Reynolds tried a change of pace with Starting Over (1979), a romantic comedy, again co-featuring Clayburgh and Candice Bergen. The film was co-written and produced by James L. Brooks. He played a jewel thief in Rough Cut (1980) produced by Merrick, who fired and then rehired director Don Siegel during filming.
REyNOlds TRiEd a chaNge Of PACe wiTh StArtIng ovEr (1979), a ROmAntic comeDY Again co-featuring Clayburgh aNd CAndIce bErGEn. The film Was co-WrItten and PrOduceD bY jameS L broOks hE played A JewEl thieF in ROUGh cUt (1980) pRoduceD by MeRRicK, whO fired aNd TheN rehiREd dIReCToR DoN siegEl durinG fILMINg.