''I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale'' is a 2009 American documentary film about actor John Cazale, directed by Richard Shepard and produced by Brett Ratner, Stacey Reiss and Richard Shepard.

Background

The film received its title from a famed line from '' The Godfather Part II'' directed toward Cazale's character of Fredo Corleone, and acts as a retrospective of Cazale's distinguished acting career, which was cut short at age 42 when he died of lung cancer. The film was produced with the cooperation of Meryl Streep, who was living with Cazale at the time of his death. It features interviews with a number of his notable co-stars and directors.

Release and recognition

''I Knew It Was You'' debuted at the

2009 Sundance Film Festival The 2009 Sundance Film Festival was held during January 15, 2009 until January 25 in Park City, Utah. It was the 25th iteration of the Sundance Film Festival. Award winners *Grand Jury Prize: Documentary - ''We Live in Public'' *Grand Jury Prize: ...

, and had its television premiere in Spain on June 9, 2009. It was released on DVD in Fall 2010 by Oscilloscope Laboratories.

Critical response

Victoria Large wrote that "while ''I Knew it Was You'' works as a wonderful career retrospective for fans or a great primer for newcomers, the real power of the piece lies in the juxtaposition of the highlights of Cazale's career with the warm remembrances of his friends and the biographical facts of his life". Don R. Lewis of ''

Film Threat ''Film Threat'' is an online film review publication, and earlier, a national magazine that focused primarily on independent film, although it also reviewed videos and DVDs of mainstream films, as well as Hollywood movies in theaters. It first ...

'' felt that the film did not properly cover Cazale's early life, writing "From its awkward running time of 40 minutes to the way director Richard Shepard completely skims over the man's life outside of acting, I just didn't feel there was enough going on to make this doc truly special. That being said, ''I Knew It Was You'' is an excellent tribute piece to a fine actor and a great way to learn more about the roles and work ethic of Cazale".

Awards and nominations

* 2009, Won audience award at Newport International Film Festival.

References

External links

* {{Richard Shepard 2009 films Documentary films about actors American documentary films Films directed by Richard Shepard 2000s English-language films 2000s American films