#42: Cary Elwes, As You Wish

[kareila]

This is a delightful collection of anecdotes about the making of The Princess Bride, primarily from the actor who played the hero Westley, but also including contributions from most of the other principals of the film, or at least the ones who are still alive 25 years after the film's initial release. Most of the more colorful episodes feature Andre the Giant, who passed away in 1993. Elwes shows more humility than I expected from him, and everyone involved clearly felt incredibly lucky to have participated in the production, and surprised and pleased when it found a loyal and growing audience on home video after a modest box office release. Rob Reiner is portrayed lovingly, if not as a genius, then as the next best thing - a nurturing, receptive, sympathetic leader who manages to realize his particular vision while simultaneously getting out of the way and letting his actors carry the film.