Remembering Gene Wilder
| Remembering Gene Wilder | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ron Frank |
| Written by | Glenn Kirschbaum |
| Produced by | Julie Nimoy David Knight |
| Edited by | Ron Frank |
Production company | Health Point Productions |
Release date |
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Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Remembering Gene Wilder is a 2023 American biographical documentary film about Gene Wilder's life and career, as well as his battle with Alzheimer's disease. It was directed by Ron Frank and executive produced by Julie Nimoy and David Knight.
Synopsis
With rare home videos and scenes from Wilder's films, the documentary reveals intimate insights detailing his life and career. Wilder’s closest friends share their love for his comedic genius, including remarks by Mel Brooks, Wilder's wife, Karen Wilder, Alan Alda, Carol Kane, Harry Connick Jr., Mike Medavoy, Rain Pryor, Dick Cavett, Eric McCormack, Ben Mankiewicz, and Peter Ostrum.
Production
The idea for the film stemmed from Wilder's friendship with Leonard Nimoy, which began when Nimoy directed Wilder in Funny About Love, in 1990.
Producers Julie Nimoy and David Knight saw a press release announcing that Karen Wilder was partnering with the Alzheimer's Association to raise awareness about the disease that ended her husband's life. Nimoy and Knight had produced the 2017 documentary, Remembering Leonard Nimoy and suggested the idea of a similar film to honor Wilder. Karen Wilder supported the idea and granted the filmmakers access to the estate and to photos and video to incorporate into the film.[1][2]
Wilder's narration, also part of the film, is taken from the audiobook version of his 2005 memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art.[1]
Production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the filmmakers were finally able to interview Mel Brooks, whose participation Knight said "made the difference" in the final film.[2]
Release
The film made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival in May 2023.[3]
In January 2024, Kino Lorber acquired all rights worldwide to the film and planned a theatrical release in March 2024, followed by home video, non-theatrical, and digital releases.[4]
The producers acknowledge their mutual support with the Alzheimer's Association and the BrightFocus Foundation.[2]
References
- ^ a b Grady, Pam. "Gene Wilder lovefest to kick off 43rd San Francisco Jewish Film Festival". Datebook. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Samo, R.C. "David Knight Talks About 'Remembering Gene Wilder'". FanboyNation. Samo Enterprises. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "Celebrating the Jewish Experience through Film". Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas. "Gene Wilder Doc To Get U.S. Release After Kino Lorber Worldwide Pickup; Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Carol Kane Among Contributors". Deadline. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.