Actor Clint Eastwood helped make the Dirty Harry franchise one of the most iconic series of action films in cinema. But at one point Eastwood was looking for another action franchise to own.
Clint Eastwood wanted another ‘Dirty Harry’ franchise that he had more ownership of Clint Eastwood | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Eastwood’s Dirty Harry series only helped further the actor’s legacy back in the day. But initially, he hoped to have another separate franchise as equally lucrative under his belt with a similar personality to Dirty Harry. In an attempt to replicate the film’s success, Eastwood allegedly went to famous writer Elmore Leonard for help. Apart from his novels, Leonard was also known for penning movies. He wrote features like Charles Bronson’s Mr. Majestyk, which was initially pitched to Eastwood. It was also inspired by his own book The Big Bounce.
“I took Mr.
Clint Eastwood wanted another ‘Dirty Harry’ franchise that he had more ownership of Clint Eastwood | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Eastwood’s Dirty Harry series only helped further the actor’s legacy back in the day. But initially, he hoped to have another separate franchise as equally lucrative under his belt with a similar personality to Dirty Harry. In an attempt to replicate the film’s success, Eastwood allegedly went to famous writer Elmore Leonard for help. Apart from his novels, Leonard was also known for penning movies. He wrote features like Charles Bronson’s Mr. Majestyk, which was initially pitched to Eastwood. It was also inspired by his own book The Big Bounce.
“I took Mr.
- 1/18/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lynne Marta, an actor who maintained a steady and prolific TV and film career for nearly 40 years best known for roles on Love, American Style and the 1984 film Footloose, died of cancer in Los Angeles January 11. She was 78.
Calling Marta “a beautiful light,” the actor’s friend Joan Sobel wrote on Facebook, “My friend, Lynne Marta lost her good fight. A wonderfully talented actress and a beautiful singer whose voice was of the angels. A dear heart who adored her friends both human and furry. I will miss her terribly.”
Born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, NJ, Marta began her TV career in 1966 with appearances on Gidget and The Monkees, and relatively few years went by without a film or TV credit through her 2004 role in an episode of the NBC drama series American Dreams. She appeared in 24 episodes of the soap Days of Our Lives between 1983 and 2003.
A steady presence...
Calling Marta “a beautiful light,” the actor’s friend Joan Sobel wrote on Facebook, “My friend, Lynne Marta lost her good fight. A wonderfully talented actress and a beautiful singer whose voice was of the angels. A dear heart who adored her friends both human and furry. I will miss her terribly.”
Born on October 30, 1945, in Somerville, NJ, Marta began her TV career in 1966 with appearances on Gidget and The Monkees, and relatively few years went by without a film or TV credit through her 2004 role in an episode of the NBC drama series American Dreams. She appeared in 24 episodes of the soap Days of Our Lives between 1983 and 2003.
A steady presence...
- 1/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Lynne Marta, the actress known for her roles in films like Joe Kidd and Footloose, her regular appearance on Love, American Style, and numerous guest roles on TV shows, has passed away at the age of 78. She died on Thursday at her Los Angeles residence after battling cancer, as confirmed by her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire to The Hollywood Reporter. A native of New Jersey, Marta was featured in episodes of several Aaron Spelling-produced series such as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$, and Matt Houston. She also appeared in Quinn Martin productions, including The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, and The Manhunter. She initiated her career on the syndicated teen dance program, The Lloyd Thaxton Show, and secured roles in episodes of Gidget and The Monkees in 1966. In 1969-70, she contributed to 18 episodes of the first season of...
- 1/16/2024
- TV Insider
Lynne Marta, the actress who appeared in films including Joe Kidd and Footloose, as a regular on Love, American Style and as a guest star on dozens of other TV shows, has died. She was 78.
Marta died Thursday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with cancer, her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New Jersey native also showed up on episodes of such Aaron Spelling-produced series as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$ and Matt Houston and on Quinn Martin productions like The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The Manhunter and Caribe.
As the companion of a wealthy landowner (Robert Duvall), Marta caught the eye of a bounty hunter (Clint Eastwood) in John Sturges’ Joe Kidd (1972), and she portrayed Lulu Warnicker, the aunt of Kevin Bacon’s Ren, in the Herbert Ross-directed Footloose (1984).
The younger of two daughters,...
Marta died Thursday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with cancer, her friend Chris Saint-Hilaire told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New Jersey native also showed up on episodes of such Aaron Spelling-produced series as The Mod Squad, The Rookies, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie’s Angels, Vega$ and Matt Houston and on Quinn Martin productions like The F.B.I., Dan August, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The Manhunter and Caribe.
As the companion of a wealthy landowner (Robert Duvall), Marta caught the eye of a bounty hunter (Clint Eastwood) in John Sturges’ Joe Kidd (1972), and she portrayed Lulu Warnicker, the aunt of Kevin Bacon’s Ren, in the Herbert Ross-directed Footloose (1984).
The younger of two daughters,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Clint Eastwood proves again that he Owns the western genre with this odd tale of land reform insurrection and establishment blowback, in New Mexico of 1906. To direct the script by the great Elmore Leonard, Eastwood brought in the western movie legend John Sturges. But Sturges discovered that collaboration now meant acceding to whatever the star wanted. The beautifully filmed movie falls apart even though Sturges saved the day with an 11th hour stunt action climax.
Joe Kidd
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1972 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 88 min. / Street Date October 27, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, John Saxon, Don Stroud, Stella García, James Wainwright, Paul Koslo, Gregory Walcott, Dick Van Patten, Lynne Marta, John Carter, Pepe Hern, Joaquín Martínez, Clint Ritchie, Chuck Hayward.
Cinematography: Bruce Surtees
Film Editor: Ferris Webster
Original Music: Lalo Schifrin
Written by Elmore Leonard
Produced by Sidney Beckerman
Directed by John Sturges
In 1971 the hottest...
Joe Kidd
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1972 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 88 min. / Street Date October 27, 2020 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, John Saxon, Don Stroud, Stella García, James Wainwright, Paul Koslo, Gregory Walcott, Dick Van Patten, Lynne Marta, John Carter, Pepe Hern, Joaquín Martínez, Clint Ritchie, Chuck Hayward.
Cinematography: Bruce Surtees
Film Editor: Ferris Webster
Original Music: Lalo Schifrin
Written by Elmore Leonard
Produced by Sidney Beckerman
Directed by John Sturges
In 1971 the hottest...
- 10/24/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
By Lee Peiffer
Actor John Saxon, who specialized in playing celluloid tough guys, has died from pneumonia at age 83. Saxon grew up on the (then) mean streets of his native Brooklyn and became a model at age 17. He segued into feature films and television, winning acclaim for his performances. Saxon had the ability to use his charisma and good looks to portray both heroes and villains on screen, and did both convincingly. Major stardom never materialized for him but he had a long career as a popular supporting actor. Among his more notable films: "The Reluctant Debutante", "War Hunt", "The Electric Horseman", "The Unforgiven", "Joe Kidd", the original "Nightmare on Elm Street" and two sequels, "From Dusk Till Dawn", "Black Christmas", "Wrong is Right", "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation" and "Battle Beyond the Stars". One of his most popular films was "Enter the Dragon", the final movie of Bruce Lee.
Actor John Saxon, who specialized in playing celluloid tough guys, has died from pneumonia at age 83. Saxon grew up on the (then) mean streets of his native Brooklyn and became a model at age 17. He segued into feature films and television, winning acclaim for his performances. Saxon had the ability to use his charisma and good looks to portray both heroes and villains on screen, and did both convincingly. Major stardom never materialized for him but he had a long career as a popular supporting actor. Among his more notable films: "The Reluctant Debutante", "War Hunt", "The Electric Horseman", "The Unforgiven", "Joe Kidd", the original "Nightmare on Elm Street" and two sequels, "From Dusk Till Dawn", "Black Christmas", "Wrong is Right", "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation" and "Battle Beyond the Stars". One of his most popular films was "Enter the Dragon", the final movie of Bruce Lee.
- 7/27/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
John Saxon, the stoic yet charismatic character actor who starred in many iconic horror, western and genre films, died in Murfreesboro, Tenn., after a battle with pneumonia, according to multiple reports. He was 83.
The daughter of his “Enter the Dragon” co-star Bruce Lee paid tribute on the late martial arts actor’s Twitter page.
The daughter of his “Enter the Dragon” co-star Bruce Lee paid tribute on the late martial arts actor’s Twitter page.
- 7/26/2020
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Koslo, a character actor who played the heavy in such films as The Omega Man, Rooster Cogburn and The Stone Killer, has died. He was 74.
Koslo died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Lake Hughes, Calif., his wife, actress Allaire Paterson Koslo, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Koslo also portrayed a Nevada patrolman in Vanishing Point (1971), a bounty hunter in Joe Kidd (1972) and a gang member in Cleopatra Jones (1973) and the True Grit sequel Rooster Cogburn (1975). He appeared in other notable films like Voyage of the Damned (1976) and Heaven's Gate (1980) as ...
Koslo died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Lake Hughes, Calif., his wife, actress Allaire Paterson Koslo, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Koslo also portrayed a Nevada patrolman in Vanishing Point (1971), a bounty hunter in Joe Kidd (1972) and a gang member in Cleopatra Jones (1973) and the True Grit sequel Rooster Cogburn (1975). He appeared in other notable films like Voyage of the Damned (1976) and Heaven's Gate (1980) as ...
- 1/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Koslo, a character actor who played the heavy in such films as The Omega Man, Rooster Cogburn and The Stone Killer, has died. He was 74.
Koslo died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Lake Hughes, Calif., his wife, actress Allaire Paterson Koslo, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Koslo also portrayed a Nevada patrolman in Vanishing Point (1971), a bounty hunter in Joe Kidd (1972) and a gang member in Cleopatra Jones (1973) and the True Grit sequel Rooster Cogburn (1975). He appeared in other notable films like Voyage of the Damned (1976) and Heaven's Gate (1980) as ...
Koslo died Wednesday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Lake Hughes, Calif., his wife, actress Allaire Paterson Koslo, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Koslo also portrayed a Nevada patrolman in Vanishing Point (1971), a bounty hunter in Joe Kidd (1972) and a gang member in Cleopatra Jones (1973) and the True Grit sequel Rooster Cogburn (1975). He appeared in other notable films like Voyage of the Damned (1976) and Heaven's Gate (1980) as ...
- 1/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Randolph Scott fights to let the railroad go through in this old-fashioned rip-snorting action adventure movie, the kind where shooting bad guys means never having to say you're sorry. Jane Wyatt gets top billing but the big burner on this prairie is newcomer Nancy Olson, who puts more sex appeal into her homegrown heroine than all of her later roles combined. Canadian Pacific Blu-ray Kl Studio Classics 1949 / Color /1:37 flat Academy / 95 min. / Street Date August 9, 2016 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Randolph Scott, Jane Wyatt, J. Carrol Nash, Victor Jory, Nancy Olson, Robert Barrat, Walter Sande, Don Haggerty, Grandon Rhodes, John Hamilton, George Chandler, Holmes Herbert, Norman Jewison, Chief Yowlachie. Cinematography Fred Jackman, Jr., Film Editor Philip Martin Art Direction Ernst Fegeé Original Music Dimitri Tiomkin Written by Jack DeWitt, Kenneth Gamet story by Jack DeWitt Produced by Nat Holt Directed by Edwin L. Marin Reviewed by Glenn Erickson All Randolph Scott movies aren't created equal,...
- 9/25/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Cinema Retro proudly presents its latest "Movie Classics" special edition issue: "The American Westerns of Clint Eastwood", the perfect companion to our acclaimed special issue dedicated to the three Clint Eastwood Westerns directed by Sergio Leone.
"The American Westerns of Clint Eastwood" is a 116 page limited edition publication. Each of Eastwood's American Westerns is covered in detail in individual chapters:
"Hang "Em High" "Paint Your Wagon" "Two Mules for Sister Sara" "The Beguiled" "Joe Kidd" "High Plains Drifter" The Outlaw Josey Wales" "Pale Rider" "Unforgiven" Special section covering early film roles and TV Western appearances
Featuring hundreds of photographs, rare behind-the-scenes stills an movie poster art, including location photos (then and now) and even props that exist to this day in private collections!!
We are also very honored to present unseen movie poster designs by the legendary Bill Gold, who has overseen the advertising campaigns for most of Eastwood's films...
"The American Westerns of Clint Eastwood" is a 116 page limited edition publication. Each of Eastwood's American Westerns is covered in detail in individual chapters:
"Hang "Em High" "Paint Your Wagon" "Two Mules for Sister Sara" "The Beguiled" "Joe Kidd" "High Plains Drifter" The Outlaw Josey Wales" "Pale Rider" "Unforgiven" Special section covering early film roles and TV Western appearances
Featuring hundreds of photographs, rare behind-the-scenes stills an movie poster art, including location photos (then and now) and even props that exist to this day in private collections!!
We are also very honored to present unseen movie poster designs by the legendary Bill Gold, who has overseen the advertising campaigns for most of Eastwood's films...
- 7/25/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Dick Van Patten, the popular comedic character actor, has passed away at age 86. Patten was a child actor who eventually went on to perform in 30 Broadway shows. He also proved to be a popular presence on early TV shows such as "I Remember Mama". In the 1970s, he appeared on "The Love Boat" and a decade later had a hit show with "Eight is Enough". More recently, he co-starred on "Hot in Cleveland". Van Patten also made any number of hit feature films including such diverse fare as the Clint Eastwood western "Joe Kidd" and three movies with Mel Brooks: "High Anxiety", "Spaceballs" and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights". For more, click here. ...
- 6/23/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
To recall the cinema of Charles Bronson, one can’t get far without referencing his sterling epoch in 1970s era American film, a period eclipsed mightily by the star’s work with director Michael Winner. Kino Lorber resurrects one of the star’s lesser remembered titles, Mr. Majestyk, a 1974 action flick written by the great Elmore Leonard and directed by the illustrious Richard Fleischer, known for a varied career that included a penchant for true crime related titles (Compulsion; The Boston Strangler; 10 Rillington Place), and famed adaptations of pulpy novels, like Soylent Green and the infamous Mandingo. Unfortunately, Fleisher’s title opened one week prior to the juggernaut known as Death Wish back in July of 1974, and has perhaps been unfairly overshadowed ever since.
Bronson stars as Vince Majestyk, a humble melon farmer whose only desire is to harvest his crop of watermelons. A Vietnam veteran, Majestyk steps to in...
Bronson stars as Vince Majestyk, a humble melon farmer whose only desire is to harvest his crop of watermelons. A Vietnam veteran, Majestyk steps to in...
- 8/12/2014
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
If you’re familiar with Elmore Leonard, the new trailer for Life of Crime will probably pull you in, even if the story doesn’t seem like his usual fare.
It’s hard to find the common thread that runs through 3:10 to Yuma, Joe Kidd, Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, and TV’s Justified (unless it just people generally being bad ass), but these and other titles that have come from Elmore Leonard’s works (if he didn’t pen the screenplay) are the kinds of stories that grab people with their characters. The latest, based on “The Switch,” is a strange twist on caper films that centers around a plot to kidnap a real estate developer’s wife to collect ransom. The catch is that he doesn’t especially want her back. With the mark not exactly looking to play ball, things get weird, and there’s no telling where we’ll end up.
It’s hard to find the common thread that runs through 3:10 to Yuma, Joe Kidd, Get Shorty, Jackie Brown, and TV’s Justified (unless it just people generally being bad ass), but these and other titles that have come from Elmore Leonard’s works (if he didn’t pen the screenplay) are the kinds of stories that grab people with their characters. The latest, based on “The Switch,” is a strange twist on caper films that centers around a plot to kidnap a real estate developer’s wife to collect ransom. The catch is that he doesn’t especially want her back. With the mark not exactly looking to play ball, things get weird, and there’s no telling where we’ll end up.
- 5/21/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Moviefone's Top DVD of the Week
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"
What's It About? Can Ron Burgundy and his team up their game to take on the 24-hour news cycle? Will they take a bite out of the Big Apple or choke? Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate return for more unclassy antics.
Why We're In: Anyone who's watched a Will Ferrell/Adam McKay film knows that the alternate and extended scenes are endlessly watchable. That goes double for "Anchorman 2," which was initially released as a PG-13 film and later upgraded to a "super-sized R."
Exclusive: Watch a scene from "Super-Sized R-Rated" Version of "Anchorman 2" (Video)
Rt 2 win #Anchorman2 on BluRay + NewsTeam mustache & autographed Sex Panther cologne! Rules: http://t.co/9EW8jlbjZe pic.twitter.com/N2YxpZygZT
- moviefone (@moviefone) March 31, 2014
Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of the Week
"Once"
What's It About? A...
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"
What's It About? Can Ron Burgundy and his team up their game to take on the 24-hour news cycle? Will they take a bite out of the Big Apple or choke? Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate return for more unclassy antics.
Why We're In: Anyone who's watched a Will Ferrell/Adam McKay film knows that the alternate and extended scenes are endlessly watchable. That goes double for "Anchorman 2," which was initially released as a PG-13 film and later upgraded to a "super-sized R."
Exclusive: Watch a scene from "Super-Sized R-Rated" Version of "Anchorman 2" (Video)
Rt 2 win #Anchorman2 on BluRay + NewsTeam mustache & autographed Sex Panther cologne! Rules: http://t.co/9EW8jlbjZe pic.twitter.com/N2YxpZygZT
- moviefone (@moviefone) March 31, 2014
Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of the Week
"Once"
What's It About? A...
- 4/1/2014
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
Elmore Leonard, the famed author of numerous gritty crime thrillers, has passed away at the age of 87 due to complications from a stroke. A Detroit native, known as "Dutch" amongst friends and family, Leonard leaves behind a tremendous legacy of work with more than 40 novels published, many of them adapted into films or TV shows. Among those adapted to the big screen are Joe Kidd with Clint Eastwood, Mr. Majestyk with Charles Bronson, Out Of Sight with George Clooney, 3:10 To Yuma...
- 8/20/2013
- by Paul Shirey
- JoBlo.com
Author Elmore Leonard, whose dark-crime books have been optioned into a slew of hit TV shows and movies, is currently recovering from a stroke in a hospital near his Detroit-area home. He is 87.
"Out of Sight," "Get Shorty," "Rum Punch" (released as "Jackie Brown"), and "Three-Ten to Yuma" are among Leonard's novels and short stories that have been adapted into films. He also originated the "Justified" character Raylan Givens, and he's penned several screenplays, such as the 1972 Clint Eastwood Western "Joe Kidd."
The movie "Life of Crime," based on his thriller "The Switch," is set to premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Mos Def, Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, and Isla Fisher, it's described as "a crime caper about two ex-cons whose plan to kidnap a real estate developer's wife doesn't go quite as smoothly as expected."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leonard's stroke "was not life-threatening.
"Out of Sight," "Get Shorty," "Rum Punch" (released as "Jackie Brown"), and "Three-Ten to Yuma" are among Leonard's novels and short stories that have been adapted into films. He also originated the "Justified" character Raylan Givens, and he's penned several screenplays, such as the 1972 Clint Eastwood Western "Joe Kidd."
The movie "Life of Crime," based on his thriller "The Switch," is set to premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Mos Def, Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, and Isla Fisher, it's described as "a crime caper about two ex-cons whose plan to kidnap a real estate developer's wife doesn't go quite as smoothly as expected."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leonard's stroke "was not life-threatening.
- 8/5/2013
- by Laura Larson
- Moviefone
No-nonsense Western starring Clint Eastwood as a bounty hunter enlisted by ruthless land owner Robert Duvall to help quash an uprising of Mexican rebels. But joining a posse doesn't mean a man has to agree with its cause, and Joe soon senses a switch in his allegiances. With a script by crime ace Elmore Leonard and The Magnificent Seven director John Sturges holding the reins, it's no surprise that Joe Kidd delivers his words and deeds straight up.
- 1/21/2013
- Sky Movies
Deborah Kerr in the classic ghost story The Innocents, screenplay by Truman Capote.
The Anthology Film Archives in New York is holding a unique film festival throughout the month of September honoring screenwriters who were best known for their work as novelists. Here are the details:
On this calendar we are highlighting the screenwriting work of writers best known as novelists – including pulp novelists like Richard Matheson, Donald Westlake, and Elmore Leonard, cult figures such as Don Carpenter and John Fante, and such highly respected authors as Truman Capote and Joan Didion. Paying homage to the long tradition of novelists trying their hand at writing for the movies, we will present a selection of films based not on these writers’ novels, but on their original screenplays (which are sometimes adaptations of other novelists’ work).
From The Pen Of is programmed in close collaboration with author/musician Alan Licht.
Very special thanks to Alan Licht,...
The Anthology Film Archives in New York is holding a unique film festival throughout the month of September honoring screenwriters who were best known for their work as novelists. Here are the details:
On this calendar we are highlighting the screenwriting work of writers best known as novelists – including pulp novelists like Richard Matheson, Donald Westlake, and Elmore Leonard, cult figures such as Don Carpenter and John Fante, and such highly respected authors as Truman Capote and Joan Didion. Paying homage to the long tradition of novelists trying their hand at writing for the movies, we will present a selection of films based not on these writers’ novels, but on their original screenplays (which are sometimes adaptations of other novelists’ work).
From The Pen Of is programmed in close collaboration with author/musician Alan Licht.
Very special thanks to Alan Licht,...
- 9/5/2012
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Oscar-nominated cinematographer who worked on Lenny, Dirty Harry and The Beguiled
The American cinematographer Bruce Surtees, who has died aged 74, became known as "the prince of darkness" for his muted and often lugubrious style of lighting. However, while Surtees was well-suited to the nocturnal street scenes of Dirty Harry (1971), the Rembrandt-esque arrangements of The Beguiled (1971) and the claustrophobic interiors of Escape from Alcatraz (1979), all directed by Don Siegel, he was also at home with the wide open spaces of the western Joe Kidd (1972) and the surfing movie Big Wednesday (1978).
His deceptively simple black-and-white scheme for Lenny (1974), Bob Fosse's semi-documentary biopic of the comedian Lenny Bruce, earned Surtees an Oscar nomination. The film's compelling stand-up sequences owe almost as much to the expert lighting of the nightclub as they do to Dustin Hoffman's performance. As Hoffman paces the stage, chased by his own shadow, the light captures wisps of...
The American cinematographer Bruce Surtees, who has died aged 74, became known as "the prince of darkness" for his muted and often lugubrious style of lighting. However, while Surtees was well-suited to the nocturnal street scenes of Dirty Harry (1971), the Rembrandt-esque arrangements of The Beguiled (1971) and the claustrophobic interiors of Escape from Alcatraz (1979), all directed by Don Siegel, he was also at home with the wide open spaces of the western Joe Kidd (1972) and the surfing movie Big Wednesday (1978).
His deceptively simple black-and-white scheme for Lenny (1974), Bob Fosse's semi-documentary biopic of the comedian Lenny Bruce, earned Surtees an Oscar nomination. The film's compelling stand-up sequences owe almost as much to the expert lighting of the nightclub as they do to Dustin Hoffman's performance. As Hoffman paces the stage, chased by his own shadow, the light captures wisps of...
- 2/29/2012
- by Chris Wiegand
- The Guardian - Film News
Clint Eastwood takes a slightly different turn with his latest movie. Here's our take on Hereafter, which arrives in the UK today...
On the face of it, Hereafter might seem an odd fit for Clint Eastwood. A supernatural drama directed by the man who made his name through gritted teeth and a really big gun?
Eastwood, however, has always been keen to confound expectations, alternating between films engineered to play to his strengths and those that might stretch them.
As early as 1971's The Beguiled, he was turning his image on its head, then went back to the day job with Joe Kidd in 1972, before 1973's Breezy showed his more sensitive side. A kind of 'one for me, one for them' arrangement way before Steven Soderbergh got in on the act.
But Hereafter isn't the big stretch it would appear to be. There's a big question hinted at within Peter Morgan...
On the face of it, Hereafter might seem an odd fit for Clint Eastwood. A supernatural drama directed by the man who made his name through gritted teeth and a really big gun?
Eastwood, however, has always been keen to confound expectations, alternating between films engineered to play to his strengths and those that might stretch them.
As early as 1971's The Beguiled, he was turning his image on its head, then went back to the day job with Joe Kidd in 1972, before 1973's Breezy showed his more sensitive side. A kind of 'one for me, one for them' arrangement way before Steven Soderbergh got in on the act.
But Hereafter isn't the big stretch it would appear to be. There's a big question hinted at within Peter Morgan...
- 1/28/2011
- Den of Geek
Actor famous for her roles in blaxploitation films of the 1970s
The actor Vonetta McGee, who has died aged 65 after a cardiac arrest, was a heroine of 1970s blaxploitation movies, but I pursued her because she had also appeared in the greatest of all Italian westerns, Sergio Corbucci's Il Grande Silenzio (The Great Silence). The year was 1983, and I was in the fortunate position of having a feature to direct: Repo Man. The cast was a large one for a low-budget movie. It included all types: method actors from New York, punks from the La hardcore scene, disgruntled Hollywood character actors and refugees from the theatre, but only one star, as I soon discovered.
Not that Vonetta behaved in a "starry" fashion. She was completely approachable and a professional, always one of the team. Nevertheless, of all the actors in my film, Vonetta was the one with the credits.
The actor Vonetta McGee, who has died aged 65 after a cardiac arrest, was a heroine of 1970s blaxploitation movies, but I pursued her because she had also appeared in the greatest of all Italian westerns, Sergio Corbucci's Il Grande Silenzio (The Great Silence). The year was 1983, and I was in the fortunate position of having a feature to direct: Repo Man. The cast was a large one for a low-budget movie. It included all types: method actors from New York, punks from the La hardcore scene, disgruntled Hollywood character actors and refugees from the theatre, but only one star, as I soon discovered.
Not that Vonetta behaved in a "starry" fashion. She was completely approachable and a professional, always one of the team. Nevertheless, of all the actors in my film, Vonetta was the one with the credits.
- 7/20/2010
- by Alex Cox
- The Guardian - Film News
May31st is Memorial Day, but film fans might find another reason to celebrate, as it also happens to be Clint Eastwood's birthday. The granddaddy of all that is cool, quiet, and badass is turning 80 years old today. 80 years old. Ponder that for awhile, because it seems incredible, particularly since he's still as sharp, smart, and hardworking as ever. Sexy too! He may be 80 but he still has that incredible rakish smile, all the better because it was so rarely used on film.
After you're done honoring the sacrifices of our troops (don't think I mean that glibly), you might want to take two hours and celebrate Mr. Eastwood's birthday. TCM is hosting a marathon of Eastwood movies, beginning with his fresh-faced debut in The First Traveling Saleslady, continuing on through his trilogy with Sergio Leone, and finishing up with Magnum Force. Airing between is Richard Schickel's documentary The Eastwood Factor,...
After you're done honoring the sacrifices of our troops (don't think I mean that glibly), you might want to take two hours and celebrate Mr. Eastwood's birthday. TCM is hosting a marathon of Eastwood movies, beginning with his fresh-faced debut in The First Traveling Saleslady, continuing on through his trilogy with Sergio Leone, and finishing up with Magnum Force. Airing between is Richard Schickel's documentary The Eastwood Factor,...
- 5/31/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- Cinematical
The Train Robbers has been sitting in my Netflix queue for ages, hoping every Tuesday night that I’ll finally pick it for a Western Wednesday. It may have stayed there forever had not Justin Gray suggested it. Gray, as you should know by now, is coauthor of the DC series Jonah Hex. If he says “You should watch The Train Robbers!”, you call up the Netflix queue, and then you apologize to John Wayne that you required someone to intercede on his behalf.
However about halfway through, I began wondering if I had picked the right movie. Nothing was happening. The villains were a dustcloud shrouded bunch who just thundered around, Ann-Margaret was getting on my nerves, the sidekicks were blurring together, and Wayne was just being Wayne. I checked the clock and was relieved to see there was only about 15 minutes left.
And in that 15 minutes, The Train Robbers becomes an epic,...
However about halfway through, I began wondering if I had picked the right movie. Nothing was happening. The villains were a dustcloud shrouded bunch who just thundered around, Ann-Margaret was getting on my nerves, the sidekicks were blurring together, and Wayne was just being Wayne. I checked the clock and was relieved to see there was only about 15 minutes left.
And in that 15 minutes, The Train Robbers becomes an epic,...
- 3/17/2010
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- The Flickcast
Today’s Wednesday Western comes to you courtesy of a namedrop by the big man himself, Clint Eastwood. If Eastwood casually says The Ox-Bow Incident is a really good Western, you have to drop what you’re doing and watch it. (Considering it’s only one hour long, it’s pretty easy to find some time to do it!)
I can see why Eastwood likes Ox-Bow. There are shades of Hang ‘Em High and Unforgiven in it. It’s the kind of film that reminds me why I was so eager to explore this genre. We all tend to classify Westerns as rousing shoot-em-ups and masculine swagger, but there are a lot of dark, bitter stories hidden among the John Ford panoramas. Even this film is often billed as a Henry Fonda movie about cattle rustlers, giving the impression that it’ll be a classic horse opera. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I can see why Eastwood likes Ox-Bow. There are shades of Hang ‘Em High and Unforgiven in it. It’s the kind of film that reminds me why I was so eager to explore this genre. We all tend to classify Westerns as rousing shoot-em-ups and masculine swagger, but there are a lot of dark, bitter stories hidden among the John Ford panoramas. Even this film is often billed as a Henry Fonda movie about cattle rustlers, giving the impression that it’ll be a classic horse opera. Nothing could be further from the truth.
- 12/16/2009
- by Elisabeth Rappe
- The Flickcast
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