The End (1978 film)
The End | |
---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Burt Reynolds |
Produced by | Lawrence Gordon |
Written by | Jerry Belson |
Starring |
Burt Reynolds Dom DeLuise |
Music by | Paul Williams |
Cinematography | Bobby Byrne |
Edited by | Donn Cambern |
Distributed by | United Artists |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
Country | United States |
Box office | $44,917,151[1] |
The End is a 1978 American black comedy directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, written by Jerry Belson, and with music composed by Paul Williams. The film also stars Dom DeLuise, Sally Field, Strother Martin, David Steinberg, Joanne Woodward, Norman Fell, Myrna Loy, Kristy McNichol, Pat O'Brien, Robby Benson and Carl Reiner.
Plot
Wendell "Sonny" Lawson (Reynolds), an unscrupulous real-estate promoter, learns that he has a fatal blood disease and decides to commit suicide rather than endure a slow, painful death. He then takes the time to meet with several friends and family members for one last time, while hiding the fact that he plans to end his own life.
After a failed suicide attempt, Sonny ends up in a mental institution, where he enlists fellow patient, Marlon Borunki (DeLuise), a deranged schizophrenic murderer, to help him die.[2][3]
Cast
- Burt Reynolds as Wendell Sonny Lawson
- Dom DeLuise as Marlon Borunki
- Sally Field as Mary Ellen
- Strother Martin as Dr. Waldo Kling
- David Steinberg as Marty Lieberman
- Joanne Woodward as Jessica Lawson
- Norman Fell as Dr. Samuel Krugman
- Myrna Loy as Maureen Lawson
- Kristy McNichol as Julie Lawson
- Pat O'Brien as Ben Lawson
- Robby Benson as Father Dave Benson
- Carl Reiner as Dr. James Maneet
- Louise LeTourneau as Receptionist
- Bill Ewing as Hearse Driver
- Robert Rothwell as Limousine Driver
- James Best as Pacemaker Patient
Songs
- "Another Fine Mess"
- Music and Lyrics by Paul Williams
- Sung by Glen Campbell and Paul Williams
Reception
When The End was released in the spring of 1978, the mixture of comedy with the dark subject of suicide wasn't what audiences and critics were expecting from a Burt Reynolds film, and ended up not being well-received.[4] New York Times critic Vincent Canby gave the film a negative review, placing most of the blame on the shoulders of Burt Reynolds, the director. He felt the film was uneven, writing, "this is half-heartedly satiric material that's been directed by Mr. Reynolds as if it were broad, knock-about comedy sometimes and, at other times, as if it were meant to evoke pathos, which it never does."[2]
The staff at Variety magazine was even more critical of the film, calling it "a tasteless and overripe comedy that disintegrates very early into hysterical, undisciplined hamming." The magazine's terse review was particularly harsh when it came to the supporting cast, calling Dom DeLuise "absolutely dreadful," Sally Field "phoning in a kooky-pretty role," and Joanne Woodward, "poorly utilized."[5]
References
- ↑ "The End, Box Office Information". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
- 1 2 Canby, Vincent. "Movie Review - - Movie: 'The End' With Burt Reynolds:Director and Star - NYTimes.com". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
- ↑ Bleiler, David (2004). TLA video & DVD guide : the discerning film lover's guide, 2005. New York, N.Y.: St. Martin's Griffin. p. 192. ISBN 0312316909. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
- ↑ Stafford, Jeff. "The End". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
- ↑ Staff (1 January 1978). "Review: ‘The End’". Variety. Retrieved 25 January 2017.