Joshua Then and Now

Joshua Then and Now, a 1985 film produced by Robert Lantos, directed by Ted Kotcheff, and starring James Woods, Gabrielle Lazure and Alan Arkin, is an evocative dramatisation of the wonderful complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of personal ideals. The film is based on a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Canadian author Mordecai Richler, famous for his mordant wit and unflinching appraisal of human frailties.

The film centers on Joshua Shapiro (James Woods), a Jewish writer whose life oscillates between his humdrum lower-middle-class upbringing in Montreal and his current life of glamour and fame in London. Shapiro’s early life is filled with interesting and colorful characters, and his eccentric experiences set the foundation for his later life and writings. The gritty streets of Montreal and its vibrant inhabitants nourish his passion for storytelling and writing, shaping him into the celebrated author he becomes.

James Woods, with his masterful acting talents, provides a mesmerizing portrayal of Joshua, capturing his innate restlessness, his intelligence, his moral ambiguities, and his relentless sense of humour. As Joshua negotiates the intricate terrains of his past and present, Woods skilfully brings to life the depth and complexity of his character, with moments of comedy, melancholy, passion, and introspection peppered throughout his performance.

Gabrielle Lazure plays the part of Pauline, Joshua's beautiful yet complex wife. Her performance subtly underlines the complexities of their relationship, her struggles with her own identity, and how she influences Joshua's life and work. Their relationship offers viewers a unique look into Joshua's evolution as a person and a writer—providing the film a romantic depth that adds to its overall allure.

Adding another layer of diversity to the film's eclectic cast of characters is Joshua's father, played by the esteemed Alan Arkin. As a former boxer described by Joshua as a man who loves "everyone but himself a little too much", Arkin captures the essence of a man dealing with his own disappointments and regrets, and the impact they have on his family and, particularly, his relationship with his son. Their interactions present a moving tableau of generational differences, familial struggles, and the nuanced intricacies that define their bond.

The script adaptation of Mordecai Richler's book, interpreted by the skilled director Ted Kotcheff, is filled with biting humour, sharp insights, and unrestrained honesty that enhances both the evocative storytelling style and the rich characterisation. The film beautifully juxtaposes Joshua's past and present, alternating between the rough and tumble streets of Montreal and the glitzy world of London literary elite, narrating his life's journey and emotional transformation.

Kotcheff constructs a vivid and highly atmospheric representation of the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, lending an authentic historical feel to the film. The cinematography, the period-specific set designs, and artful costuming collectively immerse the viewer into the multi-layered narratives, offering an engaging, cinematic experience.

The narrative's progression, embedded with situational humour and life-altering realizations, produces a string of emotional reactions in the viewers. There are emotional highs and lows, moments of introspection, laughter, sorrow, and even shock. Each emotion unfolds naturally, with the storyline delicately threading them together to create an engaging and poignant view of Joshua's life.

The film, with its combination of high emotional drama, comedy, romance, and dynamic human relationships, offers viewers a brilliant study of one man's journey through life. It also presents a broader contemplation on universal themes such as love, family, identity, aspiration, success, and personal growth. Joshua Then and Now depicts the paradoxes, contradictions, and complexities of life in a brutally honest and humorous manner—making it an immersive and memorable cinematic experience.

Above all, Joshua Then and Now is a film that explores human frailty and resilience, reminding us of the age-old quest for understanding ourselves, of reconciling our past with our present, and coming to terms with our eternal struggles of love, ambition, and self-discovery. With its well-crafted interplay of historical specificity, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.