Starting Over (Paramount 1979, Burt Reynolds, Candice Bergan)

Published

5 years ago

October 26, 2018

Burt Reynolds gives the best performance of his career as a bewildered man whose wife (Bergen) leaves him for a dubious singing career. He stumbles into a tentative relationship with Clayburgh. Previously seen only in macho roles, Reynolds here manages to show with real insight the hurt, off-balance soul of the wounded male.

Starting Over features the screen debut of actor and playwright Wallace Shawn, who plays a member of a workshop.

Academy Award Nominations: Best Actress: Jill Clayburgh; Best Supporting Actress: Candice Bergen

production details
USA | Paramount | 105 minutes | 1979

Director: Alan J. Pakula
Producers: James L. Brooks, Alan J. Pakula
Original Story: Dan Wakefield
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Editor: Marion Rothman
Music: Marvin Hamlisch
Script: James L. Brooks
Production Design: George Jenkins

cast
Burt Reynolds as Phil Potter
Candice Bergen as Jessica Potter
Jill Clayburgh as Marilyn Holmburg
Charles Durning as Michael “Mickey” Potter
Frances Sternhagen as Marva Potter
Mary Kay Place as Marie
Austin Pendleton as Paul
Jay O. Sanders as Larry
Kevin Bacon as Husband – Young Couple
MacIntyre Dixon as Dan Ryan
Charles Kimbrough as Bloomingdale’s Sales Clerk
Daniel Stern as Student
Sturgis Warner as John Morganson