Remembering Gene Wilder

 

Remembering Gene Wilder (2023)

A Breezy, Background-Ready Highlight Reel

★★☆☆☆

A safe, non-controversial look at a comedy legend that serves better as a "time killer" than a definitive biography.

Directed by Ron Frank, Remembering Gene Wilder functions primarily as a highlight reel of the artist's iconic works. While it lightheartedly touches on his most famous films through the eyes of his colleagues, it lacks the depth one might expect for a talent of Wilder's magnitude. Most effective is the incorporation of narration from his own audiobook autobiography, but the film ultimately fails to offer anything groundbreaking or particularly insightful about his complex personal life or artistic process.

"Wilder's works merit a more extensive examination, as well as his interesting personal life. [It is] the kind of documentary that Netflix is unfortunately becoming famous for: time killers to put on in the background as one goes about their chores."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Ron Frank
• Starring: Gene Wilder (Archival), Mel Brooks, Alan Alda
• Supporting: Carol Kane, Harry Connick Jr., Karen Wilder
• Narration: Gene Wilder (via "Kiss Me Like a Stranger")

The Vision

The documentary aims to be a celebratory, nostalgic trip down memory lane rather than a deep investigative dive. While it successfully captures the "charitable" side of Wilder's legacy, the directorial vision is safe and non-confrontational. It relies heavily on familiar anecdotes and existing footage, missing the gear to make it truly special. It settles into the role of comfortable streaming content—perfect for passive consumption while tending to daily tasks, but leaving dedicated fans yearning for a more extensive examination.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Self-Told Story: The use of Wilder’s own voice from his 2005 memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger, allows the actor to essentially narrate his own life story from beyond the grave.
• Blooper Gold: Many viewers consider the rare, extended blooper reel from Young Frankenstein to be the absolute highlight of the documentary’s archival footage.
• Brooks' Blessing: Longtime collaborator Mel Brooks provided extensive new interview footage, offering a firsthand look at the chemistry that defined 1970s comedy.

✅ Pros

• Touchingly incorporates Gene Wilder’s own narration.
• Excellent archival bloopers, especially from Young Frankenstein.
• Breezy and easy to watch for casual fans.

❌ Cons

• Lacks deep insight or groundbreaking new information.
• Feels like surface-level "background" content.
• Avoids more complex or difficult aspects of Wilder’s life.

🏆 Final Verdict

A modest tribute that functions well as a "Greatest Hits" package. If you’re looking for a profound exploration of Wilder’s genius, you might be disappointed, but it’s a pleasant enough companion for a rainy afternoon.

View original review on Letterboxd