"Because I am not a perfect example of my gender, I decided to be funny about what I didn't have instead of worrying about it. "
Gilda Radner was an iconic comedienne. As a cast member on the first 5 seasons (1975-1980) of TV's Saturday Night Live, she exuded joy and a willingness to do anything for a laugh. Audiences fell in love with her hearing-impaired Emily Litella, gross Roseanne Roseannadanna, nerdy Lisa Loopner, and other characters. She embraced physical comedy, but also easily performed as herself.
While she made the world laugh, her personal life was filled with struggles, including looking for love and her post-SNL career. Her biggest struggle was a public battle with cancer, which she ultimately lost in 1989.
An intimate look into the life of Gilda Radner.
The Good:
The film features excerpts from her diaries (sometimes narrated by Radner), as well as personal photos and video clips. And interviews with the people that knew and loved her best. Director Lisa D'Apolito tells the story of Gilda's life, starting with her childhood and family. It mixes the Gilda audiences knew, with her personal life; it is funny, heartbreaking, and serious.
The Bad:
It feels too short (much like Radner's life).
Other Comments:
-Gilda's famous fans (including SNL alums Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Cecily Strong) read her diary entries and told about the impact Radner had on their careers.
-Her brother and best friend also share memories, including photo albums.
-In 1989, she wrote an autobiography "It's Always Something" (the catchphrase of her character Roseanne Roseannadanna) about her life and struggle with cancer. The book is fascinating, a mixture of humor and heartbreak.
-On SNL, she regularly worked with writer Alan Zweibel. Zweibel and his wife Robin were producers of the film. He also wrote a book about and for her, "Bunny Bunny".
-Radner is my favorite SNL cast member. In addition to watching her on the show, I read her autobiography and Zweibel's "Laugh Lines" (which talks about her briefly). As a fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.
Love, Gilda (2018) 88 minutes
Director: Lisa D'Apolito
Starring: Andrew Alexander
Anne Beatts
Chevy Chase
Bill Hader
Janis Hirsch
Melissa McCarthy
Lorne Michaels
Laraine Newman
Amy Poehler
Michael Radner
Maya Rudolph
Stephen Schwartz
Paul Shaffer
Martin Short
Rosie Shuster
Cecily Strong
Jordan Walker-Pearlman
Alan Zweibel