Starting Over: A Classic Comedy and Its Impact on 1979 Cinema

Ah, 1979. Bell bottoms were fading. Disco was thriving. Hollywood produced many cinematic gems. One such film is Starting Over. This is not about a New Year's resolution to learn to knit. It examines what it means to pick up the pieces and begin anew. Let’s unpack this time capsule of late '70s vibes.

Starting Over: A Comedic Look at Picking Up the Pieces

So, what's Starting Over about? It centers on Phil Potter, played by Burt Reynolds. His life gets tossed in chaos when his wife, Jessica (Candice Bergen), leaves him for a singing career. Yes, a singer. Imagine that! Phil becomes a mess. He faces divorce, dating, and rediscovery.

How does this journey end? Spoiler alert – but it's been over 40 years! Starting Over concludes on a hopeful note. Phil, after awkward attempts to move on, falls for Marilyn Holmberg (Jill Clayburgh). The ending isn’t tied neatly with a bow; life isn’t like that. Major upheaval can lead to happiness and new beginnings.

Ever wondered where they filmed this tale? Starting Over was shot in New York City and Boston. Imagine walking through Central Park and bumping into Burt Reynolds in 1979! These cities add authenticity to Phil's journey of rediscovery.

1979: A Vintage Year for Movies

Speaking of 1979, it was a big year for movies. Superheroes soared, horror lurked in homes, and boxing legends fought in rings. The box office featured titans. Topping the list was Superman, showing that audiences believed a man could fly. The Amityville Horror, with creepy houses, followed closely. Don’t forget Rocky II, an underdog story with a training montage.

Here are some top films from the 1979 box office:

This only scratches the surface. 1979 offered a variety of films from adventure and horror to action and divorce dramas.

A noteworthy entry was Kramer vs. Kramer, which tackled the emotional fallout of divorce. It focused on the custody battle involving Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. It's a powerful film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. If you wanted a divorce movie in 1979, you had choices to laugh or cry.

Starting Over: More Than Just a Movie Title

Let’s discuss "starting over." This concept resonates because life throws curveballs. Sometimes wiping the slate clean is necessary. There's beauty in starting anew. It shows human resilience. We get attached to things and routines, but sometimes they don't pay off. Knowing when to cut losses and start fresh is wisdom.

Now, let’s pivot to movie endings. Why do we care how a movie ends? The ending is the narrative's mic drop moment. It's the final note in the symphony that tells us whether we feel closure or ambiguity. A satisfying ending elevates a film from good to great, lingering with you long after credits roll. A bad ending can leave you feeling cheated.

About those endless names in movie credits— they are important! End credits list everyone involved in making the movie. Stars, set decorators, technical advisors; everyone deserves recognition. It's a collective effort that filmmaking embodies. So next time, stick around and appreciate this vast talent.

Speaking of Starting Over, let’s not forget John Lennon’s song, "Starting Over." Released in 1980, shortly before his tragic death, this song marked a personal statement for Lennon. After a five-year hiatus from music, he was indeed starting over. He aimed to return to his roots with simplicity and classic style.

Candice Bergen: Beyond Murphy Brown

Let’s return to Candice Bergen, who played Jessica in Starting Over. While memorable in this film, many associate her with Murphy Brown. For ten seasons and a revival series, Bergen embodied the smart news anchor Murphy Brown, earning multiple Emmy Awards. She is a cultural touchstone.

Bergen was also a beauty queen in 1963, crowned Miss University of Pennsylvania. Talent and beauty coexist. It's a fun fact for those who primarily know her for character-driven roles.

Candice Bergen's relationship with her father, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, was complicated. He left her out of his will, likely due to her rebellious youth and outspoken nature. This reminds us that behind Hollywood's glamour exist complex family dynamics. Sometimes, starting over involves reconciling past relations and understanding family history.

Here you have it. Starting Over is more than a quirky comedy from 1979.

This film reflects life's resets, the humor in heartbreak, and the hope of new beginnings when least expected. Plus, it features Candice Bergen before she became synonymous with a certain TV journalist. Worth a watch!