Review of I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale (2009) by Martin K — 11 Jun 2010

Somewhat shallow (Cazale's early life and theatre career are barely touched) but never less than enjoyable tribute to the little-known giant of 70s cinema. Almost all the interviews from his costars have value; from Richard Dreyfuss making you really look at Fredo's eyes to Gene Hackman (always welcome) coming out of retirement to explain where his moments of anger really came from in 'The Conversation'. The contemporary actors explaining how Cazale inspired them are also well chosen, with Buscemi perhaps the most obvious heir to the throne ("funny looking" is even used to describe Cazale at one point!). Most affecting though is Streep, who was involved with Cazale at the time of his death and describes these months in sometimes heart-breaking detail.

An enjoyable 40 minutes in all and while I'm glad that it doesn't drag on too much, I'm sure it could've stood to make it to the full hour...