Starting Over (1979)

Synopsis: This lighthearted look at divorce and the trials of making a new start deftly translates Dan Wakefield's novel to screen. Phil Potter (Burt Reynolds) leads a settled life with wife Jessica (Candice... This lighthearted look at divorce and the trials of making a new start deftly translates Dan Wakefield's novel to screen. Phil Potter (Burt Reynolds) leads a settled life with wife Jessica (Candice Bergen) that is ends abruptly when she leaves him to focus on her songwriting career. Retreating to Boston and the support of his brother (Charles Durning) and wife, Phil is introduced to Marilyn (Jill Clayburgh), a wary pre-school teacher who has seen her share of men on the rebound. Phil and Marilyn match wits and experiences in a clever rapport that shows they may very well be made for each other, but the reappearance of Jessica thows havoc into the mix. What might become melodrama is handled with expert comic flair by director Alan J. Pakula, who displays his gifts an "actor's director" as evidenced by Reynolds's subtle comic performance. STARTING OVER is more akin to the sharp-witted romantic comedies of the 1930s than with more sober dramas such as KRAMER VS. KRAMER (directed by Robert Benton)--another 1970s film on the theme of divorce. [More]

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh, Candice Bergen, Charles Durning

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh, Candice Bergen, Charles Durning, Frances Sternhagen, Austin Pendleton, Mary Kay Place, Macintyre Dixon, Jay O. Sanders, Charles Kimbrough

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Director: Alan J. Pakula
Producer: Alan J. Pakula, James L. Brooks
Composer: Marvin Hamlisch

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