Roger Corman, Influential Filmmaker and ‘King of the Bs,’ Dies at Age 98
LOS ANGELES — Renowned filmmaker Roger Corman, widely regarded as the “King of the Bs,” passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of cinema. Corman, acknowledged for his low-budget creations, including iconic movies like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters,” helped launch the careers of numerous famous actors and directors. His contributions have forever altered the landscape of Hollywood.
Early Life and Beginnings
DCorman and his wife, Julie, raised their children, Catherine, Roger, Brian, and Mary, in Beverly Hills. Born in Detroit, Corman studied engineering at Stanford University before serving in the Navy. After a brief stint at Oxford studying English literature, Corman explored different roles in the entertainment industry, working as a television stagehand and literary agent.
Master of the B-Movie
Starting in 1955, Corman established himself as a prolific filmmaker, producing and directing hundreds of B-movies. Noteworthy titles in his expansive filmography include “Black Scorpion,” “Bucket of Blood,” and “Bloody Mama.” Despite their limited budgets, Corman managed to attract emerging talent such as Francis Ford Coppola, James Cameron, Ron Howard, and Martin Scorsese. His deep appreciation for creativity and willingness to tackle unconventional ideas gave birth to an array of experimental cinematic works.
Actors and Directors Catapulted to Success
Throughout his career, Corman played a key role in launching the careers of several esteemed actors and directors. His keen eye for talent was evident with the discovery of iconic figures like Jack Nicholson, who made his film debut in 1958’s “The Cry Baby Killer.” Nicholson’s association with Corman continued as he starred in various biker, horror, and action films. Notable performers whose trajectory began with Corman include Robert De Niro, Bruce Dern, and Ellen Burstyn. Corman’s collaborations also served as springboards for established stars like Peter Fonda, as his appearance in “The Wild Angels” preceded his landmark film “Easy Rider,” and Barbara Hershey and David Carradine in “Boxcar Bertha,” an early motion picture helmed by Martin Scorsese.
Molded Visionaries and Fostering Creativity
Corman’s approach to filmmaking, characterized by incredibly tight schedules and minuscule budgets, forced directors to think creatively and problem-solve. With constraints in place, opportunities for bold experimentation arose, contributing to the birth of the golden age of Hollywood in the 1970s. Many former collaborators and protégés of Corman, such as Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, and Ron Howard, made sure to express their gratitude for his mentorship and his invaluable impact on the industry.
Hollywood Breakthroughs and Cultural Significance
Corman’s filmography primarily appealed to drive-ins and specialized theaters initially, but with the increasing interest of teenagers, major national chains followed suit. His movies, unafraid to address controversial themes like sex and drugs, pushed the boundaries of storytelling. A remarkable instance is his 1967 release “The Trip,” an explicit and introspective tale of LSD, featuring a screenplay by Jack Nicholson, as well as talented actors Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Notably, Corman also championed the distribution of prestigious foreign films in the United States, with Ingmar Bergman’s “Cries and Whispers,” Federico Fellini’s “Amarcord,” and Volker Schlondorff’s “The Tin Drum” among his notable releases.
The Legacy, Final Farewells, and Hollywood’s Homage
The impact of Corman’s work resonates to this day, inspiring countless filmmakers and artists. Among his vast repertoire, a few gems continue to stand out, like the enduring 1960 film “Little Shop of Horrors,” a dark comedy portraying a carnivorous plant with Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable cameo. Corman’s fascination with Edgar Allan Poe’s works birthed a celebrated series of films. The standout among them, “The Raven,” united Nicholson with horror legends Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, and Basil Rathbone. Recognizing its cultural significance, the Library of Congress preserved Corman’s “House of Usher,” another Poe adaptation.
The industry mourns the loss of a visionary, with today’s iconic filmmakers such as John Carpenter, Jonathan Demme, and Ron Howard expressing their sadness and gratitude for Corman’s influence. Carpenter, renowned for his horror and action films including “Halloween” and “The Thing,” reminisced about the impact Corman had on him during his formative years, while Demme and Howard found ways to reciprocate the support and mentorship they received, offering him roles in acclaimed movies like “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Apollo 13.”
A Legend Remembered
The legendary Roger Corman’s career witnessed its share of ups and downs, with offers from major studios resulting in films like “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” and “Von Richthofen and Brown,” both failing to meet expectations due to excessive interference from the studio hierarchy. Despite the occasional setback, Corman retained unwavering support for his directors, fostering a compassionate and respectful working environment throughout his career.
Roger Corman transcended the conventions of the film industry, leaving an indelible mark on cinema’s landscape. His passion for the craft, ability to nurture talent, and daring creativity have left an exceptional legacy, unmatched by any other. As we bid farewell to the “King of the Bs,” the industry shall forever commemorate his unmatched contributions.
