Across the movie blogs today, you’ve probably seen news of the sad passing of Hollywood super-producer Laura Ziskin, who lost a long battle with breast cancer over the weekend. Most of the obituaries have her name welded to the word “Spider-Man” in their headlines — certainly, her revival of the franchise in 2002 remains the most profitable work of her career. Still, that superhero franchise is hardly the only thing we owe her: also on her producing résumé are two films that shaped the careers of their female stars, “Pretty Woman” and “To Die For,” while industry legend has it that she was a key champion of “Fight Club” in the face of dismayed execs. One credit of hers I haven’t seen mentioned too often, however, is the 1987 Roger Donaldson thriller “No Way Out” — a remake, but one of my favorite pulp pieces of its era, and a reminder of what a terrific movie star Kevin Costner was back in his pre-Oscar prime. The trailer doesn’t really flatter the film, but if you’ve never seen it, let this be your excuse.
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9 responses to “Something else to remember Laura Ziskin by”
Well, I’d be willing to give the movie a second look. But I remember only two things about it: in one scene Kevin Costner escapes into the Georgetown Metro stop (when, in fact, Georgetown famously has no Metro stop), and the big reveal at the end — SPOILER ALERT — depends on a smelly coincidence (the Soviet plant gets selected for a super-high-clearance job by chance, not really through any mechinazations of his own).
Wow…I feel a bit more depressed about this than any other actor, producer, and director that passed away in the past. Not that I didn’t care about them, it’s just I didn’t know them too well. I didn’t knew Laura Ziskin too well either, but I guess it’s because I grew up watching these movies, and watched the behind the scenes over and over again when I got bored. And all those press conferences, and videos from Comic-Con having all the cast, director, and producers together. Brings back a lot of memories. We’ll never forget you Laura, may you Rest In Piece.
Sorry Guy, but No Way Out is an unredeemable F-
Irredeemable.
I’m an F-
Has one of the best twist endings ever.
I had forgotten what an incredible looker Costner was. Damn me if he had never looked finer.
And it never occurred to me how many conservative actors starred in this film. Rare bird.
I haven’t seen this since I watched it on video in the late 80’s. I recall being thoroughly entertained and blown away by the balcony scene. I forgot what the twist was, it’s been so long. I wonder how I’d feel about it now.
And that trailer slays me. That voice-over artist got a lot of work in the 80’s. I feel shameful that I don’t remember his name.
ever not never in the first line.
It would be hard to imagine Fight Club being a movie with Ziskin’s involvement. My condolences to her friends and family.
*without