The Way We Were - Dietrich Theater Lasting Legacy series
- Matt Palmer
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Showing at the Dietrich Theater March 18 (today) 1 pm and 7 pm
PLOT: Opposites attract when, during their college days, Katie Morosky, a politically active woman, meets Hubbell Gardiner, a reckless WASP. Years later, in the wake of WWII, they meet again and, despite their obvious differences, marry. Hubbell wants to be a screenwriter, so the two move to California despite Katie's objections. They prosper there, but as the Hollywood blacklist looms, Katie's activism threatens her husband's reputation.
MPA: Rated PG (runtime 118 minutes) (available to rent at various PVOD services)
Audiences generally loved The Way We Were, with many finding it an iconic, heart-wrenching, must see romantic drama, largely driven by the intense and undeniable chemistry between Barbra Streisand and the late Robert Redford. While some critics found it lacking in political depth (more on that in a bit), audiences were captivated by the bittersweet love story, the powerhouse performances and the title song.
Audiences were - and continue to be - drawn to the electric on-screen chemistry between Streisand's intense, activist character and Redford's laid back, charismatic writer. Since its original 1973 release, the chemistry between the "opposites attract" leads has remained the film's primary draw.
The Oscar-winning theme song, Sung by Streisand, became a cultural phenomenon that intensified the film's melancholy and nostalgic atmosphere for viewers. Streisand recently sang this song in Memory of Redford at the Oscars a few days ago and it was completely moving. I also added the clip of her singing the song at this year's Oscars down below!
At early test screenings, audiences were reportedly not that interested by the political subplots related to the Hollywood blacklist, with many people leaving their seats during those scenes. Director Sydney Pollack cut roughly ten minutes of these political scenes. This tighter version received a better reception at the next test screenings, shifting the film from a potential flop to an immediate hit.
The Way We Were is a landmark romantic drama, celebrated for the chemistry between the two leads and a bittersweet ending that actually defies traditional Hollywood happy endings.
It's also regarded as a mature look at the complexities of love and personal compromise. The film is also remembered for its iconic title song and as a definitive 1970s film that balanced a big studio romantic drama with some political themes.
Comments