While We're Alive
Why is it that we don't really know that much about a person or their accomplishments until after they've passed away? I'm not sure why it works that way, but it seems to be one of life's truths.
Perhaps it is our natural inclination to be modest about ourselves. Most of us simply have a tendency to minimize what we've done in life, no matter how big or small, and it isn't until we pass that others celebrate our life that was.
You could say it's one of the tragedies of life.
I'm thinking of this today for a number of reasons. First, my uncle and aunt recently passed away (in September and February, respectively). At both of their funerals, in place of a eulogy, the minister asked the congregation to share a stories and memories.
It was an opportunity to laugh, cry and reflect on a life well lived.
In a short time, many stories were told - most of which I had never heard - and I found myself thinking, "I wish I had known that before."
I've also been reflecting on the recent, untimely death of Harold Ramis. Having grown up in the '80's, I admit I was a bit embarrassed to not realize all of Ramis' accomplishments in his lifetime.
So that brings me to today. I'd like to recognize someone who is still alive and happens to be celebrating his 67th birthday today.
I also think this man is one of the most under-appreciated, overlooked names in film.
I'm talking about Rob Reiner.
When you think of great modern directors/producers/writers, the names that typically come to mind are Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese and Woody Allen. Not Rob Reiner.
But when you look at Reiner's contributions to film and television, how could he not be considered among the all-time greats?
Reiner's directorial/writing debut on the big screen was This is Spinal Tap in 1984 (in which he also co-starred). The film was a documentary parody (soon dubbed "mockumentary") about a fictional rock band. The film became an instant underground classic. It was also selected for preservation by the United States National Film Registry in 2002.
Over the next seven years following this debut, Reiner directed instant classics, including:
Reiner is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in modern film classics as The Jerk, Throw Momma from the Train and Sleepless in Seattle, among many others.
On the small screen, Reiner will always be known for his starring role as Michael "Meathead" Stivic, in the 1970's revolutionary television sitcom All in the Family.
As if this wasn't enough, Reiner also co-wrote the debut episode of Happy Days; the series went on to become not only a television classic, it became an iconic slice of American culture.
Reiner has been nominated for nine Golden Globes (five for acting, four for directing) and, amazingly, just one Academy Award (for Best Picture, A Few Good Men).
He's never won.
So to celebrate while he's alive, why not whip up a batch of popcorn and watch one of Rob Reiner's great films this evening? You've got plenty to choose from!
Perhaps it is our natural inclination to be modest about ourselves. Most of us simply have a tendency to minimize what we've done in life, no matter how big or small, and it isn't until we pass that others celebrate our life that was.
You could say it's one of the tragedies of life.
I'm thinking of this today for a number of reasons. First, my uncle and aunt recently passed away (in September and February, respectively). At both of their funerals, in place of a eulogy, the minister asked the congregation to share a stories and memories.
It was an opportunity to laugh, cry and reflect on a life well lived.
In a short time, many stories were told - most of which I had never heard - and I found myself thinking, "I wish I had known that before."
I've also been reflecting on the recent, untimely death of Harold Ramis. Having grown up in the '80's, I admit I was a bit embarrassed to not realize all of Ramis' accomplishments in his lifetime.
So that brings me to today. I'd like to recognize someone who is still alive and happens to be celebrating his 67th birthday today.
I also think this man is one of the most under-appreciated, overlooked names in film.
I'm talking about Rob Reiner.
When you think of great modern directors/producers/writers, the names that typically come to mind are Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese and Woody Allen. Not Rob Reiner.
But when you look at Reiner's contributions to film and television, how could he not be considered among the all-time greats?
 |
| Arguably, Rob Reiner's best known film |
Reiner's directorial/writing debut on the big screen was This is Spinal Tap in 1984 (in which he also co-starred). The film was a documentary parody (soon dubbed "mockumentary") about a fictional rock band. The film became an instant underground classic. It was also selected for preservation by the United States National Film Registry in 2002.
 |
| Many real rock stars, like Alice Cooper, have said This is Spinal Tap is so close to the truth that it is "more painful than funny." |
Over the next seven years following this debut, Reiner directed instant classics, including:
Stand By Me
The Princess Bride (by wife's favorite movie)
When Harry Met Sally
Misery
A Few Good Men
More recently, Reiner directed and produced another instant classic,
The Bucket List.
Reiner is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in modern film classics as The Jerk, Throw Momma from the Train and Sleepless in Seattle, among many others.
On the small screen, Reiner will always be known for his starring role as Michael "Meathead" Stivic, in the 1970's revolutionary television sitcom All in the Family.
As if this wasn't enough, Reiner also co-wrote the debut episode of Happy Days; the series went on to become not only a television classic, it became an iconic slice of American culture.
Reiner has been nominated for nine Golden Globes (five for acting, four for directing) and, amazingly, just one Academy Award (for Best Picture, A Few Good Men).
He's never won.
So to celebrate while he's alive, why not whip up a batch of popcorn and watch one of Rob Reiner's great films this evening? You've got plenty to choose from!
