Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner on their 70-year friendship
theguardian.com
theguardian.com
As I recall, the episode was initially just focused on Carl Reiner, but Seinfeld was invited back later that evening to join Reiner and Brooks for dinner.
Watching this episode reminds me of the friendship that my father has with 2 of his brothers (the friendship that he has with his sister and his 2 other brothers isn't as strong, but is still formidable). They're pushing into their 70s and 80s now. And I've got twins that are under a year. I'm hopeful today that they'll have each other through a long and healthy life.
Seriously, thanks for sharing this. It made my the evening for my wife and I.
When I was a kid in the 1970s, I remember people in California joking about how they loved to drive. They couldn’t see the point of mass transit.
They even tried to build a high speed rail, but no one saw the value. 50 years later and it’s nearly impossible to build one now.
I remember when I moved to LA in March of 2008. I remember telling my girlfriend how awesome it was that I was 6 miles from work. How exciting. Back in Ohio, I lived over 30 miles from work! SGV to Pasadena? No sweat. She giggled. I didn't understand. Then I started spending an hour one way and 45 minutes back. Now I get it.
The time period in which these movies were made is a lot of what makes them so special. That's not to say that what we'll have next won't be special, but 1974 (and 2008) was a different time.
I'd say Django Unchained is the closest I've seen to a modern Blazing Saddles.
My all-time favorite line.
> but I largely agree that it couldn't be recreated today.
I agree also.
I keep hearing stuff like that, but why not? Why would you think it couldn't be done today?
It was, then, too, and intentionally so in contrast to the sanitized approach to the time period in conventional cinema of the time.
OTOH, that specific thing that it is satirizing is far less current and relevant today, so I suppose without active consideration of context, it might seem gratuitous as well as uncomfortable.
It couldn't be made today in that state, because nobody would be comfortable with the language used, regardless of its historical accuracy. A TV show about
That sort of mentality is what leads people to try to ban Huckleberry Finn from school libraries, because the depiction itself offends their sensibilities, regardless of the underlying message.
I'm not claiming anything should be whitewashed or censored at all, just that language in a modern context has an effect on how a movie comes across to the audience. I don't think that a modern audience would find it funny without the social atmosphere of the 1970s. I'm making no claims about the quality of the movie itself, as it actually was made. Similarly, if Huck Finn was written today, I do think it would have a really hard time. It works because of the place it has in history.
"You know ... morons."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHJbSvidohg
RIP Cleavon Little (1932-92) and Gene Wilder (1933-2016).
As one example, here's an excerpt from the award-winning and highly popular Australian show Angry Boys, where a white character in blackface drops 37 n-bombs in 3 minutes. It aired on a publicly-owned broadcaster to no real disapproval.
1. You genuinely like each other.
2. The relationship is positive, meaning each party contributes in positive ways to the well-being of each other.
3. Proximity helps, but in cases where friends get separated due to circumstances of life: stay in touch. Make a point to call now and then, send a holiday card, involve them in travel plans, etc. maintaining contact is key.
4. For people you do lose contact with: check in. I know SO many people who let fantastic friendships wither due to fear of getting back in touch. What’s a year or two of downtime compared a friendship that can last decades? Reach out, they’ll be happy to hear from you.
Relationships take effort, and friendships are no different. Look for ones that add to your life in positive ways, try to do the same for them, and hang on to them as best you can. Good luck!