Introduction Brewster's Millions
'Brewster's Millions' is a 1985 American comedy film directed by Walter Hill and starring Richard Pryor, John Candy, and Lonette McKee. The story takes place in New York City, where Montgomery "Monty" Brewster (Richard Pryor) is a struggling jazz musician who has been living on the streets for years. Monty's life changes when he learns that his father, Earl Brewster (Hume Cronyn), has left him an enormous fortune - $300 million to be exact. However, Monty must spend the money in one year or it will go to a wealthy businessman named Spike Nolan (Wilford Brimley). As Monty navigates his newfound wealth, he must also contend with Spike's attempts to sabotage his efforts and win the fortune for himself. 'Brewster's Millions' is a remake of the 1983 French film 'Les Milles de Brewster,' which was inspired by the classic 1914 silent film 'Brewster's Millions.' The movie has become a beloved comedy classic, known for its witty dialogue, physical humor, and memorable performances from its leads.
Plot and Themes Brewster's Millions
'Brewster's Millions' is a 1985 comedy film directed by Walter Hill. The story follows Montgomery Brewster Jr., the spoiled son of a wealthy industrialist, who is forced to learn the value of money after his father dies without leaving him a single penny in his will. Brewster's Millions (Richard Pryor) is told that he must spend one million dollars within 30 days to inherit the remainder of his father's vast fortune. He is also warned that any money left over at the end of the 30-day period will be donated to charity, and he will receive nothing. At first, Brewster uses his wealth to indulge in lavish spending, but soon realizes that true happiness comes from helping others. Throughout the film, he gives away large sums of money to various individuals and organizations, including a group of homeless people, a children's hospital, and a struggling single mother. As Brewster spends more and more money, he begins to realize that his newfound generosity has brought him greater joy than his previous life of luxury ever did. In the end, Brewster's Millions becomes a heartwarming story about the transformative power of kindness and generosity. The themes of 'Brewster's Millions' include the importance of compassion, selflessness, and humility. The film suggests that true happiness comes from helping others, rather than simply accumulating wealth and material possessions. It also explores the idea that even the wealthiest individuals can learn valuable lessons about the value of money and the importance of living a life of purpose. Overall, 'Brewster's Millions' is a light-hearted comedy with a strong message about the importance of kindness and generosity. While it may not be as well-known as some other classic comedies, it remains a beloved film among many fans of Richard Pryor and 1980s cinema.
Performance and Direction Brewster's Millions
'Brewster's Millions' is a comedy film released in 1985, starring Richard Pryor as Montgomery Brewster, a former gambler who inherits $300 million from his great-uncle on the condition that he must spend it all within seven years. The movie also stars John Candy as Spike Nolan, Montgomery's friend and lawyer. **Acting Performances:** 1. **Richard Pryor**: Pryor gives a solid performance as Montgomery Brewster, bringing his signature wit and charm to the role. He effectively conveys the character's transformation from a schemer to someone who learns valuable life lessons. 2. **John Candy**: Candy is excellent as Spike Nolan, providing comedic relief with his deadpan reactions and dry humor. His chemistry with Pryor adds to the film's humor. **Direction:** 1. **Walter Hill**: Hill's direction is uneven, but he does manage to create some memorable moments in the film. The pacing can be slow at times, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the movie. 2. **Comedy**: Despite its flaws, 'Brewster's Millions' has a number of humorous moments, particularly between Pryor and Candy. **Other aspects:** 1. **Script**: The screenplay by Herschel Weingrod and Timothy Harris is clever, but some of the plot twists can feel forced or unrealistic. 2. **Music**: The score by Bill Conti is forgettable, which doesn't help the film's overall impact. Overall, 'Brewster's Millions' is an entertaining comedy with a strong cast, particularly Richard Pryor and John Candy. While it has its flaws, fans of 80s comedies may still find enjoyment in this movie.
Technical Aspects Brewster's Millions
'Brewster's Millions' is a classic comedy film released in 1985, directed by Walter Hill and starring Richard Pryor and John Candy. Here are some technical aspects that contribute to the movie's charm: 1. Cinematography: The cinematography for 'Brewster's Millions' was handled by Rexford L. Metzger Jr. The film is shot on a combination of 35mm film and digital video, with a mix of bright colors and muted tones used throughout. The visual style is largely straightforward and practical, with minimal use of elaborate camera movements or lighting schemes. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for 'Brewster's Millions' was supervised by Robert W. Glass Jr. The film features a lively and upbeat score composed by Elmer Bernstein, which helps to drive the comedic moments in the movie. The sound effects are also well-executed, with the sound of money clinking being used prominently throughout the film. 3. Visual Effects: 'Brewster's Millions' relies more on practical stunts than CGI visual effects, but it does make use of some modest digital work for things like stock footage and matte paintings. The visual effects are largely inconspicuous, which is appropriate given the lighthearted nature of the movie. 4. Editing: Walter Hill co-edited 'Brewster's Millions' with Barry Malkin. The editing style is fast-paced and energetic, helping to keep up with the rapid-fire dialogue and comedic misunderstandings that drive the plot forward. 5. Art Direction: The art direction for 'Brewster's Millions' was handled by Barbara Ling. The film features a mix of elaborate sets and practical locations, including the Brewster family mansion and various high-end establishments that Monty visits during his spending spree. The production design is largely faithful to the 1902 original novel on which the movie is based. 6. Costume Design: The costume design for 'Brewster's Millions' was handled by Marilyn Vance-Straker. The film features a range of period-inspired costumes, from the formal wear worn at high-society events to the more casual attire Monty and his friends wear in their everyday lives. The costumes are largely well-made and fitting for the characters they represent. Overall, 'Brewster's Millions' is a visually engaging movie with a strong sense of humor and style that comes through in its technical aspects. While it may not be as flashy or cutting-edge as some modern movies, its practical approach to filmmaking helps to make it an enjoyable and memorable watch.
More Details Brewster's Millions
'Brewster's Millions' is a 1985 American comedy film directed by Walter Hill and starring Richard Pryor and John Candy. Here are some interesting facts about the production of the movie: 1. The script was originally written for Jack Lemmon to star in the role of Montgomery Brewster, but he turned it down due to health issues. 2. Richard Pryor was initially hesitant to take on the role, as he felt that he was too old and didn't look like a millionaire. However, after reading the script and being convinced by Walter Hill, he agreed to star in the film. 3. John Candy was also not the first choice for the role of Spike Nolan. The original actor chosen for the part dropped out just days before filming began, and Candy was called in as a replacement. 4. The movie features an impressive ensemble cast, including Lonette McKee, Mary Gross, and Wilford Brimley. 5. Walt Disney Productions distributed 'Brewster's Millions', which is unusual for a film with an R-rated comedy tone. 6. Walter Hill directed the film without using any of his usual visual style or action sequences. Instead, he focused on developing the comedic performances of the cast. 7. The movie was filmed primarily at locations in Toronto and surrounding areas in Ontario, Canada. 8. Richard Pryor did most of his own stunts in the film, including a memorable scene where he gets hit by a car. 9. 'Brewster's Millions' features a unique blend of slapstick humor and witty dialogue. The script was written by Herschel Weingrod and Timothy Harris, who also co-wrote the script for '48 Hrs.' (1982). 10. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film has developed a cult following over the years and is still enjoyed today for its lighthearted humor and memorable performances from Pryor and Candy. Overall, 'Brewster's Millions' may not be the most sophisticated comedy, but it certainly has its charm and remains an entertaining watch for fans of Richard Pryor and John Candy.
Conclusion Brewster's Millions
In 'Brewster's Millions,' Richard Pryor stars as Monty Brewster, a man who inherits a fortune on the condition that he spends it all within a certain time period or loses everything. The movie is a classic comedy of errors, with plenty of laughs and memorable characters. One of the strengths of this film is its humor. Pryor's wit and charm are infectious, making even the most absurd situations seem amusing. The supporting cast also does an excellent job in their roles, particularly John Candy as Monty's friend and confidant. The movie has a lighthearted and playful tone that makes it enjoyable to watch. Another strength of 'Brewster's Millions' is its clever plot. The concept of the fortune being conditional on spending it all within a certain time period provides plenty of opportunities for comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. The script is well-written, with many memorable lines and situations that have become iconic in comedy history. However, there are some weaknesses to the film as well. Some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially towards the beginning of the movie. Additionally, the supporting characters can sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional and underdeveloped. Overall, 'Brewster's Millions' is a classic comedy that is sure to provide plenty of laughs for audiences. Its lighthearted tone, clever plot, and memorable performances make it a must-watch for fans of Richard Pryor and the genre in general.