Ivan Reitman, producer, 'Ghostbusters' director, dies at 75

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Ivan Reitman, producer, 'Ghostbusters' director, dies at 75

Ivan Reitman’s big break came with the raucous, college fraternity sendup “National Lampoon’s Animal House."

www.wusa9.com

RIP to a director of pop favorites like Animal House and Ghostbusters.

Ivan Reitman, the influential filmmaker and producer behind beloved comedies from “Animal House” to “Ghostbusters,” has died. He was 75.
Reitman passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday night at his home in Montecito, Calif., his family told The Associated Press.
“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said in a joint statement. “We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”

 

[Mikey Radio]

A lot of Reitman's earlier movies were released at around the time VCRs and home video systems were really gaining in popularity. He directed and produced in an era when comedies were seemingly released at a much higher rate than in recent years, and his projects weren't cerebral at all - They were just funny and entertaining: Animal House, Meatballs, Stripes, Ghostbusters, etc. Then later, Kindergarten Cop, Twins, Beethoven and Old School. One of my favorite movies he directed was more on the serious and dramatic side - A political comedy called "Dave" starring Kevin Kline.

He also produced the movie "Private Parts", which tracked Howard Stern's path from his beginnings to his first taste of real stardom.