… 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.