Seize the Day(film)
| Seize the Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Fielder Cook |
| Written by | Ronald Ribman |
| Starring | Robin Williams Jerry Stiller Joseph Wiseman Richard B. Shull Glenne Headly Stephen Strimpell |
| Cinematography | Eric Van Haren Noman |
| Edited by | Sidney Katz |
| Music by | Elizabeth Swados |
Production company | Learning In Focus |
| Distributed by | HBO/Cannon Video |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Seize the Dayis a 1986 film directed byFielder Cook.It starsRobin Williams,Jerry StillerandJoseph Wiseman,[1]and is based on thenovel of the same namebySaul Bellow.It was broadcast on thePBSseries,Great Performances,in May 1987.[2]
Plot
[edit]In 1956,[2]after losing his job as a traveling salesman of children's furniture, down-on-his-luck Tommy Wilhelm leavesMassachusettsforNew York City.He is under financial strain because of the demands of his wife, from whom he is separated. He moves into the same hotel that houses his physician father, Dr. Adler, with whom he has a strained relationship.
Flashbacks show how Tommy moved to Los Angeles, changed his name, and tried to become an actor, which failed. His marriage failed, so he left his wife, and is estranged from their two sons.
In New York, Tommy becomes involved with Dr. Tamkin, an acquaintance of his father's, who speculates in thecommodities market.Tommy agrees to open an account managed by Tamkin on a 50–50 basis, but Tamkin persuades Tommy to put up most of the money. When prices decline and Tommy wants to cash in the account, Tamkin urges Tommy to remain calm andseize the day.
The commodities venture collapses, so Tommy has lost his life savings, and cannot even pay his hotel bill. His estranged wife is unsympathetic, and his father refuses to help him or even provide emotional support. Tommy tries to find Tamkin, who has vanished. He happens on a stranger's funeral, where he cries and is mistaken for a mourner.
Cast
[edit]- Robin Williamsas Tommy Wilhelm
- Jerry Stilleras Dr. Tamkin
- Joseph Wisemanas Dr. Adler
- Richard B. Shullas Rojax
- David Bickford as Son-in-Law
- Glenne Headlyas Olive
- Stephen Strimpellas Stockbroker
- Katherine Borowitz as Margaret
- John Fiedleras Carl
- Jo Van Fleetas Mrs. Einhorn
- Allen Swiftas Maurice Venice
Production
[edit]Williams's casting in the role was billed as a sharp departure from his previous roles, most of which were comedic, such as the TV series,Mork and Mindy(although he had previously appeared in dramatic roles, includingThe World According to Garp). Williams described it as "kind of like aJewishGreek drama".The movie was filmed in New York City during a period of 30 days, longer than mosttelevision movieson commercial networks at the time, but far shorter than the shooting schedule of afeature film.[3]
The film was blocked from theatrical release by Williams's management company. TheSan Francisco Examinerreported that the decision was made because the film was not like the comedies for which Williams was known.[4]
Reception
[edit]The Philadelphia Inquirercritic,Ken Tucker,praised the performances, but wrote that the film was "a little boring in its relentless depression". The director, he wrote, was "all too willing to let a scene dawdle, the better to emphasize Tommy's torture".[5]
ASan Francisco Examinercritic called the film a "powerful drama" and a "remarkably faithful reproduction" of the Bellow novel, and praised the performances, calling Williams "first rate".[4]
The New York Timescritic,John J. O'Connor,praised Wiseman's performance, and said that Stiller "steals the film". But he criticized the casting of Robin Williams as too "Middle American" for a role as a Jewish New Yorker. He wrote that Williams's performance was excessively intense, and that the portrayal of Jewish people whose only yardstick is money is "a scenario calculated to unsettle, possibly even offend".[2]
Writing inNew Yorkmagazine, criticJohn Leonardcalled the film "ugly stuff", but said that Williams "is, for the most part, up to it".[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Seize the Day - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast - AllMovie
- ^abcO'Connor, John J. (1987-05-01)."Robin Williams in 'Seize the Day'".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.Retrieved2020-03-23.
- ^Winfrey, Lee (1987-01-13)."Robin Williams in Bellow Novel".The Philadelphia Inquirer.p. 44.Retrieved2020-03-25– viaNewspapers.com.
- ^abHeaton, Michael (1987-02-27)."'Seize the Day' is powerful drama ".The San Francisco Examiner.p. 58.Retrieved2020-03-25– viaNewspapers.com.
- ^Tucker, Ken (1987-05-01)."'Seize the Day' a tale of regret, desperation ".The Philadelphia Inquirer.p. 31.Retrieved2020-03-25.
- ^Leonard, John (1987-05-04).The Man Who Cries 'I Am'.New York Magazine.