Paul on Mazursky

June 15, 2011

Along with Robert Altman, Paul Mazursky perhaps best represents the new counterculture spirit of 1970s filmmaking. Older than most other major directors of that period, Mazursky tried film acting, switched to screenwriting, then became a director when he felt dissatisfaction with another director's work on his script for I Love You, Alice B. Toklas. Wasson (Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman) presents his series of conversations with Mazursky, whom he hails as a "great American humanist." The author highlights Mazursky's keen eye for social satire and his gift for capturing the moment, notably in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Wasson provides additional perspective via interviews with Mazursky's colleagues and associates, particularly An Unmarried Woman star Jill Clayburgh. VERDICT With patience, humor, and insight, Mazursky describes his ups and downs in the movie business and gives his opinions on movie personalities like Shelley Winters, Woody Allen, and Marlon Brando. Recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about this unjustly neglected film figure.--Stephen F. Rees, formerly with Levittown Lib., Bucks Cty., PA

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