Produced by Lisa D’Apolito, Bronwyn Berry,
Meryl Goldsmith, James Tumminia
Directed by Lisa D’Apolito
Featuring Chevy Chase, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler,
Maya Rudoloph, Martin Short, Cecily Strong,
Lorne Michaels, Laraine Newman, Paul Shaffer,
Anne Beatts, Melissa McCarthy, Alan Zweibel
Some of the best comedians are those who love to make not only others laugh, but themselves. They are able to turn their greatest pain into the happiest moments. It’s not only a form of escapism but if done right could help uplift others.
While SNL has its ups and downs, there’s one unifying factor: Gilda Radner made the show successful during its most formative years.
Radner wasn’t just an actress, she was someone who embodied her characters. When other actors were on stage, they recited lines. Radner told stories with her soul, taking you on the most adventurous journeys ever written. Acting from every part of her body, characters she created were based on people who impacted her life which made her care even more about the smallest details.
From facial expressions to developing multiple distinctive characteristics she left everything in her performance. She didn’t act just to make the audience happy, she acted because it filled her soul with joy and that joy.
Unfortunately, unless you’re part of the comedy circuit or catch a random SNL Classic sketch, odds are today’s generation doesn’t know about Radner.
Fortunately, Lisa D’Apolito’s Love Gilda is here to educate all.
Love Gilda, is a thoroughly moving documentary that explores the life and many characters of Radner. Through various interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the audience is able to step into the mindset of Radner as she created Emily Litella, Lisa Loopner and Roseanne Roseannadanna. Tweaking each character through improv sessions, she’s mastered her talents so well that just her and hula hoop is entertaining. Radner shined in the spotlight, from simply talking about what foods she ate or the squeals from jumping on the bed she captivated all with just her words.
While she lost her battle at the young age of forty-two, her love light and talent will forever live on through Love, Gilda.
