The Last Movie Stars

The Last Movie Stars is an evocative documentary series that embarks on an intricate exploration of the lives, careers, and the profound impact of one of Hollywood's most iconic couples: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Directed by the accomplished Ethan Hawke, this Peacock Premium exclusive from 2022 delves into the enigmatic world of two actors who not only left an indelible mark on the film industry but also redefined the expectations of celebrity and activism in the 20th century.

This multi-part documentary series weaves a compelling narrative through a treasure trove of archival footage, interviews, and personal narratives. What sets this project apart is the framework it utilizes: Hawke bases the series on a long-lost trove of interviews and transcripts initiated by Newman himself. In the early 2000s, Newman commissioned his close friend and screenwriter Stewart Stern to conduct extensive interviews for a planned memoir. The project was eventually abandoned, and Newman ordered the transcripts to be destroyed. Mysteriously, the transcripts survive and serve as the foundation for the documentary.

What Hawke and his team accomplish with The Last Movie Stars is nothing short of a cinematic resurrection. They ingeniously cast contemporary actors to voice Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, alongside friends, family, and colleagues, effectively bringing to life those bygone conversations that shed light on the couple’s professional accomplishments, personal lives, and the intricacies of their enduring partnership.

Through six episodes, the series charts an expansive journey starting from the actors’ formative years. Viewers are escorted through Joanne Woodward's early days as a talented ingenue and Paul Newman's initial struggles as he sought to hone his craft and find his place within the competitive Hollywood landscape. The series does not shy away from illustrating their rise to fame, their celebrated works, the evolution of their craft, and how they both grappled with the expectations and pressures that befall screen legends.

Moreover, The Last Movie Stars is an intimate portrait of a marriage. It provides insights into Newman and Woodward's relationship, held together by a passionate bond and a shared creative vision, yet not without its challenges and trials. Their off-screen roles as parents, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and political activists are also examined, revealing the depth and complexity of their personalities beyond the silver screen.

In featuring interviews with their children, close friends, and peers, the documentary encapsulates a sense of who Newman and Woodward were when the cameras stopped rolling. It reflects on their shared values and actions, such as Newman’s establishment of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for seriously ill children and the creation of Newman's Own, a food company that donates all post-tax profits to charity.

Hawke, as the orchestrator of this tribute, approaches the material with great sensitivity and reverence. His documentary is as much a celebration as it is a contemplation, probing the questions of legacy, memory, and the meaning of stardom. The Last Movie Stars doesn't just recount the history of two Hollywood luminaries but also engages in a deeper conversation about the art of acting, the nature of celebrity, and the essential human need for connection and understanding.

Rich with evocative visuals and period-appropriate aesthetics, the cinematography of the series compliments its tone, transporting the audience back to the golden era of film. The underscore is another highlight, often subtle yet emotively aligning with the onscreen narratives, enhancing the storytelling without ever overwhelming it.

What’s particularly interesting about The Last Movie Stars is how it utilizes the voices of the current generation to explore a bygone era. In doing so, it establishes a bridge across time, allowing for reflection on how Hollywood has evolved and what it has retained. These voice-overs are not mere recitations; they provide the series with an additional layer of performance, capturing the spirit of Newman and Woodward’s contributions to arts and culture.

Ethan Hawke’s The Last Movie Stars is a beautifully wrought dedication to two of cinema's most enduring figures. It's not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a poignant study of humanity and the pursuit of meaning in life and art. It’s a documentary series that will likely resonate with cinema enthusiasts, fans of Newman and Woodward, lovers of biographical works, and those who embrace the exploration of the human condition. The series, with its thoughtful and artful narrative, ensures that the legacy of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is not only remembered but celebrated in such a way that they stand as testaments to the power and poignancy of cinema.