… the diverse directing of Lawrence Kasdan

I saw Lawrence Kasdan being interviewed on Travis Smiley’s PBS television show recently and thought a quartet of his films might make a good contribution to this blog. When I went to choose the movies however I had some difficulty. Equally well known, and perhaps more prolific, as a screenwriter, selecting just four from the twelve movies Kasdan has directed took some time. Firstly you notice he has collaborated a great deal with both Kevins – Costner and Kline (both of whom should get a blog entry of their own here and soon) and also frequently casts Jeff Fahey, William, Hurt, Jeff Goldblum and a host of others. Secondly, the diversity of his subject matter shines out. So here’s my favourite four:

The Big Chill (1983)
A group of former college friends reunite at the funeral after the unexpected of one of their group, and over a weekend in a big house, catch up and reminisce. The cast is stellar: Tom Berenger, Glen Close, Jeff Goldblum, Meg Tilly and Kevin Kline to name just a few. A quiet thoughtful film, that is never without humour and rightly nominated for three Oscars. (Kevin Costner made his screen debut here, but other than appearing as the beloved corpse, got left on the cutting room floor.)

Silverado (1985)
My father’s favourite western, and just down right fun! Jaded cowboy Paden (Kevin Kline) robbed and left for dead in the desert, is rescued by Emmet (Scott Glenn) who’s on his way to meet his younger brother Jake (Kevin Costner) in Silverado. Paden tags along, but upon arrival his past catches up with him, and sets him on the road to a final showdown with old acquaintance Cobb. John Cleese is wonderful as a local sheriff and Jeff Fahey’s Tyree make this one a joy. Also watch for a great supporting cast including Linda Hunt, Jeff Goldblum and Danny Glover.

The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Based on the novel of the same name; Leary, a writer (William Hurt) travels the world, detailing locales in his guides. Living in a fog, his wife (Kathleen Turner) leaves him, neither of them is dealing well with the death of their young son. Leary unexpectedly finds himself in the company of a kooky young woman (Geena Davis) who awakens him to life that is passing him by. Just as Leary finds his feet again, he is forced to choose between his past and a future. The supporting cast is superb (Bill Pullman, David Odgen Stiers, Ed Begley, Jr., Amy Wright) and includes a corgi who steals every scene he appears in.

Grand Canyon (1991)
A subtle endearing ensemble film that revolves around the lives of six residents of Los Angeles with under-themes of class and race. The story pivots on an incident when the car of lawyer Mac (Kevin Kline) breaks down in a rough neighbourhood, and he is watched over by local man Simon (Danny Glover). The storylines of all six characters finally merge when they all visit the Grand Canyon. Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodward and Mary Louise Parker round out the impressive cast.

... the Unmistakable Ward Bond

Burly, growly, sometimes softy, Ward Bond was born in Nebraska in 1903. While attending the University of Southern California, he worked as an extra in the movies meeting his soon-to-be-life-long friend John Wayne. After getting his first speaking role with director John Ford in 1929, Bond appeared in literally hundreds of movies, usually in supporting roles - most notably in The Maltese Falcon (1941), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and The Searchers (1956). He became a founding member of the famous ‘Ford-Wayne’ acting ensemble, but ironically, the role which made him famous came on television, in 1950s series Wagon Train. Bond had a steady career until his death at age 57, and is reputed to have appeared in more films on the AFI’s Top 100 Movies list than any other actor. Here are four films that may show why.

3 Godfathers (1948, dir: John Ford)
A small film by Ford’s standards, filled with Wayne and Ford’s gang of actors. After robbing a small-town bank and going out into the desert to avoid the Marshall (Ward Bond) and his posse, three outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendariz, John Carey Jr.) find an abandoned mother (Mildred Natwick) dying in a wrecked wagon, newborn in her arms. The ‘godfathers’ promise to take on the baby, despite being on the lam from the law.

Fort Apache (1948, dir: John Ford)
Perhaps my favourite Ward Bond role, here he plays Sgt. Mjr. Michael O’Rourke with dignity and panache. O’Rourke and his Captain Kirby York (John Wayne) have to content with the arrival of an unbending new commander Owen Thursday (Henry Fonda) who is determined to impose ‘west point’ values on a wild frontier post. Also notable is Shirley Temple, admirably playing one of her first adult roles, as Thursday’s equally self-willed daughter.

The Quiet Man (1952, dir: John Ford)
Ford’s tribute to the ‘the olde country’, Bond underplays the gentle local priest, Father Lonergan, administering (some might say 'refereeing') a village full of trying characters. American Boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) retires and returns to his family's Irish village but, unused to its confusing Irish traditions, soon falls foul of just about everyone, especially his new wife (Maureen O’Hara) and her stubborn brute of a brother Wil Danahar (Victor McLaglen).

The Wings of Eagles (1957, dir: John Ford)
Based on the life of Naval Officer-turned-Screenwriter Frank ‘Spig’ Wead, Bond supports John Wayne in the title role, with Maureen O’Hara as Spig’s long suffering wife, the third time the three of them appeared a movie together. Bond appears late in the movie, playing a hollywood director who gives Spig his first break, showing an uncanny resemblance to his old friend John Ford, even Bond’s office is strewn with props loaned by Ford himself.

Apologies... I will be posting again soon!

... I haven't given up the blog, but the last year have been 'hectic': lost job, six months' employment, working part-time, taken classes, had a blood clot in my leg, and - on the plus side - met a GREAT guy. So intend posting again soon!