Cast
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Barbra Streisand
as Katie Morosky
Robert Redford
as Hubbell Gardner
Bradford Dillman
as J.J.
Lois Chiles
as Carol Ann
Patrick O'Neal
as George Bissinger
Viveca Lindfors
as Paula Reisner
Allyn Ann McLerie
as Rhea Edwards
Murray Hamilton
as Brooks Carpenter
Herb Edelman
as Bill Verso
Diana Ewing
as Vicki Bissinger
Sally Kirkland
as Pony Dunbar
Marcia Mae Jones
as Peggy Vanderbilt
Don Keefer
as Actor
George Gaynes
as El Morocco Captain
Eric Boles
as Army Corporal
Crew
Director
- Sydney Pollack
Writer
- Arthur Laurents
- Francis Ford Coppola
Producer
- Ray Stark
Reviews
Wuchak
***A radical Left-winger falls in love with a more conservative WASP on the verge of WW2 and post-war***
A disparate couple meets in college in 1937, New York, and then reignite after the war. Katie (Barbra Streisand) is an uber-Liberal while Hubbell (Robert Redford) is more levelheaded about politics. He becomes a writer in Hollywood during the blacklist investigations of the late 40s wherein Katie’s activism threatens his social life and career. The story closes in 1957.
“The Way We Were” (1973) is a classic drama/romance, much acclaimed in its day. The vibe is similar to “Love Story” (1970) but this has superior characters and a more interesting setting.
It’s interesting to see how loony Liberals existed way back then in the 30s-40s. The movie works because it wisely makes Katie three-dimensional. Sure, she’s a typical INtolerant, obnoxious Leftie, but she also has a human side, a warm and humble side. Meanwhile Redford is at the top of his game here. Streisand incidentally developed a crush on Redford during shooting, but didn’t share her feelings. He feigned ignorance and used Barbra’s infatuation for the benefit of the movie.
There has been some confusion about the last act. Pay attention to what Hubbell says. What happens has nothing to do with Carol Ann and everything to do with the obvious.
The film runs 1 hour, 58 minutes, and was shot in Union College in Schenectady, New York; Ballston Spa in upstate New York; New York City; Malibu; and nearby Union Station in Los Angeles. The peripheral cast includes Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles and James Woods.
GRADE: B
Aug 14, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Way We Were examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sydney Pollack brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1973, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Way We Were took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 175 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1973, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Way We Were shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Hustler, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Way We Were subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Man Who Fell to Earth and Straw Dogs explore similar territory, The Way We Were stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 17, 1973
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $50,000,000
