There's so much more to the story of "The Way We Were" than most people remember, according to Joe Neumaier, the film critic for radio station 710AM-WOR, who exclusively shared his thoughts with Closer Weekly. This iconic 1973 romance, starring Barbra Streisand as the fiercely political Katie Morosky and Robert Redford as the more ambivalent Hubbell Gardiner, takes us on a journey through their love story from the 1930s to the '50s. It’s a film that delves deep into the heart of human connection and societal shifts.
TCM host Ben Mankiewicz points out that the storyline of "The Way We Were" continues to resonate in today's politically divided world. The film tackles issues of class and social consciousness, blending them with the undeniable chemistry between its stars. This mix has made the movie irresistible for decades. But what stays with audiences the most is the bittersweet nature of Katie and Hubbell's love, symbolized by Barbra’s simple yet powerful gesture of brushing Robert's hair from his face — an idea that originated with Barbra herself.
Barbra explained her thought process behind the gesture, saying, "I wanted to find a simple, yet meaningful action that I could repeat at key moments throughout the film. As the story unfolds, the gesture gains more significance." Neumaier adds, "There’s an innocence to their love story that mirrors the innocence of America during that era. It’s something that feels timeless, no matter when you watch it." This sentiment echoes the universal appeal of the film, making it a classic that continues to touch hearts.
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Unlikely Pairing: The Stars Behind the Screen
While Barbra Streisand, now 76, and Robert Redford, 82, are celebrated for their on-screen chemistry, their collaboration wasn’t always a sure thing. Director Sydney Pollack revealed that Barbra had a crush on Robert even before filming began. But Robert almost turned down the role of Hubbell, sharing, "I thought the script was solid, but I felt Hubbell was too one-dimensional for me." This hesitation left Barbra feeling disappointed. "I desperately wanted him for that role," she confessed.
Pollack and screenwriter Arthur Laurents considered other actors like Warren Beatty and Ken Howard as potential replacements. However, after some script revisions and a promise from Robert that Barbra wouldn’t sing in the middle of the movie, he finally agreed to take on the part. The result was a pairing that became legendary, proving that sometimes the best things come from unexpected circumstances.
