The Way We Were, Streisand & Redford

Never could bring myself to watch two hours of Redford and Streisand mooning over each other. And the treacly song further pushed me away.

Pollack actually ruined it by changing the story line during editing. Hubble left her because she was reported to the HUAC as being a communist by that snake, the James Wood character, who probably did it because she could never haver her. Hubble's movie studio gave him a choice, leave your wife or be fired. He left her, I suspect he never told her the truth why because it would show him to be the coward that he was.

Knowing this really makes her, "I know" outside the Plaza Hotel so intense. It is still a great movie. It is her best performance.

Redford and Streisand really didn't have chemistry and the arguments caused by the simplified politics are boring as fuck.

IMO, Redford has an aloof quality that always comes through in his roles, e.g, TWWW and Out of Africa. Maybe that translated to a lack of chemistry with Streisand and Streep, as well. Did he have more chemistry with Paul Newman? Maybe.

The film has the argument of a boring romance novel: ugly, socially awkward girl is desired by a guy who is completely out of her league and lives her dream, but then they fight, make up, then he has doubts and then, she has doubts and then, they try to salvage the incredibly predictable story with a political twist that is underlaid by very feeble social commentary (she is ugly, Jewish and working class, so she is a revolutionary; he is handsome, WASP and rich, so he is an conformist). And then, after they break up, he meets her again many years later and he can barely contain his desire because Dr Lowenstein/Claudia Draper/Esther Hoffman/whatever is SO irresistible...

Again, the argument is lifted directly from a million stupid romance novels, minus an abundance of sex scenes and with the added pretentiousness of a pseudo-political drama. It is as unfairly overrated as Redford's alleged good looks and Streisand's acting talent.

I have never been able to watch it. It’s very talky, boring and slow. And the idea that handsome Redford would be interested in ugly Barbra was always far fetched.

I was always intrigued by how smoothly and confidently the awkward Barbra character eased into the glamorous Hollywood in-crowd.

R4 in TWWW Redford is glib and seems to have majored in hairspray

He’s gorgeous though, and effective.

Well, let's put it this way - compared to Funny Lady, YES.

Out of all the romantic dramas of the 1970s, I prefer it over the rest.

It does what it is supposed to do and it does it sweepingly.

In addition, it has an iconic Oscar-winning song.

It’s a lush movie, the kind they really don’t make anymore. I enjoy that quality of it.

I gave Barbra some acting tips during filming.

“ And then, after they break up, he meets her again many years later and he can barely contain his desire because Dr Lowenstein/Claudia Draper/Esther Hoffman/whatever is SO irresistible...”

Lol. Nailed it pretty much

I loved Barbra's character in it, always the fighter, never settling for less, forever wanting to push the boundaries. Classic movie, and they both look very cool in it.

R9 Redford isn't effective. Hubel doesn't come across as someone who could give a damn about politics

Streisand looked incredible in her 1940s (1970s) hair and makeup. The best she ever looked on film.

It’s a favorite of aging Jewish princesses like SJP.

With the exception of one or two scenes, I thought Redford was terrible in the movie. He was more constipated than cool. He was smug and unfeeling, but he's always that way.

[quote]Was it ever a great movie?

Not when it came out, it got mixed reviews and I heard tons of laughing in the movie theater in 1973. It's grown with age and become a favorite. For those who don't know, TWWW is the movie that made Redford a mega star. Two months later The Sting was released, six months later Butch Cassidy was re-released.

[quote]Pollack actually ruined it by changing the story line during editing.

He cut twenty minutes out with scissors after a preview. What kills me is that the plot could be explained in a three minute scene between Streisand and Redford, lengthy hearings before HUAC were not necessary.

Oof. She was never a looker to begin with.

Neither actor was remotely plausible as Cornell undergrads. It's campy jewish WASP fetish roleplaying.

That her character was his intellectual equal was a big thing for the 1940s, and for the early 1970s for that matter. Her being Jewish was a large part of that. A Jewish woman was not going to say "yes dear, you're right. I'm just an inferior female."

The movie is about two big stars more than any plot or realistic pairing, people responded to that. Streisand was the bigger star in 1973.

Streisand and Redford too old and unrealistic to be college students?

Yes, they were too old to be convincing R23

And those ever present NAILS around his head... Oy!

Sheena Easton says that upon seeing this movie as a 13 year old girl, she decided she wanted to become a recording artist.

Always disliked the title song, even sung by Barbra.

Miss Lois Chiles

You're girl is lovely, Hovel.

YOUR girl is a hovel, lovely!

Woods was pretty good in his small role:

A young James Woods had the small part of Frankie McVeigh, who was Katie’s boyfriend and eventual informer. “On The Way We Were we hadn’t been introduced yet and I’m standing there and she turns and says ‘Are you afraid of me?’”, Woods told Premiere Magazine. “I said ‘Fuck no!’ just like that. I said, ‘Honey, you can sing, but when they say action, it’s every man for himself and you’re in second place!’ For a moment I thought, ‘I’m fired,’ and then she said, ‘Kid, we’re going to be friends for life.’”

Woods tells the tale: “I had a five-line part, and there was a scene where Streisand and Redford are in the library and she’s looking at him and yearning for him. I said to the director, ‘I should be in this scene. I’m her boyfriend.’ He said, ‘Get out of here.’ So I went up to Barbra and said, ‘Let me ask you a question. If you were sitting in the library and you were looking at Redford – that would be interesting. But if your boyfriend was sitting opposite you and you had to wait until he was looking down at his book to sort of steal a look at Redford … that would be twice as exciting, wouldn’t it?’ She said, ‘You bet!’ And if you notice, I did make it into the scene.”

James Woods and Barbaric Struessel - heroes of the peoples.

This clip begins with the single best shot of Redford, splayed out sleeping in Babs's bed, cementing his sex symbol status of the 70's. Soon after, an overhead two shot of them both, him asleep, his head turned away from her, and her conflicted expression, sums up the film perfectly.

I never understood the attraction to this film. The characters are objects. She is the ugly girl. He is the blond handsome boy. A bird and a fish can fall in love but where will they live? Barbra seems to think this character has a great deal to say. But she is too self absorbed. He is suppose to be a good writer but his thoughts never seem deeper than his smile. These people could never exist. It is like watching cotton candy argue with a corned beef sandwich. And the music tries to fill in for a serious lack of chemistry. George Brent would be a better co-star. I have always thought Barbra’s film career was a few hits and many misses- due her ego mainly. And I think she best in “ Hello, Dolly” because she couldn’t wrap her ego around that character. As for Redford he is cut in the mold of Robert Taylor: untouchable handsomeness mixed with the desirability of a ice cube.

Mama he’s lazy. Lazier than me.

I saw this movie once as a teen twenty years ago.

All I remember is that Streisand raped Redford while he was passed out drunk.

I'd forgotten the HUAC backstory.

The sexy scenes are the college dance and the kiss in front of the fire. That bed scene is AWFUL.

R34, I understand. But Redford was not going to pretend to fuck Elizabeth Taylor or go queer for you.

It's the only film I like Streisand in - because the period(s) suit her look, her pushy obnoxiousness and her visions of herself. The 40s styles and cuts and makeup look good on her - she really does "transform" in this film, unlike all her future attempts at looking hot. She becomes progressive and more self assured, better dressed and attractive. The way that often happens to smart people after college. She's NOT beautiful. It's believable.

Redford gets the toe to head panning shots of his makeover and made into a some kind of mannequin. But when is he not? The most boring fuck actor of all time and it's really his BODY not the face that gets people- because although he is handsome - he's so fucking smarmy and unattractive.

If Michael Douglas or Nicholson had been mainstream enough to costar in films at this time - it might have been a better movie - instead of Barbra fingering herself for 2 hours while we're meant to believe that Redford is undergoing deep moral struggle. I wasn't born when this film was made - but have seen it three times. Is the Way We Were the film in which Barbra's long nails first received second billing?

The Way We Were is best by Gladys Knight. Then and NOW.

And Marsha Mae Jones!

They had a lack of chemistry because in real life Redfors didn't like her and he's not a good enough actor to pretend. She, on the other hand, seemed gaga for him both in the movie and in real life. When they had that reunion on Oprah she had her claws all over him. Pretty pathetic to watch.

R28, Miss Lois Chiles was likely banging the director (very common, even after they're hired) for the role.

[quote] Miss Lois Chiles was likely banging the director

No, it was the Producer. Robert Evans.

“In New York, Ray [Stark, producer of ”The Way We Were“], bubbling with that infectious enthusiasm, worked overtime at the job he wanted: casting young actresses. He took me with him to a casting session at an excellent Chinese restaurant convenient to his apartment on East Fifty-seventh. The other guests were Oleg Cassini and his very pretty girl who had no interest in becoming an actress, and an even prettier girl who was an actress and extremely interested in being recognized as one.

”Her name was Lois Chiles. I liked her; it was a pleasure just to look at her. Although she gave the impression of being the well-spoken, fresh-faced graduate of a very good private school, she got all Ray's jokes which flew thick, fast and dirty. The part she wanted in The Way We Were was a good one. The requirements for the role were simple; understanding the requirements for getting the role was also simple. Lois understood.

“'In other words,' she said to Ray as though she were talking to a broker who had just explained the contents of her portfolio, 'I get the part if I fuck you.'

”'Right!' Ray winked and laughed as though he might not have meant it. No one was going to catch him. Lois got the part.“

Lois occasionally stunk up a picture, other times was workaday fine and pretty, but I never disliked her.

[quote]No, it was the Producer. Robert Evans.

Evans was banging the director, R42?

R43 that's a great story. Sleazy and totally Hollywood. Such a gross industry, actresses really are whores and the men buying them, dirt bags.

Redford looks forty years old in the college scenes. Lois Chiles is gorgeous. I wonder if Barbra felt threatened.

It's not a bad movie, but the second half is a mess. The story actually starts to take place between the filmed scenes. And you're just left with a bunch of aftermaths strung together that wind up not making much sense.

In one of the Streisand biographies, I think it was Ray Stark who said that Streisand blew her chances for the oscar by covering her face during the emotional phone scene.

Chiles said Pollack, Redford, and Streisand all ignored her.

[quote] Streisand blew her chances for the oscar by covering her face during the emotional phone scene.

Did she cover her face with her hands? Was she showcasing her nails, again?

If only she had covered her face throughout the whole movie.

The version of the title song in the movie is a much better arrangement with a faster tempo that the version that became the hit. The movie version is much better as is Streisand’s voice. It’s funny to read these so what, she’s ugly, can’t act etc posts. This is one of the most gifted and original entertainers in show business history who compromised nothing of herself to become pretty much the most successful person is show business of her time, make or female: a critical and popular success in recording, stage, concert, film, production, writing, and direction. All fueled by one of the greatest voices of any genre of any time.

Her nose took up 75% of the screen.

I remember as a kid in the mid-70's back in Toledo, Ohio, The Way We Were aired several times a day on what was known as Channel 100. Basically an early version of a PPV movie channel. I don't remember much about the film, but the title song is outstanding.

Time for your pudding and a diaper change, R51. Goodnite charlie.

Shove your troll diaper up your ass R54.

I always think it's so laughable that old Barbra was cast in these films where she's either portrayed as "beautiful" or somehow attractive to a hot man. In OP's photo alone the Jew is so strong on that face, you couldn't get it off with a sand blower. I mean, she's laughably Catskill.

The part was written for her. That's why she was cast. And a huge star already an icon.

(R56) totally agree and we all know about her "demands."

I Trolltally agree too!

[quote] I mean, she's laughably Catskill.

It's a different story from my LEFT side, bitches!

R56 And yet in real life, she's managed to have a string of relationships with very hot men who had fame and money of their own. Go figure. Am I blowing your MAGA-mind? I can only guess your standard of beauty is Melania Trump.

I have poosy!

I could never get past all that awful hair on everyone, even worse than most 1970s period films. I can't believe there are posters on this thread implying it looked authentically 1930s and 1940s in any way.

I didn't know The Way We Were was a documentary.

Antisemites R56 make the best film reviewers.

Laurents talked about Redford's refusal to cut his 70s hair, even for the scenes in the war years; and Streisand's refusal to cut her Fu Manchu fingernails, even for the scenes where Katie is working for the Office of War Information. He said the anachronisms were ridiculous.

Pauline Kael criticized the way Babs looked in this film, saying the 40s faux looks were not kind to her. She said the hairstyles and red lipstick made Barbra look hideous. I really have to disagree on that. Barbra's hair needs VOLUME bitches. Distracts from her LARGE features. That's why it's always curly or crimped or kinky when she's about to get LAID or swap spit in one of her films.

Straight hair is for suffering and singing BABS. Like those pin striped suits slit up to her asshole.

Yes, she does partially cover her face with her own hand in the telephone scene. With her slender tapered fingers and long nails receiving a supporting nomination!

Laurents was a known cunt/dick.

I remember an Oprah show where she interviewed Barbara and Robert Redford. He was a good sport and let her do a lot of the talking. Then she begged him to do a sequel of TWWW and he was adamant, no. She practically begged. He wanted nothing to do with it but tried to be nice about it.

Redford had chemistry with Jane Fonda, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Natalie Wood. I really appreciate how he sticks up for so many of his former co-stars when he was still doing interviews. His comments about Natalie Wood would make a good start for a movie.

[quote]His comments about Natalie Wood would make a good start for a movie.

Just not "Ordinary People"!

R56 is a bigot.

R66 in The Chase (1966) Redford plays an escaped prisoner on the run whose hair is always perfectly coiffed and in Brubaker (1980) he slips the prison barber money to keep his perfect coif rather than have his head shaved!

Robert Redford STILL refuses to cut his layered golden locks of sexy hair! Although he has let it darken a bit over time.

[quote]I didn't know The Way We Were was a documentary.

It documents our very timeless glamour.

I didn't realize Redford was so vain about his hair. But he does wear wigs now, so, I guess his hair is very important to him.

And yes, that's a wig.

John Wayne wore a wig, make up, and had a facelift. Just like any other Real Housewife.

[quote] "He’s gorgeous though, and effective."

Yep.

[quote] "I remember an Oprah show where she interviewed Barbara and Robert Redford. He was a good sport and let her do a lot of the talking. Then she begged him to do a sequel of TWWW and he was adamant, no. She practically begged. He wanted nothing to do with it but tried to be nice about it."

I saw this when it originally aired too, R69. It wasn't on Youtube, so I had to link directly to Oprah's site.

[quote]And yes, that's a wig

If you look closely you can see the Eva Gabor label.

“You’re girl is lovely, Hubble.”

Redford and his hair is a bit weird. I’ve always thought his perfect coif in all his films was silly- he’s a vain man. He’s also had a bit of cosmetic work that I think has backfired. When older men do cosmetic work they end up looking like older women. I really don’t get it. Do your best to stay neat, clean, fit and well dressed. Let the rest go.

White, fair-haired men infamously do not age particularly well.

His wigs are hilarious. You can't have a heartthrob hairstyle at 85 years old. Someone inform Barbaric!

Some of Bob's wigs are shaggier than others - like he's in need of a trim! Who does he think he's fooling?

Even John Travolta gave up the charade - and he had every wig style and length on earth. Then again - Travolta has a lot more to his good looks and charm than just a Stephanie Powers haircut.

Bob's all natural - he barely even fusses.

[quote]Some of Bob's wigs are shaggier than others - like he's in need of a trim!

He must have watched the Alan Brady is bald episode of the Dick Van Dyke Show.

That's the one thing Bette Midler never had was that iconic romantic movie with a leading man.

Diana had Billy Dee, Barbra had Redford, Ryan O Neal and others. Liza had Dudley Moore. Whitney had Kevin. Cher had Nic Cage.

Why do you keep (weirdly) insisting (over and over and over) he wears a piece? It looks like natural (dyed) tousled hair. Usually, wigs are coiffed way too much. He looks like he could care less.

R69, Redford had no chemistry with ANY female co-star. The only reason he's credited with being a good Streisand co-star is because he didn't disappear into the wall paper like all the others.

[quote]I think it was Ray Stark who said that Streisand blew her chances for the oscar by covering her face during the emotional phone scene.

RAY STARK? Ray Stark would have fucked his mother for a big opening and box office $$$ which TWWW had, Oscars were and scenes were over his head. It was Laurents who talked about the telephone scene. IMO, that shitty scene should have been eliminated.

The movie would have been 100% better if Redford had conjured up a ounce of emotion other than his own self interest. And Streisand is waaaaay too Rhoda Morgentern desperate to make the story work. I blame Pollack and the barrage of writers brought in (including Francis Ford Coppola) who fucked up the script.

I block R61 and at least a third of the thread replies disappeared. LOL! Somebody's workin hard for Babs.

You blocked one of the few who ISN'T a troll. You're such a snowflake you can't handle other non-troll opinions. Sad.

R61 IS ALSO R89. 🙀 Trollina. He who posts from many IPs. His use of CAPS and immediately upvoting his own posts from more than one account always gives him away.

He LOVES Barbaric Streusel, Donna Summers And John Mulvaney! SAD!

You keep thinking that.

R88, R61 is "charlie," resident Streisand worshipper and impressed/jealous with what money and fame can buy which he can't.

Not a wig at all. He barely even bothers to brush it. Doesn't even look attached to his head - it's so wind blown.

Redford is a movie star not an actor. He does movie star acting.

r94 is correct.

I wouldn’t say Redford’s good looks were alleged. He might not be one’s type but he is a handsome man.

I only have one comment on this thread, and no other comments about Streisand for several years, but I'm tickled that you've come up with a whole persona for me and given me a name. Someone's paranoia is working overtime. Whatever floats your boat.

Movie was a frau fantasy that you didn't have to look like a stereotypical model to get a handsome, upper middle-class man.

Typical of the time that young women molded themselves into what they thought their husbands wanted only to see such one-sided relationships fail anyway. Or at least that's how many described their parents' tense marriages.

I do think Redford had chemistry with Streep even though people love to bag on Out of Africa.

Barbara however - I never have understood why she became a big star. Beautiful voice but odd looking and obnoxious with the fingernails and annoying talking voice.

^ Beautiful singing voice, annoying talking voice.

Chiles really was gorgeous. She still looks great. I bet Barbra was threatened so it's no surprise she ignored Chiles. A little surprised that Pollack and Redford were cool towards her.

Believe it or not, I've known several straight guys who've lusted after Babs, especially in her younger years. Honorable mentions are The Way We Were, What's Up Doc? and For Pete's Sake. Might I say I've seen PLENTY of my fellow gays in couples that I cannot figure out. Tom Ford and Scarecrow.......anyone?

Babs was only beautiful in What's Up Doc, she looked lovely in that "natural" California makeup and style. And also the only film where she's fully effective as an ACTRESS.

The 1970s always sounds like the very height of MOVIE STAR arrogance and bad behavior towards others. Where they were young enough to get high and fuck and play in the Canyons but still tied to old ideas about being a STAR. Except that NOW meant being more difficult and demanding and more pretentious and inside players than ever. Streisand likes to portray herself as an outsider - but she was the fucking QUEEN of whatever she wanted to be part of. She was inside everything and turned down most everything. The importance of agents and publicists - the never ending rewriting of scripts and treatments took years. Along with the golden age of casting people when SEXUAL NEPOTISM was rampant. Not sexual exploitation. It wasn't so much about your family or professional ties but who you're fucking or your agent is fucking or whatever. I'm not good at describing this. Nicholson and Beatty and Redford and Streisand and Dunaway and Natalie Wood and Fonda - all took themselves so seriously as political artists but lived more debauched and privileged lives than Marie Antoinette.

The Golden Age Hollywood Stars were held up as untouchable - but they worked a lot harder for a lot less money. And most of them had a lot less say over the projects they were involved in. What they had was press protection and glamour. Streisand and Beatty didn't bother to get stories killed - they destroyed PEOPLE.

The directors from that time seem almost as sleazy, though the emerging talents would change the world of films forever.

I'm not talking about Goldie Hawn having a production deal - why the hell not? She was NOT one of the monsters.

You either are or you aren't. Barbaric was. And is.

So much rage with so little knowledge. WTF are you talking about? You sound like an unhinged conspiracy theorist. Get a grip, Ms. Fletcher.

I love the ending of this film. Anyone who has been there - they captured that feeling perfectly.

Huh? I am not enraged. Educate yourself R105. You've had 80 years to learn shit. Who is Miss Feltcher? Is that your kink, R105. Over 60 of the posts on this thread are from you. Sick old man. Romanticizing CRAP. We know you love SHIT.

R92, this is me and neither of those posts are. I’m jealous of what money and fame can buy but I can’t? Really? I have all the money I need and I’m pretty sure “fame” is not something I’m chasing at 68.

PS my take on TWWW, entertaining love story and the could have been interesting substory of the Hollywood 7 etc totally bungled. She was nominated- he was pretty wooden as he always is- but then that was sort of right for the part. Big success in its release.

Luff huh, love the movie.

I maintain that there was no David X Cohen.

When Katie says 'Sure' to Hubbell's are you still married, it sounds like a lie.

Yes, she invites him for a drink but when he says he can't come, she responds, "I know."

Therefore, she knew he'd never come over and see that there was no David X. Cohen.

Just another Babs obsession movie about a Jewish girl (her) having the hots for waspy guy.

Redford is bland and out of his depth as always. Lousy actor.

Streisand was already a mega star when she became a film star. If she had been unknown and had to work her way up who knows where her movie career would have landed. Interesting to think about.

Yes, R102, I'm aware of several men my father's age who thought Streisand was attractive and sexy. But when she opens her mouth with that self righteous claptrap - on or off screen - no.

[quote]Not a wig at all. He barely even bothers to brush it. Doesn't even look attached to his head - it's so wind blown

Yeah but off screen he combs his dyed do over his forehead like a 15 year old. Although some of it is his, he wears hair pieces in film roles which look ridiculous. This is from Truth (2015).

I can wait for the remake with Beanie Feldstein!

KaKaKaKatie!

Isn't 'he can't act' and 'she can't act' subjective?

R110, Never really understood the ending. Wouldn't he have at least wanted to see his bio daughter?

Or was this a not uncommon relationship of 2 opposites with different life goals and dreams admiring each others' strengths but repelled at their obvious differences?

NO, R117, he wouldn't at least have wanted to see his daughter. Hubbell was a heel, Hubbell was the guy who acts badly and lets everyone else take the blame. I doubt he paid a penny of child support.

R115 be my kkkkk komrade.

R108, it’s assumed you are jealous of the men she gets by being famous and filthy rich, and live through her insisting she gets men because she’s so beautiful.

Yes, the movie is cheesy in a pure 70s way.

But to this closeted teen in the 70s, Redford was my ideal hunk. I remember checking out the Spencer Gifts posters in the mall for more shirtless Redford pics. I wanted to find my own hairy preppy blond as a future BF.

R121 Ryan O'Neal, another of Babs' golden boys, was it for me.

Hairy PREPPY blonds are usually the worst kind of Preppy and the worst kind of Blond.

Men deemed hot & sexy during that time period had very hairy chests they loved to show off. See Burt Reynolds' Playgirl spread for the darker haired version.

[quote]Hairy PREPPY blonds are usually the worst kind of Preppy and the worst kind of Blond

You may want to rephrase that hairy preppy BEACHED blonds.

Ryan O’Neal had a flat butt, chicken legs and small, beady eyes. Never got the hot.

No that was Paul Newman, R126.

Ryan and Tatum photographed by the legendary Francesco Scavullo during the production of Paper Moon.

After Streisand duped dummy O'Neal all over What's up Doc, it would be absurd if she was mooning over him if he was cast in The Way We Were. It would have produced more laughter than the Redford version. They needed an new actor - one that hadn't been in a Streisand film before.

Someone like Jeff Bridges would have been a lot more convincing in the role than Redford.

R127 I won’t disagree with that assessment. Newman had a beautiful face. But he was scrawny.

Barbaric got Jeff Bridge's love and LUST later. He was so beautiful in The Mirror Has Two Chins.

Remember when Barbara was dating Don Johnson? She has a type that she prefers to be SEEN to be adored by.

Jeff Bridges was only 22 when TWWW was filmed - TOO YOUNG for the part.

Not too young for the college scenes, unlike Robert & Barbra...

No doubt the Way We Were would have been better with Kay Lenz and Jeff Bridges. They were busy in new cinema. Not interested in this kind of schlock.

These two people were so bored (and boring) throughout the film that they couldn't even argue properly.

I've seen it and never liked it.

Streisand's character is big time annoying.

Redford's character is a dope.

The only character I liked in the whole thing was Bradford Dillman.

I'm Barbra Streisand re-editing the film to include my best scenes that Sydney edited out. It will be screened next year.

It will be screened next year under its new title, "The Way Katie Was".

It's tacky trash but very watchable tacky trash.

It's considered a classic. Get over it.

It is not considered a classic. Don't be foolish. It is watchable trash though. Once.

The theme song makes it more memorable as a classic than the actual film itself. But it's known as a classic.

R135, The Way We Were was written for Streisand. If she hadn't done it, it wouldn't have been made. Bridges and Kay Lenz's "interest" wasn't noteworthy.

The film is most definitely a classic. Not a great film, but a classic film.

I just watched this. Redford seemed like he was bored throughout and just tolerating Barbra's presence. Barbra is too self-conscious for me to buy in this role. Also it's hilarious to me in a twisted way, how Redford's character got date raped. Babs just stripping down and getting in the bed and fondling him as he's blacked out. Reverse the genders, that would not fly. He was a great sex object to gaze upon, I guess for the time that was very subversive.

[Quote] who compromised nothing of herself

Oh, please! Most of her catalogue is schlock.

Katie, in a way gets, partial comeuppance against Hubbell in the final scene when they're talking in front of his wife.

He has to tell her he's writing for television.

As with some couples, the thing you most deeply admire in the other person (and Hubbell truly, sincerely admired Katie's convictions and her willingness to live them) is the thing that drives them apart.

Hubbell was lazy, too.

[quote]Redford seemed like he was bored throughout

That's his style.

R148 Nah. He didn't seem bored in The Hot Rock, The Sting, Jeremiah Johnson, The Great Waldo Pepper or The Natural.

She's pretty in a Jennifer Grey sort of way. Something very appealing about these woman when they smile, and both have a down to earth quality that fans love. Not to mention, that Babs is a fabulous songstress. Can't recall ever hearing any shocking scandal about her.

R149, Redford is a minimalist. Not in the 1960s when he started film acting, but in most of his roles UNLESS he's trying to appear much younger than he is such as in The Natural. He does anger and smugness well (The Hot Rock). For the life of him, he simply cannot convey deep emotion such as in The Great Gatsby. He's good at running, he runs well (The Sting).

[quote]Can't recall ever hearing any shocking scandal about her.

Are you unaware of the Jon Peter-A Star is Born debacle? The film was a success, but the making of it was a shocking nightmare.

R151 He was miscast as Jay Gatsby. Leonardo fit the role much better.

I posted this once before but as we're talking about the film does anyone else think Katie was lying about there being a David X. Cohen.

She asks Hubble to bring his lovely g.f. when he comes for a drink and he says he can't come; Katie says I know. So, even though she invited him for a drink she knew he wasn't going to come.

He asks her what's the X for; she says the only David X Cohen in the book. On one hand, I think it's Xavier, what else on the other if she made the X up, she wouldn't have made up what it stood for. Hence he doesn't exist.