Marshall Brickman, the acclaimed Oscar-winning screenwriter known primarily for his collaborations with Woody Allen, passed away on Friday at the age of 85. His daughter Sophie Brickman confirmed the sad news, though she did not disclose the cause of death. Brickman died in Manhattan, leaving behind a notable legacy spanning film, television, and theater.
Brickman made his mark by co-writing some of Allen's most cherished films, including the iconic romantic comedy Annie Hall, which won four Academy Awards, such as Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Their partnership began with the 1973 film Sleeper, which was conceived as a science-fiction comedy and successfully showcased Brickman's talent for blending humor with sharp narratives.
The duo reunified for several projects, the most renowned being Annie Hall (1977). This film, which captured the witty and neurotic aspects of urban life, is noted for its unique structure and memorable quotes. Brickman once humbly referenced one of its famous lines during his Oscar acceptance speech, saying, "I've been out here for a week, and I still feel guilty when I make a right turn on red."
Reportedly, the screenplay not only stands as one of the most frequently quoted works but also provides insight on the era’s socio-economic climate, something Brickman articulated during various interviews. He was quoted reflecting on the film's essence, stating, "If the film is worth anything, it gives a very specific image of what it was like to be alive in New York at the time of its making, portraying its distinct social-economic stratum."
Born on August 25, 1939, Brickman hailed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he grew up. Initially aiming for medical school, he shifted gears, earning degrees in science and music from the University of Wisconsin. His first foray was joining the folk group The Tarriers, and it was during this time Brickman gained invaluable experience writing comedy sketches.
By the late 1960s, he had transitioned to writing for television, becoming the head writer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Here, Brickman contributed to the beloved character Carnac the Magnificent, performed by Carson. His television work laid the groundwork for his later collaborations with Allen, as they struck up creative chemistry over shared intellectual humor and storytelling.
Besides working with Allen, Brickman created other successful screenplays and directed films like Simon, which starred Alan Arkin as a psychology professor, and Lovesick featuring Alec Guinness. His contributions to Broadway are also noteworthy; he penned the book for the musical Jersey Boys, which chronicled the rise of the rock group The Four Seasons, and it's worth noting this work had impressive longevity, running for 12 years on Broadway.
Brickman's career choices reflected his unique personality. He once noted, "I have made choices based on who I don’t mind having lunch with, and for the most part, it’s worked out." This philosophy guided him through creative transitions, partnering with Rick Elice to adapt The Addams Family for the stage as well.
The films co-written by Brickman reflect not just humor but also layered narratives exploring relationships, especially evident in Manhattan, their follow-up to Annie Hall. The screenplay for Manhattan was nominated for various awards, delving deep with its conflict of a middle-aged man's relationship with a high school girl, highlighting issues of morality and societal norms. Despite the film facing modern criticism due to its themes, it encapsulated Brickman's style of poignant storytelling paired with humor.
Throughout his career, Brickman maintained connections with various facets of entertainment. He contributed scripts for different television shows and continued to evolve as both writer and director. He helmed thoughtful adaptations and original works, like the screenplay for For the Boys and Intersection.
Marshall Brickman's professional life was rooted deeply within the creative dynamics of his collaborations and the influences he soaked up along the way. He was part of establishing comedic benchmarks and theatrical voices through his works, making him one of the prominent figures of his generation. His passing leaves behind unquantifiable moments and creative expressions cherished by audiences.
He is survived by his wife, Nina; daughters Sophie and Jessica; and five grandchildren. Reflecting on how cherished Brickman’s contributions were, it's clear the world of entertainment will miss his artistic vision and the laughter and depth he brought to both screen and stage.
