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Diane Lane and Director Jan Komasa Discuss 'Anniversary' at Deadline Virtual ScreeningDiane Lane and Director Jan Komasa Discuss 'Anniversary' at Deadline Virtual Screening

The End of an Era for Director
  • Driven Hits


Why Rob Reiner's Iconic 80s and 90s Films Couldn't Be Made Now


According to a new report, the incredible string of beloved hits directed by Rob Reiner in the 1980s and 90s would be nearly impossible to produce in today's film industry. The director's legendary run included a diverse range of critically and commercially successful films that defined a generation of cinema.


A Unrepeatable String of Critical and Commercial Success


Reiner's directorial hot streak is the stuff of Hollywood legend. During this prolific period, he helmed an array of genre

  • defining classics that showcased remarkable versatility.



    • This iconic film run included beloved titles such as the coming
    • of-age story "Stand by Me," the romantic fantasy "The Princess Bride," the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally...," the psychological thriller "Misery," and the courtroom drama "A Few Good Men."


    The Shift in Modern Movie
  • Making Economics


    • The core reason these films are considered unrepeatable today stems from a fundamental shift in studio economics. The report suggests that the modern film industry's reliance on existing intellectual property (IP) and franchise

  • building makes it difficult for original, mid-budget films to get the greenlight.


    • Unlike today's blockbuster

  • driven market, the 80s and 90s allowed for a greater focus on character-driven stories with strong scripts. Studios were more willing to invest in original concepts from proven directors like Reiner, trusting in the strength of the story and filmmaking talent rather than pre-existing brand recognition.