Product Description Persistent. Lucky. Sly. Audacious. Jerry Weintraub has been called a lot of things as one of Hollywood’s longest-working producers and most powerful talent managers. Though he will use any means to get to the top of the game, he’s experienced both its highs and lows during an enviable five-decade career. In this star-studded, feature-length documentary, the man himself spins compelling yarns of his life, loves, and livelihood. Nothing can stop Jerry Weintraub until he gets His Way. .com Talk about Hollywood dish. His Way is one of those rare documentaries about the behind-the-scenes machinations of Tinseltown--warts, egos, and all. His Way, which premiered originally on HBO, profiles the legendary film producer Jerry Weintraub, who has been a producer for so long (since the 1970s) that he has started to remake his earlier films (The Karate Kid, Oh, God!). Weintraub's story is a fascinating one, because his career is considered a shining example of how to be a successful Hollywood player. Yet a good portion of Weintraub's films over the years (Cruising, All Night Long, the third Karate Kid) have been critical and commercial flops. (And he also is responsible for a lot of successes, too, from small gems like Diner and Nashville to the megahits of the George Clooney Ocean's films.) Yet at a certain level in Hollywood, as His Way clearly demonstrates, there's no such thing as failure, and Weintraub is portrayed as a man whose connections and networking have allowed him to become--and continue to be--one of the heaviest hitters in Hollywood. His Way seems to have been filmed alongside Ocean's Thirteen, because there are entertaining (and potty-mouthed) tributes from several of that film's stars, including Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and Don Cheadle. Weintraub himself has excellent dish about some of the people he worked with early on in his career, such as John Denver (the original Oh, God!), Robert Altman (Nashville), and Frank Sinatra. And the viewer also gets to bask in Weintraub's reflected glory, in his magnificent pad overlooking the lights of Los Angeles, with his too-tan face and slightly too-tight smile beaming over the whole lot. And why not? Weintraub worked his way, hard, to the top of Hollywood, and His Way shows how it's highly unlikely he would ever need to consider stepping down. A must for film fans. --A.T. Hurley
B**N
A Life Well Lived
I first saw this on HBO. I had been aware of Jerry Weintraub, but had not known anything about his personal life or career. You always hear about sleazy music and movie producers. Not this guy. I don't think I've ever seen so many different types of people offer praise, admiration and affection for one person. From George and Barbara Bush, to his wife and his longtime lover (!), to the people who have worked with him (Damon, Clooney, Pitt, Roberts, Barkin), for him and those who have just met him. He had led a fascinating life (sadly passed away a couple of years after this came out). The title is apt. So is one of the last lines of Paul Anka's Sinatra song: "What is a man, what has he got if not himself, then he has not". He led his life, and it was a fascinating, rewarding and entertaining one. Thanks, Jerry... and thanks to the filmmakers.
B**E
A true American success story, with a twist
I've watched this three times so far and liked it so much I even paid for it this last time.Jerry Weintraub was the ultimate American self made success story, triumphing through his confidence, ability to bluff and persist, a salesman extraordinaire. He was obviously born with a blessed nature, in his ability to bounce back, to not take rejection to heart, and to survive and thrive and reinvent himself in the shark infested Hollywood waters.It's his sunny resilient nature that fascinates and inspires me. Also how he managed to keep his wife as a friend while having a long time mistress. It's not something most would approve of but I found it very civilized and if only other people could do this , versus blowing up the institution and security that families can become. The difference between detente and diplomatic relations vs cold or hot war between two countries.What a life! He was the Forrest Gump of the entertainment business in mid century America, up through to a few years ago.
M**S
Fascinating read
Fascinating read! This book is so well written – you’re just reading through it and enjoying the story. I love the fact that Jerry comes across as just a regular guy! The book was so entertaining I hated to see it end.
M**N
A True Showman !
Actually, I had viewed this documentary on HBO. Since Jerry Weintraubs sudden passing yesterday I wanted to have this movie. I have the audio as well. This movie shows the early start of one of the finest producers . Before movies he managed and promoted recording artists. Many of which may surprise you !
C**S
Outstanding
What a man - the title of this dvd - His Way is so appropriate. It is an excellent documentary of how a deal maker can make it in Hollywood. I loved the stories about working with Sinatra, Elvis, and COL Parker. I would have liked to have met Mr. Weintraub for even a few minutes. His enthusiasm for life is something we all can use.
J**C
This guy is a legend from The Bronx who made his mark in Hollywood.
If your from New York, you will relate to his hustle mentality right away. I feel happy and proud that a local kid made it happen on this level.The movie is a great intro to his story, but I recommend reading or listening to his Audible book "When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man"
M**H
An amazing and super interesting life!!!!
I LOVED!!!! this documentary on such a legend as Mr. Jerry Weintraub. His life story as narrated by himself as well as those comments made by family members, friends, his wife and companion, among others, are fantastic. What a colorful and extraordinary character.I would have loved to meet such an interesting man which,by the way, reminds me of my father in many ways. God bless him!!!!
G**I
Life is supposed to be fun. If Jerry Weintraub didn't personify fun - then ...
Life is supposed to be fun. If Jerry Weintraub didn't personify fun - then the word doesn't exist.
F**Y
Great DVD
I read the book and saw this man interviewed on Larry King. I saw the story on TV andwanted a friend to see it to - so purchased it for them. I found this person to be fascinating.
