Today I read that director/producer/actor Paul Mazursky died, and though that is nothing to be happy about, it did remind me that one of the things I’d planned to share during these days of happiness was whenever I’d finally have time to sit down and rewatch one of my favorite Paul Mazursky-directed movies. Though it was generally panned by the critics, Tempest was a 1982 movie I stumbled on and fell in love with. I think it was the first time I’d seen either Molly Ringwald or Raul Julia in a movie. (In fact, it may have been Ringwald’s debut film appearance.) Also in the cast are John Cassavetes, Gina Rowland, and Susan Sarandon, all favorites of mine. Anyway, this DVD of Tempest is the final thing I bought a couple of weeks ago with the same birthday gift card that brought me the Tom Robbins memoir and the Redneck Poet Magnetic Poetry kit.
Tempest borrows loosely from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, and sadly, this is a play I’ve never read. I always wanted to because it’s so heavily referenced to good effect in a favorite Mary Stewart novel, This Rough Magic. Maybe Shakespeare’s play should be my summer classic this year.
As I said, Tempest wasn’t a favorite of the critics, but except for one unpleasant little goat incident (you’ve been warned), I was thoroughly entertained. One scene in particular never fails to fill me with joy; I’ve made several friends watch the movie with me for that scene alone. Tempest is quite similar in theme and characters to another Mazursky favorite, 1986’s Down and Out in Beverly Hills. Other great Mazursky movies are Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice (I’ve always been a Natalie Wood and Dyan Cannon fan), Harry and Tonto, and An Unmarried Woman. Mazursky also had acting credits in tons of TV shows and movies. Quite a legacy.
As a self-described Oscar Fanatic I am embarrassed to say I have never seen “Harry & Tonto.” (Have you?) It just jumped to the top of my Must Watch This Summer list.
I’ve seen parts of it. I know there’s something in it that will make me cry. I did just watch An Unmarried Woman again on Netflix.
Love Mary Stewart’s books and This Rough Magic has always been a big favourite.
I knew there was a reason we are friends!