MOVIE REVIEW
Starting Over
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 1979, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Alan J. Pakula
Writer(s): Dan Wakefield, James L. Brooks
Cast: Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh, Candice Bergen, Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Frances Sternhagen, Mary Kay Place, Charles Kimbrough, Jay O. Sanders, Wallace Shawn, Daniel Stern
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In a significant shift from his typical roles, Burt Reynolds brings life to Phil Potter in STARTING OVER, a man piecing together his life amidst the ruins of a failed marriage. This poignant yet humor-laced film is directed by Alan J. Pakula, with a script that captures the essence of romantic rebirth penned by James L. Brooks and Dan Wakefield.

The film introduces us to Phil’s ex-wife, Jessica, a role brought to life by Candice Bergen. As an ambitious singer lacking the vocal prowess to match those ambitions, Jessica’s attempts to win back Phil are heartrending and never quite what we expect, particularly when serenading him with a self-composed song.

As Phil re-enters the dating scene, he encounters Marilyn (Jill Clayburgh), a whimsical nursery school teacher representing a new chapter of love and life. Their romance, filled with its ups and downs, mirrors the uncertain yet hopeful steps one takes on the road to recovery and emotional connection.

Set in Boston, STARTING OVER is expanded upon with the help of the supportive roles of Phil’s brother and sister-in-law, who introduce him to Marilyn. Their budding relationship, initially awkward, grows deeper before facing the upheaval caused by Jessica’s unexpected reentry into Phil’s life.

The film’s visual storytelling is orchestrated by Pakula and captured by cinematographer Sven Nykvist. Complementing the visuals, Marvin Hamlisch’s emotive score perfectly underscores the highs and lows of Phil’s emotional landscape.

The ensemble cast, featuring Reynolds, Bergen, and Clayburgh, delivers deeply resonant performances. Bergen and Clayburgh earned well-deserved nods at the Academy Awards. Their portrayals add weight to the film’s exploration of romantic and personal upheaval.

While STARTING OVER weaves in elements of comedy, it does not shy away from the harsher realities of love and separation. It offers viewers a genuine and moving depiction of the challenges of starting anew after heartbreak. The film balances these elements with thoughtful reflections on life’s lighter and darker moments.

Phil’s journey is portrayed as balancing his past attachments with the prospects of a new future with Marilyn. The film thoughtfully delves into the complexities of human relationships and the difficult decisions they necessitate, highlighting the resilience required to move forward.

STARTING OVER offers a unique take on the romantic comedy genre. It blends traditional elements with innovative storytelling, reflecting the trials and triumphs of love and starting over once you’ve thought you couldn’t. This love, loss, and recovery narrative reminds us of the unpredictable yet rewarding paths that define our quest for happiness and personal fulfillment.

Product Extras :
Brand New HD Master by Paramount Pictures – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Daniel Kremer and Howard S. Berger
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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