“Remembering Gene Wilder” is a documentary film journeying through the life of actor Gene Wilder. Through interviews of his surviving colleagues, the film explores how he landed his first role as well as his acting method in other iconic roles and the impact that his performances have left with audiences.
Documentaries that follow the life of an actor either after their passing or at a point when they’re no longer able to do what they became famous for all tend to follow the same formula. Humble beginnings, icon roles, then tragedy and this film is no different.
That’s not to say that this particular film is bad, it’s just a very familiar structure that all films like this do. Although, with a film exploring the life of someone, it is a structure that is very difficult to break away from or to make unique and standout from the others.
I will say that I did manage to learn a few new things about Gene Wilder that I didn’t already know. Certain behind the scenes stories from his past roles I found to be very intriguing. I knew that he had been in other movies, but aside from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, I sadly didn’t start watching them until after his passing in 2016. The stories that were told about him gave me a new-found appreciation for him and his comedic methods throughout his career.
Some of the interviewees in the film consist of Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Mike Medavoy, and Charlie Bucket himself Peter Ostrum. All of whom share their unique stories and experiences from their time working with Gene Wilder on the sets of their films. Some of the things I knew beforehand, others were brand new information to me.
The most unique thing about this documentary is the fact that it has Gene Wilder narrating throughout the duration of the film. What makes it interesting is the fact that Gene Wilder passed away back in 2016. Personally, I’m not sure how exactly they achieved this. My first thought was that it had to be achieved with the help of A.I. but it also shows clips of Gene Wilder from existing interviews that seem to sync up and make the vocal narrative tone. I certainly hope that the narration of Gene Wilder was pulled from old archives and not through the assistance of A.I.
Despite the film having a similar structure to those dedicated to other actors and public figures, it’s all a matter of wanting to know or learn more about the legacy of a person that was left behind. Despite a familiar formula, it still left me teary-eyed by the end because the end of one’s story is always the saddest. So, if you’re a fan of Gene Wilder, I think there is definitely much to appreciate in this documentary and I would easily recommend checking it out.
The biggest appreciation I have for films like these is the ability they have to condense the lifetime of a person into a feature film and solidify their legacy. Gene Wilder has left one hell of a legacy and one that I’m sure will easily withstand the test of time.
Playing at 3:15 pm at The Oriental Theater
4 1/2 stars
Nick Nitkowski
From the Fourth Row! 
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