Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Earnest documentary gives beloved comic legend her due.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Love, Gilda
What's the Story?
LOVE, GILDA shines a spotlight on the life of groundbreaking comic and actress Gilda Radner. Using a wealth of vintage footage -- TV interviews, movie performances, Saturday Night Live sketches, home movies -- and interviews with current comic greats like Bill Hader, Melissa McCarthy, and Amy Poehler, the documentary paints a whimsical, moving portrait of a performer who left the world laughing and was gone far too soon.
Is It Any Good?
As funny, tender, and ultimately heartbreaking as its subject, this earnest documentary traces a life well lived, if sadly cut short. Filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito must have been excited to find that Radner kept a lifelong diary and that her family used a film camera to record young Gilda's antics. Scenes in which the bright-eyed young girl hams it up in her backyard make it clear that Radner had a comedic fire in her belly from an early age. And, of course, there's plenty of footage from Radner's SNL years, which aptly illustrate both her comic timing and the impact she made in a traditionally male field at a particularly hot moment for American feminism.
One of the strongest points that Love, Gilda makes is how powerful Radner's representation was for today's female comedy stars. "I basically stole all my characters from Gilda," says Poehler. And "Sometimes I wonder if it's why I'm so physical because I just grew up watching her so intensely," says McCarthy. Even more movingly, viewers learn that Radner was hospitalized for an (unspecified) eating disorder, struggled with feelings of worthlessness, and that she and Gene Wilder fell madly in love almost immediately upon meeting and stayed that way through the end of her life. There are few surprises in this biography for Radner's fans. But for them, getting to spend a few more moments with this luminous, enchanting comic will be enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purpose of Love, Gilda. Was it made by one of her fans? Does it leave you admiring or pitying Radner -- or both?
Radner's comedy, particularly on Saturday Night Live, dealt with some pretty stereotypes for humor. What makes something funny rather than offensive? Why do some people interpret comedy one way and some another?
How did Radner demonstrate courage and perseverance in her life? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 21, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 2019
- Cast : Gilda Radner , John Belushi , Gene Wilder
- Director : Lisa D'Apolito
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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