Overview
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.
Directed by Ron Frank, Remembering Gene Wilder is a documentary that compiles new interviews with archive footage to explore the life of the late great Gene Wilder through those who worked with him, and through his work.
Wilder was beloved to many generations, with his comedy output still resonating today as modern audiences discover his charms through viewings of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, or Young Frankenstein. This documentary uses quite a lot of rare archive footage and home video recordings to take us on a journey through the life of a man who brought so much joy to so many. Whilst it doesn’t really show us, or tell us, anything new, it is a beautifully compiled tribute to a comic genius, and a reminder of what joy he brought to the masses through his films, and to those whom he was closest to.
Interestingly the Covid restrictions delayed the production of this film, but also allowed opportunity to find time to include interviews with Mel Brooks for the film, and it is with these moments, as Brooks speaks of his partnership with Wilder, and how they worked so well together, that the real magic charm of this documentary comes to life.
Covering his faith, his writing, his comedy, and indeed his loves, this is an essential watch for anyone who has ever loved even just one film of Wilder’s. For those who haven’t ever seen Wilder in a film, then you should watch this to see what absolute genius you missed, and what we all miss today.