The Directors - Lawrence Kasdan (1997)

This volume in Robert J. Emery's series of filmmaker profiles bears all the strengths and weaknesses of the series as a whole: It provides an adequate and interesting overview of the career and films of Lawrence Kasdan (whose parents encouraged his writing aspirations), but it doesn't have enough depth or insight to offer lasting value to aspiring filmmakers--the series is clearly geared toward mainstream appreciation. Of particular value is Kasdan's candor in discussing the disappointments of his career, and his strict preference to direct his own screenplays rather than entrust them to another filmmaker. Kasdan earned that right after writing such high-profile screenplays as Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back, and his character-based dramas and comedies (most notably Body Heat, The Big Chill, Silverado, and The Accidental Tourist) have earned him the trust and appreciation of all the actors who've been privileged to work with him.

This one-hour documentary includes engaging interview clips with Kevin Kline (a Kasdan regular), Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, and Dennis Quaid, but other clips (Meg Ryan, Kevin Costner) were clearly lifted from secondary sources (promotional interviews and such), and they're too brief to be of interest. Taken as a whole, however, this look at Kasdan's career is comprehensive (up to 1995's French Kiss) and valuable for its extended interview with Kasdan himself--a gifted writer who has found his dream job in directing (and protecting) the films of his choice. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com