W.C. Fields and Me

The gripping story of W.C. Fields and Me is a film that celebrates the life, career, and, above all, the humanistic side of one of the most illustrious figures in the world of cinema - W.C. Fields. Filmed in 1976, this biographical drama, directed by Arthur Hiller and penned by Bob Merrill, stars the eminent actor Rod Steiger in the eponymous role of W.C. Fields. Steiger impressively embodies the charm, wit, and headstrong persona Fields was famous for, delivering an admirable and compelling performance that commands the eyes and hearts of the audience.

The film navigates through Fields' journey as he writes, stars in, and directs Hollywood comedies with his signature style and wit. It sheds light on his trajectory, from his humble beginnings as a child performer in vaudeville to his rise to prominence as a stand-up comic, and his eventual ascendancy and status as a prominent figure in Hollywood. His rampant alcoholism, addictive gambling, and his notorious standing in the Hollywood elite are all beautifully depicted, exploring the less explored areas of his life.

W.C. Fields and Me significantly focuses on the turbulent love affair between Fields and a Broadway chorine, Carlotta Monti, wonderfully portrayed by Valerie Perrine. Serving as both his mistress and confidante for 14 long years, Monti shares a romantic and complex relationship with Fields that forms the emotional backbone of the film. Perrine delivers a sensitive performance, capturing both the charm and pained resistance of a woman in love with a flawed genius.

John Marley, appearing as Bannerman, Fields' long-suffering business manager, adds another dimension to the story. He persistently attempts to negotiate the stormy waters of Fields' volatile career, his vices, and the complex relationship between him and Carlotta.

The film vividly captures the Hollywood of the 1920s and 1930s, from its grandeur to its grit. The stunning production design, costume, and make-up, add richness to the narrative and bring the essence of the bygone era alive on screen. Each frame seems like a nostalgic trip back in time, mirroring the Golden Age of Hollywood, and laying bare its beauty, glamour, and inherent decadence.

The narrative skillfully intertwines humor, pathos, love, and passion. The dynamics of Fields' relationship with Monti are explored profoundly. The moments of love, quarrels, confessions, and reconciliation are depicted with immense sensitivity. Their relationship underscores Field's life away from his pubic persona, offering a moving and nuanced tale of companionship.

Steiger's portrayal of Fields is a tribute to an icon. He delineates the various shades of Fields' character - his quick wit, his temperamental nature, his narcissism, along with his generous spirit, his creativity, and his susceptibility to his vices. The nuances of his on-stage and off-stage personas are crafted with precision and finesse, making Fields a compelling, human, and relatable character.

Fields' celebrated humor is an integral part of this film. Whether he's shooting a scene for one of his films, crafting a witty comeback, or teasing Monti, his humor is the heart of the film. It capably adds laughter, while also serving as an escape from Fields' self-destructive behaviors - a coping mechanism that brings out the heartbroken, vulnerable human beneath the celebrity guise.

Perrine's Carlotta Monti is more than just an ancillary character. Over the years, she becomes Fields' emotional pillar, his sounding board, and a woman who against all odds, stands unflinchingly by him. Perrine brings a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability to Monti, who finds herself torn between affection for Fields and her aspirations of a normal life.

The photography introduced by David M. Walsh showcases a perfected interplay of light and shadow, encapsulating the highs and lows of Fields' life. The film's music by Henry Mancini complements the narrative, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

"W.C. Fields and Me" is an exploration of comedy, tragedy, fame, and addiction, packed into the life story of a legendary comedian. It offers a blend of laughter, tears, love, and loss, amidst the glamour and grime of Hollywood. Above all, it's a story that portrays the quintessential human experiences of a comedy genius who was, beyond his laughter-spreading persona, a man navigating through the complexities of his life.