Film critics and writers at the Guardian have come together to share their most cherished moments from the celebrated career of director Rob Reiner. His remarkable ability to shift between genres, eliciting both laughter and tears, is highlighted in a series of personal tributes.
The Heartfelt Ode to Youth: Stand By Me
While many consider The Shining the ultimate Stephen King adaptation, Stand By Me (1986) holds a special place for its warmth and poignant humour. The film follows a group of twelve-year-old boys on a quest to find a dead body, serving as a powerful tribute to childhood friendship. Writer Xan Brooks recalls first seeing the film as an adolescent in a Bristol cinema, having to leave early to catch the last bus home. This experience, he notes, forever linked the film's moving final scene with his own journey back, contemplating the fleeting nature of youth and friendship.
Courtroom Clash of the Titans: A Few Good Men
The 1992 legal drama A Few Good Men represents a kind of blockbuster filmmaking that is rare today. The film pits a young, driven Tom Cruise against the formidable, scenery-chewing force of Jack Nicholson. Guardian writer Gwilym Mumford praises Reiner's steady direction, which masterfully harnesses the conventions of the courtroom genre—surprise witnesses, stirring scores, and dramatic reversals—to create a propulsive and thrilling finale. The iconic confrontation between Cruise and Nicholson, described as a clash "like rutting stags," remains endlessly rewatchable.
Defining the Modern Rom-Com: When Harry Met Sally
Over three decades since its release, When Harry Met Sally (1989) continues to be the gold standard for romantic comedies. Nora Ephron's razor-sharp script, combined with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal's perfect chemistry, created an enduring classic. The film's production was famously a collaborative—and combative—process, with Ephron and Reiner arguing passionately from the perspectives of Sally and Harry, respectively. This creative friction resulted in some of the genre's most authentic and witty exchanges.
Versatility Across Genres and Cameos
Reiner's influence extends far beyond these landmark films. His mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984) brilliantly satirised rockstar excess, while the tense thriller Misery (1990) showcased his skill with suspense. His cameo as the furious accountant in The Wolf of Wall Street provided a standout comic moment. Furthermore, his television work, including a memorable role as Jess's father in the sitcom New Girl and a guest spot on It's Garry Shandling's Show, demonstrated his reliable comedic talent in front of the camera.
From the timeless fairy-tale adventure of The Princess Bride to the sharp political satire of his cameo in Primary Colors, Rob Reiner's filmography is a testament to a director with profound versatility, a deep understanding of genre, and an unparalleled gift for working with actors. His films have not only defined eras but continue to resonate with new generations of audiences.
