Alex in Wonderland (1970)

Synopsis: Paul Mazursky wrote and directed this semiautobiographical film about Alex, a director (Donald Sutherland) who achieves overnight success with his debut effort and is confused and angst-ridden at... Paul Mazursky wrote and directed this semiautobiographical film about Alex, a director (Donald Sutherland) who achieves overnight success with his debut effort and is confused and angst-ridden at the thought of his second project. An homage to Federico Fellini's classic tale of filmmaker's angst, 8 1/2, the film also serves as a tribute to creating cinema while parodying Hollywood's many excesses. Alex is deeply troubled by the future of his art, mired in confusion and mystery, and lost in a world he no longer recognizes. Mazursky skillfully combines surreal fantasy with biting satire as Alex attempts to navigate the world that has become a bizarre looking glass like Alice dropped into the mysterious Wonderland. Ellen Burstyn costars as Alex's wife, who quietly accepts her husband's eccentricities while shopping for a new home and attempting to live a normal life in Hollywood with their two young daughters, Amy (Meg Mazursky, the director's real-life daughter) and Nancy (Glenna Sargent). Alex's search for inspiration leads him on many bizarre journeys, including a trip to Italy, where he meets his cinematic idol, Federico Fellini (who appears as himself), goes on an acid trip with friends, and has a chance encounter with French star Jeanne Moreau, who appears in a marvelous fantasy sequence. Mazursky himself is hysterical in a small role as an overzealous producer. [More]

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn, Meg Mazursky, Glenna Sargent

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn, Meg Mazursky, Glenna Sargent, Viola Spolin, Michael Lerner, Paul Mazursky, Joan Delaney

Director: Paul Mazursky

Director: Paul Mazursky
Producer: Larry Tucker
Screenwriter: Paul Mazursky, Larry Tucker
Composer: Tom O'Horgan

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