“Love, Gilda” is a must-see film for all SNL lovers and comedy aficionados!
Love, Gilda is a documentary that gives a remarkable montage of the legendary Gilda Radner, the first person casted for the original sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. The Los Angeles premiere of the film took place at the Linwood Dunn Theatre, the Academy’s newest theatre. The Director of the film, Lisa D’ Apolito, Producer, James Tumminia, stand-up comedian Richard Lewis and comedian David Wain, along with many others walked the red carpet. We were able to chat with them and get a closer look at Gilda’s impact and the legacy she left behind.
We asked Lisa, who directed the film, what she hoped the audience would take away from this movie and what her goal with this project was; “After watching the movie, I hope they [audience members] enjoy it, I hope they learn more about Gilda, and also Gilda’s message is really about love, it’s about self-love, it’s about giving love, so I hope they take a little of that”. Lisa’s work in relation with Gilda’s close friends and family truly give this film a bona fide look at the bold and ambitious life Radner lived.
Something truly impactful about Love, Gilda, that was highlighted within the film, was the instant appeal and connection shown that Gilda had with everyone in her life and the people she worked with. Gilda’s journey was spontaneous but when it came down to it, she was passionate and hardworking about her art. Producer James Tumminia wanted to share this in the film. “What I wanted to see with this film was to get a lot of the big-name stars and A-list talent who were influenced by Gilda. When you see the film you’ll see Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Cecily Strong talk about their love for her, they’ll also read some of Gilda’s writings and to see them connect is exactly what we wanted,” he shared. With people in her present life to now, Gilda’s influence is still seen with comedians who perform for today’s platforms and carry the legacy Gilda had and admire how dedicated she was with every performance she gave.
Richard Lewis and his wife Joyce Lapinsky both attended the premiere as special guests but Gilda fans as well. Richard shared with us he very much looked forward to the film, “So I’m just hoping what comes across this film, is how spectacularly authentic she was and how fragile and soulful she was no matter what the character was. We fell in love with her immediately no matter how wacky the sketch was, she’s just special. She was there and wow, I fell in love with her work.” Comedian, David Wain also told us about his shared awe he has for Gilda, “I was 6 around the time SNL started, and when I was allowed to stay up late and watch, Gilda was by far my favorite, I used to imitate her all the time. Everything about her has seeped into my subconscious.”
From both the film and interviews that took place there is no doubt that Gilda Radner was a comedic inspiration to all. Radner was truly a stepping stone that paved the way for women in the industry, especially women comedians. Love, Gilda is a pure reflection of her life and career with all events along the way; personal achievements, struggles, highs and lows but above all the fun and love she had in her life.
Love, Gilda is out in theatres September 21st.
