Back in 1985, NEW YORK magazine famously dubbed Bergman “The Unknown King of Comedy,” a title that still echoes when you look at his impressive body of work. Bergman, who started out as a publicist and once dreamed of an academic career, jumped into film comedy writing with remarkable ambition. At just 26 years old, Bergman made waves with a 90-page treatment he wrote for a wild concept — a black militant cowboy story titled “Tex X.” That bold idea eventually led him to collaborate with comedy legends Richard Pryor and Mel Brooks on what would become the cult classic “Blazing Saddles” (1974).
Bergman truly came into his own with “The In-Laws” (1979), a zany hit featuring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin. This time, Bergman earned sole writing credit, and as PREMIERE writer Andy Webster noted, the film “established his metier: fast-paced farces depicting middlebrow protagonists trapped in extreme situations.” It was a turning point, and Bergman clearly found his rhythm. He stepped behind the camera for the first time with “So Fine” (1981), a delightfully absurd comedy starring Ryan O’Neal as a professor who accidentally revolutionizes the fashion world with see-through jeans. The film may have been polarizing, but it was unmistakably Bergman — clever, quirky, and unafraid to push boundaries.
Then came “Fletch” (1985), a popular comic mystery directed by Michael Ritchie. Bergman’s sharp, witty screenplay gave Chevy Chase the perfect vehicle to shine, and the movie became a defining role for the actor. Not one to rest on his laurels, Bergman once again took on dual duties as writer and director with “The Freshman” (1990). The film, which paired Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick in a charming and well-received caper, further cemented Bergman’s reputation as a master of smart, offbeat comedy. Throughout his career, Bergman consistently delivered laughs with intelligence — a true hallmark of his enduring style.
When it comes to Andrew Bergman’s work in film, his most acclaimed project by far is The Freshman from 1990—definitely a standout in Andrew Bergman’s career. Fans and critics alike have consistently praised this movie, making it the highest-rated film associated with Andrew Bergman. On the other hand, not every project hit the same high notes. His 1996 release, Striptease, received much more mixed reactions and ended up being the lowest rated among Andrew Bergman’s body of work. While Andrew Bergman has had his share of successes, it’s clear that some films, like The Freshman, shine brighter than others. Still, each piece adds something to Andrew Bergman’s overall legacy in the industry.