Remembering Gene Wilder

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1h 32m

Documentary

Biography

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88%

34 Reviews

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100%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

This loving tribute to Gene Wilder celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles, from his first collaboration with Mel Brooks in The Producers, to the enigmatic title role in the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, to his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak. It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, narration from Wilder's audiobook memoir, and interviews with a roster of brilliant friends and collaborators like Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Remembering Gene Wilder shines a light on an essential performer, writer, director, and all-around mensch.

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Critics Consensus

Remembering Gene Wilder presents an affectionate portrait of a brilliant artist that entertains even as it hews to standard documentary conventions.

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Andrew B

Gene Wilder was like no other. This movie taught me so much about the man and the actor. See it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/24

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LEN

interesting documentary about Gene Wilder and his personal and professional life.Well done and great interviews especially Mel Brooks!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

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Lisa

Any Gene Wilder or Mel Brooks will love this movie. Must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/17/24

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Bailey H

Gene's life unfolds on screen in a manner that commands attention, capturing the essence of a man whose journey from a reserved child to a beloved comedic genius is as inspiring as it is entertaining. This biopic does more than merely recount events; it delves deeply into the forces that shaped Gene Wilder into the iconic figure he became. Audiences will leave not only with a deeper appreciation of his talent but also a profound understanding of the man behind the laughter. A must-watch for both fans and newcomers alike, this film ensures that the legacy of Gene Wilder is not only remembered but celebrated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

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Bill D

I saw this film twice. The first was an industry screener; the second was on a big screen in a public cinema. Both were wonderful experience but if you can see it on a big screen, please do. I highly recommend this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/24/24

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Kristopher K

What makes a terrific documentary is an interesting subject....and above all the presentation to keep one interested. I have an affinity towards liking the actor Gene Wilder so I had to see this one. Director Ron Frank and writer Glenn Kirschbaum deliver the goods with an honest homage of a one of a kind actor. Born Jerome Silberman in 1933 in Milwaukee, WI the young jewish boy always kept his mother laughing. Shortly after he started his career in acting he changed his name as he wanted to be "wilder". From beginning to end I had a huge smile on my face...very rarely does a film do that for me. Mel Brooks who misses his special friend dearly, offers wonderful stories and anecdotes on how the two met and what it was like to watch the genius work in his films. Harry Connick Jr. was a close friend, oddly enough, and offers his insight...as do a multitude of other people he worked with through the decades. I didn't know Gene had a second wife after Gilda Radner passed away. Wilder died in 2016 at 83 years old from alzheimers/dimentia, but his journey and the gifts he shared with us are everlasting. This one was worth making...and seeing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

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Ron Frank

Director

Mel Brooks

Self

Alan Alda

Self

Carol Kane

Self

Glenn Kirschbaum

Writer

David Knight

Executive Producer

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Remembering Gene Wilder: Trailer 1

2:15

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Mark Feeney

Boston Globe

“Remembering Gene Wilder,” which Ron Frank directed, is a somewhat unusual documentary, starting with the odd career arc it chronicles. The most unusual thing, and very much in a good way, is that Wilder serves as de facto narrator.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 23, 2024

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G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

“Remembering Gene Wilder” is a pleasant retro journey for fans and an efficient introduction to a comic genius for cineasts who might not know his work. It could have been so much more.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 3, 2024

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's a very lovely film. Warm, affectionate, so many great anecdotes, and I came to appreciate his artistry on a whole different level.

Mar 23, 2024

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Anna McKibbin

Paste Magazine

The film is only ever able to look from the outside in, never able to make sense of the complex tragedy which sat beneath the eccentric good guy.

Rated: 5.9/10

Apr 29, 2024

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Daniel M. Kimmel

North Shore Movies

REMEMBERING GENE WILDER is a fitting tribute to the a comic icon, taking us through the various phases of his life and career. It is a love letter that the late actor’s fans (he died in 2016) won’t want to miss.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 15, 2024

Full Review

Loren King

Newport This Week (RI)

Remembering Gene Wilder is more than a tribute to a one-of-a- kind performer. It’s also an essential contribution to film history.

Apr 12, 2024

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Synopsis

This loving tribute to Gene Wilder celebrates his life and legacy as the comic genius behind an extraordinary string of film roles, from his first collaboration with Mel Brooks in The Producers, to the enigmatic title role in the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, to his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak. It is illustrated by a bevy of touching and hilarious clips and outtakes, never-before-seen home movies, narration from Wilder's audiobook memoir, and interviews with a roster of brilliant friends and collaborators like Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, and Carol Kane. Remembering Gene Wilder shines a light on an essential performer, writer, director, and all-around mensch.

Director: Ron Frank
Producer: David Knight, Julie Nimoy
Screenwriter: Glenn Kirschbaum
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Production Co: Health Point Productions
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 30, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $127.6K
Runtime: 1h 32m

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