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- I was Rob Reiner’s first assistant director on ‘Misery.’ He cared about people and taught me an important lesson. (businessinsider.com)
Hollywood Mourns Rob Reiner: A Director Remembered for Kindness and Genius
Hollywood is reeling from the sudden loss of acclaimed director Rob Reiner, who was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Sunday alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Reiner, celebrated for helming classics like “Misery” and “Stand by Me,” is being remembered by colleagues as a larger-than-life personality, a brilliant filmmaker, and a remarkably caring individual.
Dennis Maguire, who served as Reiner’s first assistant director on “Misery” and during “Stand by Me” reshoots, shared his heartfelt recollections of the director. “People liked Rob, and Rob liked people,” Maguire stated, emphasizing Reiner’s genuine nature.
“He wasn’t pretentious at all, at least not in my experience with him. He was the real deal.”
Maguire described Reiner as a “big, gregarious guy with a big personality” and, of course, a keen sense of humor. A passionate baseball fan and an incredibly intelligent conversationalist, Reiner’s presence on set was always vibrant.
Their professional relationship began with a week of “Stand by Me” reshoots, followed by a more extensive seven-to-eight-month collaboration on “Misery” in 1990. While years had passed since their last close interaction, Maguire occasionally encountered Reiner and his wife in Malibu, where they would catch up.
The news of Reiner’s passing has deeply impacted those who worked with him. “Some friends from ‘Misery’ and I have been texting, calling, and emailing back and forth since we found out,” Maguire shared, expressing the collective grief.
“I couldn’t sleep the first night because my mind was racing – I’m heartbroken. It’s just a terrible, tragic thing.”
A Director Who Knew His Craft – And Listened
Reiner was lauded as a “real director” who possessed the rare ability to clearly articulate his vision to both cast and crew. However, he also welcomed suggestions, a trait highly valued by his team. Maguire recalled instances where his own ideas were not only considered but integrated into the final film, with Reiner always offering grateful acknowledgment.
Unlike some directors known for endless takes, Reiner worked efficiently. “As a director, he was very secure about whether he had a scene or not,” Maguire explained. “And if he got it, he moved on.”
Respected by All, Champion of Talent
Reiner commanded respect from behind the camera and in front of it. His own background as a talented actor allowed him to “speak their language,” fostering strong relationships with performers.
He famously championed Kathy Bates for her role in “Misery,” a decision the studio initially resisted due to her relative anonymity. Reiner’s conviction proved prescient, as Bates went on to win an Academy Award for her performance.
Prioritizing Well-being in a Demanding Industry
One of Reiner’s most remarkable qualities was his commitment to maintaining reasonable working hours. In an industry notorious for grueling 16-to-22-hour days, Reiner intentionally scheduled “short days”-typically 10 or 11 hours.
This allowed actors to avoid burnout and crew members to return to their families, fostering a more “civilized” work environment. This respect for work-life balance was mirrored in his own life, as Reiner’s marriage to Michele spanned over 35 years, a rare feat in Hollywood.
Shared Histories and Enduring Lessons
Reiner and Maguire found common ground in their shared experience of having “rockstar fathers” in the film industry. Their discussions about father-son relationships were frequent and meaningful.
Reiner, a deep admirer of Hollywood history, relished hearing old stories, a sentiment shared by Maguire, a third-generation industry professional. Maguire recounted a humorous anecdote where Reiner, despite having the set ready, delayed filming to allow legendary actress Lauren Bacall to finish a captivating story.
Maguire also shared a profound lesson learned from Reiner during a challenging shoot in Tahoe. Facing weather-related issues, Maguire expressed frustration over not “making the day.”
Reiner’s response resonated for decades: “Dennis, I know you care. Don’t worry about that.
It’s out of your control and out of my control. We do the best we can, and when weather and other factors beat us, it’s not on us.”
“Thirty-five years later, I still remember that day,” Maguire reflected. “Rob, as a human being, did everything he could. I’m happy I had the opportunity to work for somebody like him.”
The loss of Rob Reiner leaves a significant void in Hollywood, but his legacy as a brilliant filmmaker, a kind mentor, and a truly genuine individual will undoubtedly endure.