I am heartbroken. We lost an absolute American treasure yesterday with the achingly tragic death of Rob Reiner. The fact that he and his wife of over thirty years were apparently murdered by their son Nick defies understanding. To lose an icon like Reiner is always painful, but like this? And to consider what this will be like for their other two children? Unimaginable. Before I talk about how much I admired this man and loved his work, I have to address our monster of a president. Feel free to skip.
**We know Trump is damaged, a criminal, and he has done innumerable horrible things. His reaction to this tragedy has to be noted and condemned. In one despicable post he managed to claim his death was because of his opposition to Trump, made it about him and bragged about his non-existent success. And then ended with “rest in peace”. Even for this disgusting human being this egregious. Given a chance to temper his vitriol, he of course doubled down, even as outrage grew, even in MAGALand. It is tempting to be heartened by the fact that even a few of his usual defenders are expressing their disapproval, until I remember that this kind of abhorrent behavior should be universally condemned. He and all who enable him are loathsome.**
You kinda have to be of a certain age to think of Reiner as Meathead. But that is how America was introduced to this talented comic actor, as Micheal Stivic, liberal foil to arch conservative Archie Bunker on “All in the Family”. One of the most important and influential shows in the history of television, Reiner’s role was a crucial one. Archie’s (played to perfection by the brilliant Carroll O’Connor) relationship with his wife Edith (the incredible Jean Stapleton) was both troubling and hysterical and his failure to understand while still doting on his daughter was revealing of his character but sometimes predictable. But Archie and Meathead was comedy gold. It was also a chance for genius Norman Lear to bring biting social commentary to the fore without slapping you in the face. It was amazing to see them almost competing to see which of them would get more frustrated and exasperated with the other, entertaining you while educating you. If you have not made the time to watch this groundbreaking and truly funny show, this is a good excuse to do so.
He went on to pile up quite a few acting credits even as his directing and writing career boomed. He had surprising range and I for one was always happy for him to pop up. If you go take a look at his acting credits on IMDB, you will be surprised both that you forgot he was in so many of those shows and movies and how fondly you remember him. I know I never remember that he was in “The Wolf of Wall Street” until it comes up and then I remember absolutely cracking up every time he appeared. He apparently took great glee in swearing like a drunken sailor and going so radically against his teddy bear image. But of course the heart of his magnificent legacy lies in his film canon.
I will leave it to you to check his credits and find yourself amazed at not only how many great movies he made, but how many of them you didn’t realize were him. But what blows my mind is the depth and breadth of his projects. From “This is Spinal Tap” to “A Few Good Men” with stops at “When Harry Met Sally” and “Misery” along the way – in a little over a decade. Holy crap, this is Norman Jewison levels of variety and range (he of Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Rollerball” and “Moonstruck” – what?). But it is worth looking a little deeper at some of those, before diving into a few not listed.
“Spinal Tap”, besides being side-splittingly funny (not everyone gets it and that’s okay, I just pity them) it was essentially the first of its kind and spawned a veritable industry. But let us take a minute to think about who he brought together for this work of satiric madness: Chris Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. They have all gone on to distinguished careers of their own (a collection of “oh, yeah I know him” crossed with “I had no idea that was him, I loved that!” – go look em up, this is about Reiner) that all basically began tied to the vision of Reiner. The “mock doc” or “mockumentary” is not a genre that everyone appreciates and for sure it can be tedious in unskilled hands, but if you liked either “Borat” or “Drop Dead Gorgeous” (stacked cast btw) or “What We Do in the Shadows” thank Mr. Reiner and Co. Not to mention the collection of laughfests from his Tap cohorts including “Waiting for Guffman”, “A Mighty Wind” and the absolutely sublime, “Best in Show”. I’m actually giggling at the keyboard with memories of random moments from the list. But “Spinal Tap” started it. Here is a tiny taste, with McKean’s flawless timing.
Another thing that stands out for me about Reiner’s canon is how many iconic moments of film come from his work. The list above conveniently has three. “You can’t handle the truth” from “A Few Good Men”, the utterly harrowing hobbling scene from “Misery” and “I’ll have what she’s having” from “Harry Met Sally”. Notes: thanks, Jack; no clip from me, too brutal; that woman was Estelle Reiner, Rob’s mom and Billy Crystal was in “Spinal Tap” as Morty the Mime. (I am too afraid to look up his response to Reiner’s death. They did a ton of work together and had a long and deep friendship, I’m not sure I can handle a sad Billy Crystal.) A number of his collaborators spoke of his ability to create spaces that allowed people to shine and a deft touch for defining moments. How do you create an iconic scene? I have no idea but apparently he did. He also had a knack for igniting careers. Kathy Bates was doing a ton of TV – the “Law and Order” circuit – and not an unknown, but an Oscar for Annie Wilkes blew her up. Child actors don’t necessarily count here, but Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, and Keifer Sutherland were all basically unknown before “Stand By Me”. And I bet you didn’t realize Vern, you know the kind of whiny kid that they all tease, was Jerry O’Connell. Not exactly an A-lister – or even C for that matter – but the dude has freaking worked. Then there is “A Princess Bride”. Cary Elwes’ first major film, the biggest hit to that point for Mandy Patinkin and literally introducing Robin Wright. Not to mention the masterstroke of casting Andre the Giant. The line of people lining up to thank Rob Reiner for helping them along is long and distinguished.
There are two other movies I have to mention. The first is “The Sure Thing” from 1985 with John Cusack. The follow-up to Tap, not very many people saw this little wonder, and while it is not only very 80s but mildly un-PC, I loved it. It is vintage Cusack has some wonderful offbeat and cheeky humor and can be genuinely heartwarming. Small budget, no-name (then) cast and an uneven script, it was a glimpse of things to come and I highly recommend it as the Reiner you probably haven’t seen. At the other end of the spectrum is “The American President” from 1995. What a difference a decade and some hits make. With a big budget, an off the hook cast (Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J.Fox, Richard Dreyfuss) and an Aaron Sorkin script, this movie didn’t get a fraction of the love it deserved, at least from the public. Most critics loved it with Ebert going gaga for it. It is smart, charming, beautiful, engaging and fulfilling. It is sharp and funny, wonderfully paced, and Douglas and Bening are absolutely electric together. Still not sure why it didn’t do more business, maybe ahead of the political movie curve, but if you haven’t seen it you should.
But his legacy and impact on the industry is only part of his story. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Reiner’s activism and passion for American democracy and civil rights. His record is too lengthy and his contributions too numerous to put here, but do go see his wikipedia page. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was not afraid to speak up, indeed felt it was his duty to do so. If only we had more like him. And by all accounts the genuine, funny, warm and just plain nice guy you saw at awards shows and in interviews was exactly what he was. As much as he worked to have an impact in the world, he apparently was legendary for the impact he had on the people around him. The above-mentioned Jerry O’Connelly had this: his death felt like “a parent has passed”, adding, “everything I have in my life is because of Rob Reiner. Everything I have, my children, my wife, my, just everything.” The who’s who list of people deeply saddened by his loss and sincerely effusive in their tributes to him is as varied and broad as it is remarkable. What an impact. It seems only fitting to wrap up with what is assuredly his best known and most loved movie.
Is there another movie that has reached more people across more generations than “The Princess Bride”? Okay, maybe. But most of the time if I mention a move from 1987 to a high school or college student, all I get is a blank stare. Not only do they know this gem, they love it. Hell, they quote it. And why not? One of those incredibly rare movies with a little bit of everything – comedy, romance, adventure, drama, emotion – it hits all the right notes and is infinitely rewatchable. The tiny roles that are all so great – the Albino, the head of the watch (“Oh, you mean this gate key”), the Impressive Clergyman and even the king (“She kissed me!”) all add so much with even a few throw away lines. Of course, the Billy Crystal and Carol Kane cameos are priceless (“I’m not a witch, I’m your wife!”) and the rest of the cast just kill it. The supporting work of Wallace Shawn (I nearly died at 1:30), Chris Guest (1:02, talk about timing) and Chris Sarandon (2:00, so perfect) threatens to steal every scene they’re in. And the principles have such undeniable chemistry you can’t help but love and root for them. But most people maintain that having a great ensemble, even with a great script, won’t get you very far without a great director. This movie is a contender for most-quoted in my house, and one my family will all be happy to watch together at any time. And that may be the greatest thing that can be said of any movie. I leave you with my favorite scene. Too many good lines to even keep up with.
Thank you, Mr Reiner. The universe dims with your passing, but the light that you gave us will be valued all the more. You will be missed.
Thanks for reading.