Samson & DelilahA Retrospective on Two Centenarian Hollywood Veterans
Bestowed with the privilege of interviewing a near century of living Hollywood history, I recently chatted with production designer extraordinaire, Robert Boyle and special effects titan, Harry Redmond Jr., on the occasion of each man’s 100th birthday. Giants of filmdom each, their paths to successful careers were as different as they were compelling. Robert Boyle’s... »
Richard Kline
Among the great shooters from Hollywood’s Golden Age, cinematographer Richard Kline is one practitioner of ‘lens-craft’ who possessed a surgical perfection with his camera. The twice Oscar-nominated DP was literally a ‘sire of Tinseltown.’ His mom was a paymaster at Universal while his father, (Benjamin Kline) lensed filmnoir classics like Detour as well as... »
Production Designer Albert Brenner
In Tinseltown, no two paths are exactly alike. Some guys are born to the manor, while others, like four-time Oscar-nominated production designer Albert Brenner, obtain their crown of success the hard way: they earn it. Brenner’s journey to Hollywood began like many; with a dream and the G.I. Bill following service in World War II.... »
William Fraker
In 1960s Hollywood, the Darwinian expansion of the independent studios produced a talented new crop of cinematographers. One such visionary-to-be (who at 85 continues to shoot and teach) is style chameleon and storyteller extraordinaire William Fraker. Billy (to pals) began his ascent to rank among Tinseltown’s elite lensmen by way of near manifest destiny.... »
Marvin March, Set Decorator
One of the most interesting aspects about the collaborative effort of working in Hollywood is the depth of skills that make up a crew. From production designers to camera and grip, and wardrobe to Teamsters, these divergent groups all work together to bring the director’s vision to screen. Among the multitude of craft designations,... »
Geroge Barris
In Hollywood during the early 1950s, one man’s vision impacted the cinematic car culture of America so greatly that his contributions remain relevant today. This award-winning visionary is automotive icon George Barris, whose below-the-line genius gave us dozens of signature vehicles for television and film. From General Lee to The Batmobile, Barris treated his wheeled... »
Fred Koenekamp
Among the lensmen working in Hollywood during the golden age of motion pictures, Fred Koenekamp is one DP who never rested on his laurels. In fact, it seems he never rested at all. He is a child of the industry whose father (Hans Koenekamp) was an effects cameraman at Mack Sennett Studios in the... »
Latest Headlines
Director Series
Joe Johnston Conjures The WolfmanFebruary 2010 | By Scott Essman
Former Industrial Light and Magic art director Joe Johnston became a feature film director over 20 years ago when he came aboard... »
Danish Director Blends Comedy and Tragedy in An Education
January 2010 | By Mary Ann Skweres
The critically acclaimed film, An Education, which garnered the Audience Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, has quietly slipped into Oscar contention. From... »
Exclusive Film Reviews
Up in the AirDecember 2009 | By Len Klady
Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) has an amiable disposition that belies the fact that it’s best to stay out of his path. You see he’s... »
The Young Victoria
December 2009 | By Len Klady
The enduring image of Queen Victoria, whose reign dominated the bulk of the 19th century, is of a benevolent, elderly grandmother. Though she was... »