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Movie Review: 'It Runs in the Family'
by Rich Brooks
10 December 2003
The video jacket describes this movie as the study of a three-generational dysfunctional New York family. The family is the Grombergs, obviously and self-consciously jewish, but what makes this film interesting is that three generations of Douglas actors -- Kirk (nee Danielovich Demsky), producer Michael and newcomer Cameron are respectively portraying the three generations of Grombergs. In addition, the grandmother is played by Kirk's real first wife and Michael's mother, Diana Douglas, and the rest of the cast and crew selections appear to be heavily influenced by nepotism. Needless to say, the production is a decidedly kosher one in spite of the fact that director Fred Schepisi is a gentile Australian and the Douglas family itself is of mixed breeding. I was happy to find this movie finally out on video, because it apparently didn't do terribly well at the box office and theatrical distribution was limited. I was expecting to see a film about some really obnoxious characters, but instead must reluctantly admit that "It Runs in the Family" is a very good, very professionally produced movie with first-rate acting throughout.
Patriarch Mitchell Gromberg, like Kirk Douglas in real life, has recently suffered a stroke and has a severe speech impediment. This disability, however, has not hampered his propensity for insults, just made him a little slower in enunciating them, according to son Alex (Michael Douglas). In fact, the main theme of the movie is intergenerational friction within a framework of family loyalty. It is illustrative of the jewish propensity to fight and squabble and argue, but ultimately to work together for the fundamental interests of the group. And in fact I would question whether the Gromberg family is as "dysfunctional" as its producers would have us believe.
As an economic unit the Gromberg family is extremely functional. The crusty and still cantankerous Mitchell is the now-retired founding partner of a major Wall Street law firm and son Alex has followed in his footsteps, however reluctantly. 21-year old son Asher (Michael's real son Cameron Douglas), however, is a total fuckup - a drug-dealing, party loving slacker who is now in his fifth year of college and showing no inclination to finish. He is nevertheless rewarded with a $1,000 check as a Passover present from his indulgent grandparents; no Gromberg lacks for any material possession. There are distinct generational differences in consumption habits, however. The grandparents live in a Park Avenue penthouse apartment and dine at a traditionally elegant restaurant while son Alex and his wife (Bernadette Peters) occupy a 4,000-square-foot converted ink factory in an industrial neighborhood and eat out at trendy yuppie-oriented establishments. There are also decided differences in political philosophy, with the younger Gromberg lawyer aiding liberal causes and even doing volunteer work in a local soup kitchen. This latter activity leads to a very funny sexual encounter with a Puerto Rican co-volunteer and is the source of additional friction in their marriage. Oh, yes, we also have a kind of updated "Leave it to Beaver" as the baby of the family, 11-year old grandson Eli as played by Rory Culkin, youngest member of that child-actor family.
A major focal point of the story is the Seder dinner, around which the whole clan is gathered for just about the only time in the film. It seems that the producers are taking great pains to show us that Mitchell doesn't really go along with all of the kosher stuff. He accurately describes gefilte fish as "vomit" and loudly proclaims that he would rather have some "good wine" rather than the ritually-prescribed Mogan David. He nevertheless goes through the proper jewish chants and we see the entire family at the table wearing beanies. Some very funny material here: Alex is interrupted by his cell phone, the senile uncle lets a big fart, and Asher excuses himself to "drain his dragon" but is actually escaping to the bathroom to smoke another joint.
I have often wondered why so many actors cannot bow out gracefully, but rather insist upon working long after they have earned their fortunes. This is especially true in the case of Kirk Douglas, because it is painfully embarrassing to see even this 86-year-old jew feeble and stuttering like a retard. Yes, the screenplay by jew Jesse Wigutow was written long before Michael Douglas accepted the script and it was apparently fortuitous coincidence that this script called for a stroke-impaired jewish patriarch. It did occur to me that perhaps Kirk wished to show the world that his mental facilities remain intact, which appears to be the case. In any event give the devil his due and credit this veteran actor with another fine and funny performance. Likewise, I've never been a fan of Michael Douglas; I've always found him unpleasant and overbearing. But again, the younger Douglas is extremely talented, both as an actor and as a modern-day movie mogul.
What can we as White Nationalists get out of this film? First of all, "It Runs in the Family" presents us with a picture of jews as jews would like us to see them, make no mistake about it. Never forget (as even "Der Ewige Jude" tells us) that the tribe is always attempting to blend in and convince us that they are "just like the rest of us." So enjoy the characters, but don't think that their types are so loveable in real life. Secondly, I think this film offers us some grounds for optimism that jewish power may decline in coming generations. Perhaps the seeds of cultural destruction sewn by the childrearing theories of Dr. Benjamin Spock may be coming back to sprout even in their own yiddish homes. Such overindulgent parenting cannot possibly bode well for future jewish interests. It was quite clear to me, if not to the film's producers, that Mitchell's son -- whom he did not "communicate with" while growing up -- turned out much to be a much more successful person than the spoiled grandson. Indeed, this touchy-feely "communicating" philosophy may prove to be their race's undoing.
Some other aspects of this film I haven't covered, because there are a number of stories interwoven into the total framework and it would be somewhat tedious to try to recount them all. Some establishment critics have complained that the movie is unfocused and simply a "vanity" picture, but I would disagree. While "Runs in the Family" certainly showcases this one prominent acting family, it would be difficult to fault any of the casting. Also, it almost miraculously avoids the saccharine sentimentality which would have been so tempting. It is possible, then, for us to watch this film without puking. So go rent this video; it will entertain you as well as perhaps stimulate some serious thought.
RICH BROOKS
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