Steven Spielberg's 'Always' with Richard Lawson | Blank Check

The Legacy of 'Always'

• 🎬 Always, Steven Spielberg's 1989 film, is discussed as his most forgotten movie, despite starring Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, and John Goodman.
• 📉 It's noted as one of Spielberg's least-watched features on Letterboxd, with a box office performance that, while not a disaster, was considered a disappointment by his standards.
• 🌟 The film was intended as a vehicle to launch Brad Johnson as a new movie star, a marketing push that ultimately didn't materialize into a lasting career.

Spielberg's Career and 'Always'

• 🎯 Spielberg's career is framed by his ability to make both "serious" and "popcorn" films, with 'Always' falling into a less distinct category.
• 🤔 The film is seen as Spielberg attempting to blend his signature emotional storytelling with more adult themes, a balance that didn't quite land.
• 💡 The remake of 'A Guy Named Joe' is explored, with discussions on casting choices like Robert Redford, Harrison Ford, and ultimately Richard Dreyfuss.

Performances and Character Dynamics

• 🌟 Holly Hunter is lauded for her radiant and captivating performance, with some arguing she's as good in 'Always' as in 'Broadcast News', despite the film's shortcomings.
• 🎭 Richard Dreyfuss's performance as an annoying ghost is debated, with some finding his characterization frustrating and unlikeable, while others see it as fitting for the film's themes.
• 👍 John Goodman's role as a supportive friend is highlighted, with the discussion noting his warmth and appeal, even if his character felt underutilized.

Thematic and Technical Aspects

• ✈️ The film's aerial sequences, particularly those involving forest fires, are acknowledged as technically impressive and visceral, showcasing Spielberg's skill in action filmmaking.
• 💔 The theme of loss and moving on is central, with the ghost narrative exploring how the living cope with death and find new love.
• ☁️ The film's contemporary setting and supernatural elements are discussed, contrasting with the original 'A Guy Named Joe' and its wartime context.

Reception and Legacy

• 👎 Critics at the time were not particularly kind, with some calling it 'Forever' due to its perceived length and lack of impact.
• 🏆 The 1989 Oscar race is revisited, with 'Always' being released in a competitive year that included 'Driving Miss Daisy', 'Born on the Fourth of July', 'Dead Poets Society', and 'Field of Dreams'.
• ❓ The film's enduring mystery lies in its inability to fully connect with audiences, despite its talented cast and director, leaving it as a curious, often overlooked, entry in Spielberg's filmography.