Rob Reiner has come a long ways over the last 40 years after rising to fame as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law with the less-than-enviable nickname.
On Saturday, Feb. 29, Reiner — now an Emmy-winning and Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director and producer — will receive the Sedona International Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in front of and behind the camera and his commitment to the art of independent filmmaking.
Reiner, who starred as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on “All in the Family,” has seen even more success behind the scenes as director or producer of films such as “This is Spinal Tap,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” “The Princess Bride,” “Misery” and “LBJ.”
His 1995 film “The American President,” starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, will be shown prior to Reiner receiving his award. Marc Shaiman, Reiner’s lifelong friend and an award-winning composer in his own right, will be assisting in presenting Reiner the award.
An interview with Shaiman will appear in the Friday, Feb. 21, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.
“We chose to honor Rob Reiner with our Lifetime Achievement Award for his phenomenal body of work behind the camera as director and producer of some of the films that have defined our generation,” SIFF Artistic Director Patrick Schweiss said. “Rob knows how to make films with powerful messages and beautiful stories, while pulling the best out of his actors. He represents everything we love about the movies.”
In an interview with the NEWS, Reiner discussed the art of filmmaking.
Q: How do you feel about being the recipient of the film festival’s lifetime achievement award?
“It’s great. Any time you’re honored for a body of work, you get validated for what it is you do. I love the fact that it’s in Sedona. We were there last year. It’s a beautiful place and definitely spiritual.”
Q: Why are film festivals like Sedona’s important to the industry?
“Filmmaking is one of the great art forms. Festivals keep people interested and help them appreciate filmmaking.”
Q: “The American President” will be shown at the festival. What made you choose that film?
“The reason I chose it was because our country is really in dire straits these days. For those who love democracy, this is a film about a real president — one who is honest, has conviction and tells the truth. I’m not exaggerating when I say this but we currently have a criminal in the White House.”
Q: Like “The American President,” you’ve made other movies with large ensemble casts with famous actors and actresses. Is that any more challenging than a movie with a smaller cast?
“Of course. But you have tremendous talent who care about the work and are there to support your vision.”
Q: How does having experience in front of the camera as an actor help you behind the camera as a director or producer?
“It’s been a tremendous help. I know what actors go through. I never ask an actor or actress to do something that I know I couldn’t do. Because of that they feel comfortable with me and will try things I’m asking them to try. Some of our greatest directors were once actors.”
Q: Speaking of acting, what was your time on “All in the Family” like and what made that show so popular?
“It was a great experience — I learned so much. It was popular because the characters on the show reflected real people. There were two political points of view. We’re still debating a lot of the same issues that were discussed on the show. People could relate to us. Plus, it was a funny show. And as an actor, they allowed us to ad lib and add to the script so it felt like a real collaborative effort.”
Q: Would “All in the Family” be successful today?
“We definitely live in a very politically correct world. But you could do a red state-blue state show. But there were things that were said on the show back then that wouldn’t be allowed today.”
Q: When you’re flipping through the channels and come across something you directed or starred in, do you stop and watch?
“I’ll stop and watch for a few minutes. For me, the experience of a film is making it. The experience for the audience is watching it. To me it’s like watching home videos. Different scenes remind me of certain moments while making the film.”
