Author! Author! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Al Pacino tries to write a play while simultaneously running a daycare center for children with complicated family trees, proving that playwrights are just highly-paid babysitters with writer’s block.

🍿 Author! Author!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Ivan’s Chaotic Life

Ivan Travalian, a Broadway playwright, finds himself juggling a demanding career and a complicated personal life. His play is in rehearsal, requiring constant rewrites and adjustments. Simultaneously, his wife, Gloria, decides to leave him, leaving him with the responsibility of caring for their son and her four children from previous marriages.

Family Struggles and Broadway Pressure

As Ivan navigates the challenges of single parenthood, he also faces immense pressure to deliver a successful play. The demands of his career clash with the needs of his unconventional family, creating a constant state of chaos. His lead actress, Alice Detroit, adds another layer of complexity when she expresses interest in a relationship, but struggles to adapt to his chaotic family life.

Finding Balance and Success

Despite the numerous obstacles, Ivan strives to find a balance between his professional aspirations and his responsibilities to his children. He grapples with rewrites, demanding producers, and the emotional turmoil of his family situation. Ultimately, he manages to find a way to make his play a success while also providing a loving home for his unique family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ivan Travalian (Al Pacino): A playwright struggling to balance the demands of his Broadway play with the responsibilities of raising his children after his wife leaves.
• Alice Detroit (Dyan Cannon): A movie actress cast in Ivan’s play who becomes romantically involved with him but struggles to adapt to his chaotic family life.
• Gloria Travalian (Tuesday Weld): Ivan’s ex-wife who leaves him and their children, creating upheaval in his life.
• Igor (Eric Gurry): Ivan’s son, who navigates the complexities of his parents’ separation and the challenges of a blended family.
• Morris Finestein (Bob Dishy): The producer of Ivan’s play who is trying to keep everything on track.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Travalian: “No ex-husband of Gloria’s ever has to apologize to me about anything. We’re like a little club.” – Illustrates the complicated relationship dynamics arising from Gloria’s past marriages.
• Travalian: “We are not fish, we are people” – Said to Gloria when she demonstrates her self-centered behavior.
• Travalian: “Nobody wants them, Gloria doesn’t want them.” – Travalian expresses the painful reality of the children’s situation to his son Igor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $13,111,101
• Worldwide Gross: $13,111,101

💥 Author! Author! Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this because I love Al Pacino, and it was interesting seeing him in a lighter role. While it’s not a Scarface-level performance, he really sells the harried playwright/dad role. The kids were all pretty good, and there were a few genuinely funny moments, especially when Pacino’s character is just trying to keep it all together. The ending felt a little rushed, but overall, it’s a heartwarming, if somewhat predictable, movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Al Pacino”
  • “Viewers interested in family dramedies”
  • “People who enjoy stories about unconventional families”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to divorce and family separation”
  • “Some mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Author! Author!’ boasts a strong performance from Al Pacino, the film’s uneven tone and reliance on sitcom-style humor ultimately undermine its potential. The family dynamics feel forced, and the plot meanders, leaving the audience emotionally detached.
• Variety: “Pacino delivers a charming and nuanced performance. However, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped, and the script lacks the depth needed to fully explore the complexities of modern family life. The film tries to balance humor and drama, but it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly compelling narrative.

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciate Al Pacino’s departure from his typical roles, enjoying his comedic timing and warmth.: Fans praise the film’s heartwarming portrayal of a non-traditional family, highlighting the importance of love and acceptance.

The child actors’ performances resonate with audiences, who find them both funny and endearing.: While some find the plot predictable, the film’s positive message and feel-good atmosphere make it a worthwhile watch.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted and enjoyable film with a strong performance from Al Pacino, but somewhat predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dyan Cannon was initially offered the role of Gloria Travalian, but she turned it down, feeling the character was too ‘bitchy’. She later accepted the role of Alice Detroit.”
• “The film features alternate opening title credits on some DVD releases, along with different music credits and a slightly altered ending.”

🖥️ How to Watch Author! Author!?

Author! Author! is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Author! Author!, you might like these similar films:

• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Deals with similar themes of divorce and parental responsibility, but in a more serious and dramatic way.
• The Goodbye Girl (1977): Features a struggling single parent and an unlikely romance set against the backdrop of the New York theater scene.
• Down to You (2000): Explores a relationship where one partner resists commitment, echoing Gloria’s character and her pursuit of personal freedom.

🛒 Author! Author! Related Products

• Al Pacino: An Actor’s Story: A comprehensive documentary exploring Al Pacino’s life and career. This digital download provides rare insights into his acting process and personal journey.
• 80s Movie Poster Pack: A pack of mini-posters featuring iconic 1980s movies, perfect for decorating a home theater or office. Includes a mini-poster of ‘Author! Author!’.
• Broadway Musicals Trivia Game: Test your knowledge of Broadway history with this trivia game. Includes questions about the plays, playwrights, and actors of the era portrayed in the film.
• Milk and Cookies Socks: These soft and cozy socks feature a fun milk and cookies pattern, inspired by the movie’s memorable theme song. They make a great gift for film fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Author! Author! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Comin’ Home To You” – performed by Michael Franks
• “Author! Author! Theme” – performed by David Grusin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Star Trek Retro Review: “Author, Author” | Labor Episodes

Ever wondered if the title ‘Author! Author!’ has popped up in other contexts? Check out this Star Trek episode review with the same name – it’s cool to see how a title can have totally different vibes depending on the story!

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