What, Him Worry? (Why Yes, Actually)

Burman makes no grandiose claims for the power of cinema to explain ourselves to ourselves. “It’s a lot less important than we think it is,” he says. “Many civilizations live perfectly well without cinema, and oral tradition is essential.” But he’s a passionate defender of the power of small-scale movies to illuminate the great themes of life. “Not just the bombing of Iraq,” he says. “There are other things that don’t come out of the newspapers but are sources of anguish just the same.” And, thank heaven, of fun. His next movie will be about the empty nest, which seems a touch premature for the father of two children aged 4 and 3. “I see the joy in my kids, and they enjoy me. I’m angry at the idea that they are going to abandon me someday.” Like Woody Allen, Burman is a Jewish worrier who covers all present and future bases. He’s the most indispensable worrier we have.