One of the most beloved movies of 1983 is “The Big Chill,” starring Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, William Hurt and Meg Tilly. Written by Lawrence Kasdan and Barbara Benedek and directed by Kasdan, the film is an ensemble comedy-drama about a group of former college friends who reunite for a weekend after one of their college friends dies. Released 40 years ago on September 28, 1983, “The Big Chill” did well at the box office, making $56 million worldwide on a budget of just $8 million. The movie marked another financial triumph for director Kasdan, whose feature debut two years earlier, “Body Heat,” did well at the box office and with critics. Read on as Gold Derby celebrates “The Big Chill” 40th anniversary.
Critics for the most part gave positive notices to “The Big Chill,” including Richard Corliss in Time Magazine, who called it “funny and ferociously smart.” Vincent Canby in The New York Times said,...
Critics for the most part gave positive notices to “The Big Chill,” including Richard Corliss in Time Magazine, who called it “funny and ferociously smart.” Vincent Canby in The New York Times said,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Brian Rowe
- Gold Derby
Writer-director Lawrence Kasdan, a four-time Oscar nominee, worked with Oscar winner William Hurt, who died March 13 at age 71, on “Body Heat” (1981), “The Big Chill” (1983), “The Accidental Tourist” (1988) and “I Love You to Death” (1990).
William Hurt and I came into the movies together, and Bill had a huge impact on the way I thought about the process.
We met when I was casting “Body Heat,” the first movie I directed. On our initial meeting, we talked for hours about movies and life. We were trying to guess what it would be like to take that journey together.
I was still looking for my cast and eventually tested four couples for the two leads, but that first conversation with Bill stayed with me. Bill immediately brought a seriousness to the whole process that I carried forward from that night. We did everything with the knowledge that what we were doing commanded our greatest effort.
William Hurt and I came into the movies together, and Bill had a huge impact on the way I thought about the process.
We met when I was casting “Body Heat,” the first movie I directed. On our initial meeting, we talked for hours about movies and life. We were trying to guess what it would be like to take that journey together.
I was still looking for my cast and eventually tested four couples for the two leads, but that first conversation with Bill stayed with me. Bill immediately brought a seriousness to the whole process that I carried forward from that night. We did everything with the knowledge that what we were doing commanded our greatest effort.
- 3/15/2022
- by Lawrence Kasdan
- Variety Film + TV
On Sept. 30, 1983, Columbia unveiled the R-rated Lawrence Kasdan ensemble drama The Big Chill in theaters. The film went on to be nominated for three Oscars at the 56th Academy Awards, including best picture. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below.
For anyone who remembers favorably Lawrence Kasdan's visually exciting, richly textured Body Heat, The Big Chill can only be a keen disappointment. Although clearly intended as a searching commentary on the change in values between the idealism of the '60s and the crass materialism of today, the screenplay (by Kasdan and Barbara Benedek) keeps losing its ...
For anyone who remembers favorably Lawrence Kasdan's visually exciting, richly textured Body Heat, The Big Chill can only be a keen disappointment. Although clearly intended as a searching commentary on the change in values between the idealism of the '60s and the crass materialism of today, the screenplay (by Kasdan and Barbara Benedek) keeps losing its ...
- 9/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On Sept. 30, 1983, Columbia unveiled the R-rated Lawrence Kasdan ensemble drama The Big Chill in theaters. The film went on to be nominated for three Oscars at the 56th Academy Awards, including best picture. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below.
For anyone who remembers favorably Lawrence Kasdan's visually exciting, richly textured Body Heat, The Big Chill can only be a keen disappointment. Although clearly intended as a searching commentary on the change in values between the idealism of the '60s and the crass materialism of today, the screenplay (by Kasdan and Barbara Benedek) keeps losing its ...
For anyone who remembers favorably Lawrence Kasdan's visually exciting, richly textured Body Heat, The Big Chill can only be a keen disappointment. Although clearly intended as a searching commentary on the change in values between the idealism of the '60s and the crass materialism of today, the screenplay (by Kasdan and Barbara Benedek) keeps losing its ...
- 9/30/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
No one expected much from "Pretty Woman" when they were making it. It was a modestly-budgeted romantic comedy whose stars were Richard Gere (then in the depths of a career slump) and Eric Roberts's kid sister. But when the movie was released, 25 years ago this week (on March 23, 1990), the project was transformed from overlooked stepsister to box office royalty. Mirroring her on-screen Cinderella makeover, Julia Roberts went from little-known ingenue to queen of Hollywood. Plus, the film saved Gere's career and (along with 1989's "When Harry Met Sally") revived the romantic comedy genre in Hollywood.
A quarter-century later, "Pretty Woman" remains a fan favorite, one you've seen a million times on cable. Even so, there's much you may not know about the movie -- the difficulties in casting (Gere and Roberts weren't anyone's first, second, or third choices), crises on the set, what was left out of the final film,...
A quarter-century later, "Pretty Woman" remains a fan favorite, one you've seen a million times on cable. Even so, there's much you may not know about the movie -- the difficulties in casting (Gere and Roberts weren't anyone's first, second, or third choices), crises on the set, what was left out of the final film,...
- 3/23/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
The Ultimate Slumber Party
By Raymond Benson
There are certain films that capture the zeitgeist of an era, and The Big Chill is definitely one of them. If a movie like, say, Annie Hall, hits the nail on the head of urban relationships in the late 70s, then Chill embraces the Baby Boomers’ angst of adulthood in the early 80s—a time when the partying and discoing Carter years were undoubtedly over and we, in the USA, were solidly entrenched in Reagan’s world of hippies-turned-yuppies. The Big Chill is a love letter to the Baby Boomers, as it explores themes of regret over wasted opportunities, friendship and camaraderie, nostalgia, and the eternal question of what-happens-next.
Director and co-writer Kasdan, in a recent video interview (included as an extra on the disk), states that one of his influences for the picture was Jean Renoir’s 1939 classic, The Rules of the Game,...
By Raymond Benson
There are certain films that capture the zeitgeist of an era, and The Big Chill is definitely one of them. If a movie like, say, Annie Hall, hits the nail on the head of urban relationships in the late 70s, then Chill embraces the Baby Boomers’ angst of adulthood in the early 80s—a time when the partying and discoing Carter years were undoubtedly over and we, in the USA, were solidly entrenched in Reagan’s world of hippies-turned-yuppies. The Big Chill is a love letter to the Baby Boomers, as it explores themes of regret over wasted opportunities, friendship and camaraderie, nostalgia, and the eternal question of what-happens-next.
Director and co-writer Kasdan, in a recent video interview (included as an extra on the disk), states that one of his influences for the picture was Jean Renoir’s 1939 classic, The Rules of the Game,...
- 7/24/2014
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
In a scene in 2000's "High Fidelity," Jack Black and Todd Louiso's record store clerk characters are coming up with a list of the top five songs about death. Black mentions "You Can't Always Get What You Want," but Louiso reminds him that the song was used in "The Big Chill." "Oh, God, you're right," says Black, and the song is disqualified.
That's how toxic "The Big Chill" was to popular culture -- so much so that even unassailable items that preceded it, like the Rolling Stones classic, were tainted by association.
It's true, of course, that "The Big Chill," released 30 years ago this month (on September 28, 1983), touched a huge raw nerve in the culture and became an enormous mainstream hit as a result. It's also true that it's a very enjoyable movie, full of witty and truthful moments in well-wrought performances by a stellar ensemble of then-rising stars.
That's how toxic "The Big Chill" was to popular culture -- so much so that even unassailable items that preceded it, like the Rolling Stones classic, were tainted by association.
It's true, of course, that "The Big Chill," released 30 years ago this month (on September 28, 1983), touched a huge raw nerve in the culture and became an enormous mainstream hit as a result. It's also true that it's a very enjoyable movie, full of witty and truthful moments in well-wrought performances by a stellar ensemble of then-rising stars.
- 9/30/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
A 30th anniversary reunion for the classic tale of friends sheds light on the passage of time, the fortunes of the Toronto film festival … and Kevin Costner's career
Thirty years ago a film about the passing of time opened Toronto's "Festival of festivals". The cast were in attendance, answering questions from the audience before being bundled off for a slapup treat at local restaurant, Noodles. Last night the creators of The Big Chill were back in the opening gala for the all-conquering Tiff and things hadn't changed a bit.
Well, they had a little. The actors, who in 1983 were playing 30-somethings coming to terms with the loss of a close friend and their radical 60's principles, are now of pensionable age. Tom Berenger is not quite the chiselled impression of Tom Selleck's Magnum Pi he once was. The trouser suits worn by the leading ladies Glenn Close and Mary Kay Place are loose,...
Thirty years ago a film about the passing of time opened Toronto's "Festival of festivals". The cast were in attendance, answering questions from the audience before being bundled off for a slapup treat at local restaurant, Noodles. Last night the creators of The Big Chill were back in the opening gala for the all-conquering Tiff and things hadn't changed a bit.
Well, they had a little. The actors, who in 1983 were playing 30-somethings coming to terms with the loss of a close friend and their radical 60's principles, are now of pensionable age. Tom Berenger is not quite the chiselled impression of Tom Selleck's Magnum Pi he once was. The trouser suits worn by the leading ladies Glenn Close and Mary Kay Place are loose,...
- 9/7/2013
- by Paul MacInnes
- The Guardian - Film News
Here’s a reason for some of us to feel old. Could it really be 30 years ago since The Big Chill, the saga of yuppies reconnecting, pouring out angst and bed hopping to Motown songs? The Toronto Film Festival will bring back the cast and crew of a film that debuted at the festival in 1983. It will happen September 5. Wonder if the returning stars will include Kevin Costner, who played the friend who committed suicide, and who was famously cut out of the movie by director Lawrence Kasdan (who made it up to Costner in Silverado, The Bodyguard and Wyatt Earp). Here’s the official word: Toronto — The guests of honour at this party, unlike the one thrown in the film, will definitely be in attendance. Thirty years after its world premiere at the 1983 Toronto International Film Festival®, The Big Chill—and members of its cast and crew—is back.
- 7/25/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Thirty years after its world premiere at the 1983 Toronto International Film Festival, "The Big Chill" is back. On the opening night of Tiff's 38th edition, the festival is hosting a special anniversary screening of Lawrence Kasdan's classic film. Much like the reunion that conspired in the film, the screening is bringing together members of the cast and crew for an extended Q&A, though we can't say whether they'll be left dancing to The Temptations this time. Moderated by Variety's film critic Scott Foundas, the Q&A will feature actors Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, Meg Tilly, Mary Kay Place and JoBeth Williams; director/writer Lawrence Kasdan; screenwriter Barbara Benedek; executive producer Marcia Nasatir; and producers Meg Kasdan and Michael Shamberg. Following its opening night screening thirty years ago, "The Big Chill" won the coveted People's Choice Award and went on to be nominated for three Academy Awards: best film,...
- 7/25/2013
- by Julia Selinger
- Indiewire
This is one party where the guests of honour will definitely be in attendance -- unlike the party invitees in "The Big Chill."
Thirty years after its world premiere at the 1983 Toronto Film Festival, "The Big Chill" is returning to the city where it first screened, and members of its cast and crew will be coming along with it.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of "The Big Chill," Tiff is hosting a reunion of its own for the cast and crew. Multiple cast members will be in attendance at the film's anniversary screening: Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, Meg Tilly, Mary Kay Place and JoBeth Williams have confirmed their appearances.
In addition, director/writer Lawrence Kasdan, screenwriter Barbara Benedek, executive producer Marcia Nasatir, and producers Meg Kasdan and Michael Shamberg will also be there. The screening of a newly restored 4K version of the film will be followed by an extended...
Thirty years after its world premiere at the 1983 Toronto Film Festival, "The Big Chill" is returning to the city where it first screened, and members of its cast and crew will be coming along with it.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of "The Big Chill," Tiff is hosting a reunion of its own for the cast and crew. Multiple cast members will be in attendance at the film's anniversary screening: Glenn Close, Tom Berenger, Meg Tilly, Mary Kay Place and JoBeth Williams have confirmed their appearances.
In addition, director/writer Lawrence Kasdan, screenwriter Barbara Benedek, executive producer Marcia Nasatir, and producers Meg Kasdan and Michael Shamberg will also be there. The screening of a newly restored 4K version of the film will be followed by an extended...
- 7/25/2013
- by Chris Jancelewicz
- Moviefone
Hollywood script doctor favoured by Sydney Pollack
Like certain potentates who travel with a personal physician, the director Sydney Pollack almost always had his own script doctor close at hand to revitalise a sick screenplay. David Rayfiel, who has died of congestive heart failure aged 87, was called in on the majority of Pollack's features, usually for a few weeks, in order to fix specific problems, rewrite here and there, and add and subtract lines. Though well remunerated for his work, Rayfiel was usually given no screen credit.
However, the spotlight was sometimes turned on him, such as when Robert Redford called Rayfiel "the unsung hero of almost every picture Sydney Pollack and I have made together". When Out of Africa (1985) won the Oscar for best picture, Pollack thanked Rayfiel for "keeping us honest" and Kurt Luedtke, upon accepting the Academy award for his screenplay of the same film, also acknowledged Rayfiel.
Like certain potentates who travel with a personal physician, the director Sydney Pollack almost always had his own script doctor close at hand to revitalise a sick screenplay. David Rayfiel, who has died of congestive heart failure aged 87, was called in on the majority of Pollack's features, usually for a few weeks, in order to fix specific problems, rewrite here and there, and add and subtract lines. Though well remunerated for his work, Rayfiel was usually given no screen credit.
However, the spotlight was sometimes turned on him, such as when Robert Redford called Rayfiel "the unsung hero of almost every picture Sydney Pollack and I have made together". When Out of Africa (1985) won the Oscar for best picture, Pollack thanked Rayfiel for "keeping us honest" and Kurt Luedtke, upon accepting the Academy award for his screenplay of the same film, also acknowledged Rayfiel.
- 7/1/2011
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
At its recent annual general meeting the Writers Guild Foundation elected Barbara Corday as its new President. Corday, who with her writing partner Barbara Avedon co-created the groundbreaking television series Cagney & Lacey, was the first woman to become president of a major television production entity (Columbia Pictures Television); she later become head of prime-time programs at CBS, again the first woman to do so. Most recently she was chair of the Film and Television production arm at the USC School of Cinema and Television. Corday replaces Chris Brancato, who has served the maximum number of terms. The board also elected seven new trustees to the board. The new trustees are: publicist Craig Bankey, screenwriter Lowell Ganz, agent Nancy Josephson, and television writer-producers Marta Kauffman, Bill Lawrence, Jan Oxenberg and David Shore. Trustees are elected for three year terms. Most Foundation trustees are members of the Writers Guild of America, west.
- 6/21/2011
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
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