Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride, and Leadership

Last night we watched the DVD The Princess Bride. First released in 1987, it has become a classic, timeless film enjoyed by young and old. Many people we know can quote lines from it. Some have described is as The Wizard of Oz of the 1980s, in that people who were young when they saw it are likely to introduce their children to it, who are likely to introduce their kids to it.

Afterwards, we watched some of the features that you get with a DVD that tell about how the film was produced, etc., etc. This is one advantage of DVDs over videocassettes.

Its director Rob Reiner said that he didn't have the technical expertise of a Stephen Spielberg (Raiders of a Lost Ark, Schindler's List) or George Lucas (Star Wars). What he did try to do as director was create an environment where there was open communication and good relationships. He also assembled an excellent cast (Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Christopher Guest, etc.) and let them use their skills. I noticed that he was very encouraging and laughed a lot as the cast worked their magic in front of the cameras.

I think that Reiner understands leadership in an emergent culture. This is what good leaders (including pastors, team leaders, and heads of organizations) need to do.