Richard Gere
Self
Overview
The extraordinary life of beloved acting teacher and theatre producer Wynn Handman is recalled in this portrait of a provocative, innovative artist.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
3 min readThe Man Who Taught the World to Act
I didn’t know Wynn Handman’s name before sitting down with It Takes a Lunatic, and that ignorance feels like a small tragedy now. Here was a man who shaped some of the most iconic actors of the last half-century—Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, Alec Baldwin, the list goes on—and yet his story has slipped through the cracks of our cultural memory. The documentary, directed by Billy Lyons, doesn’t just resurrect Handman’s legacy; it asks why we so often forget the teachers who make the art possible in the first place.
The film’s greatest strength is its intimacy. It doesn’t rely on sweeping biographical strokes or grand declarations about Handman’s influence. Instead, it lets his students do the talking.
Gere, Douglas, Baldwin—they’re all here, and they’re all visibly moved. Baldwin, in particular, delivers a monologue about Handman’s teaching philosophy that’s so raw it feels like a confession. He talks about how Handman didn’t just teach acting; he taught how to see, how to strip away the noise and find the truth in a moment.
It’s the kind of insight that makes you pause the film just to sit with it for a second. (I did. Twice.)
What’s striking is how little the film feels like a traditional documentary. There’s no narrator guiding us through Handman’s life, no talking-head experts dissecting his methods. Instead, Lyons trusts the material—and the material is the actors themselves.
Audience Opinions
"A heartfelt tribute to a legendary acting teacher, appreciated for its sincerity and star-studded reflections."
Viewers praise the documentary for its genuine portrayal of Wynn Handman’s influence on acting and theater, highlighting the emotional weight of testimonials from renowned actors. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, some find the film’s scope narrow, focusing heavily on Handman’s career without broader context about his methods or the theater scene of his era.
What viewers praise
- Sincere tribute The film is celebrated for its heartfelt and authentic homage to Wynn Handman’s legacy in acting education.
- Star-studded insights Testimonials from well-known actors like Richard Gere and Alec Baldwin add depth and credibility to the narrative.
- Emotional resonance Many viewers connect with the personal stories shared by Handman’s former students and colleagues.
Common complaints
- Narrow focus Some feel the documentary lacks broader exploration of Handman’s teaching techniques or the theater landscape of his time.
- Limited depth A few viewers note that the film skims over certain aspects of Handman’s career, leaving them wanting more detail.
Recommended for
Theater and acting enthusiasts Fans of documentary biographies Admirers of Richard Gere and Alec Baldwin
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports"It Takes a Lunatic": The Star-Studded Doc Celebrating a Legendary Acting Teacher
The 2019 documentary It Takes a Lunatic isn’t just a film—it’s a love letter to Wynn Handman, the visionary acting teacher who shaped some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Directed by Billy Lyons, the project brings together an A-list cast, including Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, Alec Baldwin, and James Caan, to pay tribute to Handman’s legacy. latestnetflix.com's read is that but behind the red-carpet glamour lies a deeply personal story about the man who helped define American theater.
A Documentary Born from Devotion
It Takes a Lunatic chronicles Handman’s life and career, focusing on his role as co-founder of the American Place Theatre, a groundbreaking institution that nurtured raw talent 
. Lyons, who also directed the film, worked closely with Handman, making the project a labor of love. The documentary blends archival footage with new interviews, offering a rare glimpse into Handman’s influence on actors like Baldwin and Gere, who credit him with shaping their craft .
The film’s title comes from Handman’s own philosophy—that great acting requires a touch of madness, a willingness to take risks. It’s a mantra that clearly resonated with his famous pupils, many of whom appear on camera to share their memories.
A-List Stars Line Up to Honor Handman
The documentary’s cast reads like a who’s who of Hollywood royalty. Alongside Gere, Douglas, and Baldwin, the film features James Caan, John Leguizamo, Chris Cooper, Frank Langella, Bill Irwin, Eric Bogosian, and Susan Lucci . Their presence isn’t just for star power—it’s a testament to Handman’s enduring impact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nvhZVN4fDQ
Alec Baldwin, in particular, has been vocal about Handman’s influence, calling him a mentor who pushed actors to dig deeper. While the documentary doesn’t include new on-set drama, the sheer number of heavyweight stars involved suggests a shared reverence for Handman’s work . The film’s red-carpet premiere, captured in a YouTube clip, shows the cast united in celebration, with Baldwin and others reflecting on Handman’s legacy .
Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love
Lyons’ direction keeps the focus squarely on Handman, avoiding the pitfalls of a typical celebrity-driven project. The documentary’s runtime—around 120 minutes—allows for a deep dive into Handman’s teaching methods and the American Place Theatre’s history . Co-directors Dominic J. DeJoseph and Kim Ferraro (listed in some sources as Kim Ferraro) contributed to the film’s intimate tone, ensuring Handman’s voice remains central .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iv3Dwgxx2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIYTleri1nw
One of the most touching moments comes from a street sign dedication in Handman’s honor, where Lyons speaks about the teacher’s lasting influence. Clips from the event show a community of artists rallying to preserve Handman’s memory, reinforcing the documentary’s emotional core .
Why This Film Matters
It Takes a Lunatic isn’t just for theater buffs—it’s a reminder of how one person can shape an entire industry. Handman’s approach, which emphasized authenticity and fearlessness, left an indelible mark on generations of actors. The documentary’s star-studded cast ensures it reaches a wider audience, but the real draw is Handman’s story: a man who saw potential in artists before the world did.
The film’s reception has been warm, though details on critical scores or box office numbers remain scarce. What’s clear is that for the actors involved, this was never just another project—it was a chance to give back to the man who gave them so much .
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.