than watching a film on a big-screen television at home. Sitting in the packed, darkened theater on that long ago day, when Robert Redford said, "Katie, you expect so much!" and Streisand looked at him and replied, "Oh, but look what I've got!" every female in the audience (and probably many males) audibly sighed. I'll never forget that. 
 
So... I wanted to know more about this movie, and author Tom Santopietro certainly delivered the goods with his in-depth, meticulous research. The movie studio was strapped for cash and thought that a movie with a non-singing (and Communist!) Barbra Streisand was the kiss of death. How wrong could a bunch of "experts" be?

From writing the story and the unforgettable music to choosing actors and filming locations and beyond, I feel as though I learned everything there is to know about The Way We Were. Anyone who's interested in this classic romantic film or in film-making itself should read it, too.

The Way We Were: The Making of a Romantic Classic by Tom Santopietro
eISBN: 9781493071265
Applause © 2023
eBook, 336 pages
 
Non-Fiction, Standalone
Rating: A
Source: Net Galley

14 comments:

  1. I don't remember the lines, but this was THE movie to see years ago. And I appreciated it "the second time around." But Robert Redford! A friend who is now 86 mentioned to me how handsome he still was a few years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's the only man I've ever met (more than once-- and during the time period of The Way We Were-- who's so gorgeous that my mind has gone absolutely blank.

      Delete
    2. Yes, I understand. However, Paul Newman was no slough. A friend of my sister's saw him in an ice cream shop in Connecticut. She looked at him to say hello and then realized her ice cream cone was in her purse. She was in awe and just dropped it. He looked up and said, "I know."

      Delete
    3. No, Paul Newman was no slouch, but I never fell for him like I did for Redford. Besides, how many people can say that the first time they met Robert Redford, he was standing behind them in the checkout line at Albertson's?

      Delete
  2. What a great film, Cathy! It had so much to say, and I'll bet it was absolutely fascinating to find out more about its background. I have to admit, I'm not usually one for a romance film, but this one - this one's special.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a great movie, and one of my sister's favorites. I should get her this book for her birthday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If she likes the movie as much as I do, she should enjoy the book.

      Delete
  4. I was still sad at the ending.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was a very bittersweet ending. I think this movie was the first example that showed me that you can love someone deeply but not like them. Many people don't think that's possible, but it is.

      Delete
    2. Yes. It is possible, and with relatives, too. And ex-partners.

      Delete
  5. Yeah I'd like to know all the dishy info about the film. Like did Redford & Streisand get along during the filming? and did they know it would be a hit? I think even today watching it the movie still holds up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the movie holds up, too. In answer to your questions: (1) Yes, they did. (2) No one knew if it would be a hit or not.

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to make a comment. I really appreciate it!