Review: Cary Elwes’s “As You Wish”
by Miles Raymer
If someone pressed me to name just one film as my all-time favorite, I would probably choose The Princess Bride. Some of my most treasured childhood memories include watching the movie over and over and quoting it with family and friends. To this day, lines from the film or echoes of Mark Knopfler’s gorgeous soundtrack will enter my consciousness unbidden, and I always welcome them like old friends. Having a bad day? “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” Trying something new? “Have fun storming the castle!” Relaxing with my wife? “This is true love. You think this happens every day?” I could go on.
When my wife suggested we listen to Cary Elwes’s As You Wish on a weekend road trip, we decided to rewatch the movie first. At 38 years old (the same age as the film, by the way), I was delighted to discover that it’s every bit as wonderful as I remembered. I completely agree with Elwes that the film’s appeal has grown and deepened over time, becoming a true classic. Elwes’s memoir is an utterly charming romp through his recollections of making the movie, and the audiobook includes many snippets written and read by his fellow cast members and others who played pivotal roles in getting the movie made.
Throughout the book, Elwes strikes an elegant balance between pride and humility. He acknowledges the role that luck played in his being chosen to play Westley, but also celebrates the immense effort he put into proving himself worthy of the role. This is especially apparent in his recollections of learning to fence with Mandy Patinkin so they could perform the epic fight on the Cliffs of Insanity, which in my view remains the best sword fight in film history.
One thing I had no idea about was the prolonged period of “development hell” that William Goldman’s superb script had to endure before Rob Reiner finally succeeded in getting the project funded. In many ways, As You Wish is a love letter to these two accomplished artists. I was especially touched by Elwes’s affectionate descriptions of Reiner, who comes off as pretty much the friendliest and most decent guy to ever grace Hollywood with his presence. Elwes also pays homage to his fellow cast members who delivered so many unforgettable, pitch-perfect performances.
As You Wish reveals that one of modernity’s best fairy tales wasn’t just beautiful and pure as a finished product, but also in the way it was made.