The Way They Were
How Epic Battles and Bruised Egos Brought a Classic Hollywood Love Story to the Screen
By: Robert Hofler
About This Book
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of “The Way We Were,” this intriguing and impeccably researched book is the first ever account of the making of the classic film starring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford, revealing the full story behind its genesis and continued controversies, its many deleted scenes, its much-anticipated but never-filmed sequel, and the real-life romance that inspired this groundbreaking love story… It’s one of the greatest movie romances of all time. Fifty years on, the chemistry between Barbra Streisand as Jewish working-class firebrand Katie Worosky and Robert Redford as all-American golden boy Hubbell Gardiner remains potent. Yet the friction and controversy surrounding The Way We Were was so enormous, the movie was nearly never made at all. Screenwriter Arthur Laurents wrote the role of Katie with Streisand in mind. Casting Hubble was another matter. Redford, already a superstar, was reluctant to play what he perceived as the “Ken doll” to Streisand’s lead, and demanded his role be changed and expanded. Laurents resisted, telling director Sydney Pollack, “You’ll ruin the movie if it ends up being about two people. It’s Katie’s story, not Hubbell’s.” Despite his protests, ten writers—among them Francis Ford Coppola—were brought on to rework the script. Laurents’s fears were well founded, and the first preview was disastrous. Producer Ray Stark and Pollack, with Redford's approval, cut several scenes, upsetting Streisand and Laurents. Yet the edits worked. Such was the movie’s success that Redford was open to making a sequel, though Laurents’s script was never greenlit. Some of those "lost" scenes are now being restored to the film for its 50th anniversary. It’s also the deep, surprising love story at the heart of The Way They Were that makes it so memorable, and Robert Hofler explores its inspiration—the relationship between Laurents, a Jewish Brooklyn-born college leftist, and his longtime partner, Tom Hatcher. Drawing on a vast trove of Laurents’s and Pollack’s unpublished writings, as well as interviews with Streisand, Redford, and other key players, this is the definitive account of a film that changed the rules of moviemaking and defined romance ever since.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "The Way They Were" by Robert Hofler
Plot Summary: "The Way They Were: How Epic Battles and Bruised Egos Brought a Classic Hollywood Love Story to the Screen" by Robert Hofler is a behind-the-scenes account of the making of the 1973 romantic drama "The Way We Were," starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. The book delves into the tumultuous production process, focusing on the conflicts and creative differences between the film's key figures, including screenwriter Arthur Laurents, producer Ray Stark, and director Sydney Pollack.
The story begins with Laurents' inspiration for the film, which was influenced by his own experiences with political activism in college. The main characters, Katie Morosky (Streisand) and Hubbell Gardiner (Redford), are based on Laurents' real-life experiences and relationships. The plot follows the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Katie, a passionate and outspoken activist, and Hubbell, a charming but apolitical man from a wealthy family. The narrative spans from their college days to their reunion after World War II and their subsequent struggles with the Red Scare and the Hollywood blacklist.
Key Themes:
- Creative Conflict: The book highlights the epic battles and bruised egos among the film's key creatives, including the clashes between Laurents, Stark, and Pollack over the film's direction and content.
- Personal Inspirations: Hofler explores how Laurents' personal experiences and relationships influenced the storyline and characters, particularly the inspirations behind Katie and Hubbell.
- Hollywood Politics: The book touches on the political climate of the 1970s, including the Red Scare and the Hollywood blacklist, which significantly impacted the lives of many in the entertainment industry.
- Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Hofler provides intimate and often unflattering portraits of the stars, including Streisand's reputation as a perfectionist and Redford's initial reluctance to take on the role.
Critical Reception:
- Positive Reviews: The book has been praised for its comprehensive and well-researched account of the film's production. Becky Aikman, author of "Off the Cliff: How the Making of Thelma & Louise Drove Hollywood to the Edge," notes that Hofler brings his vast knowledge of popular culture and Hollywood to tell the tale of "The Way We Were" in a compelling manner.
- Mixed Reception: Some critics have noted that Hofler's approach can come across as judgmental and focused on gossip, particularly in his portrayal of the stars' behavior on set. However, these criticisms are balanced by the book's thoroughness and the insights it provides into the making of a Hollywood classic.
Overall, "The Way They Were" offers a detailed and engaging look at the making of "The Way We Were," highlighting both the creative struggles and personal inspirations behind one of Hollywood's most iconic love stories.