rosey3223Bio: Elia Kazan
November 30th 2007 22:14
Elia Kazan is known to be one of the most professional movie directors in the history of Hollywood. Kazan had a different spirit, that was highly shown in his work. Some find him compliated like most of his movies; others find him simple. He was and still a mysterious icon for many.
Kazan was born on the 7th of September in 1909,in Istanbul, Turkey. HIs Greek/Turkish parents immigrated to New York city when he was only four. His father was a rug merchant, that was convinced that his son will belong to his business. Kazan had a different plan and with the support of his mother he was able to be an artist. He graduated from Yale University school of Drama in 1920's. HIs first work was at the theatre as an actor in many plays 'Men in white', 'Waiting for lefty', 'Johnny Johnson' and 'Golden boy'. As for directing ' A street named desire'-later in the early 50's he presented the same story in the cinema and 'Cat on hot tin roof''.
His famous movies:
'The people of the cucmberland', 'A tree grows in Brooklyn', 'The sea of grass', 'Boomerang', ' Gentleman's Agreement', 'Pinky', 'Panic in the streets', 'A street car named desire', 'Viva Zapata', 'On the waterfront', 'East of Eden', 'Babydoll', 'The Arrangment' and ' The last tycoon'. Kazan's movies are known to be profound and they always discuss important issues, like the 'arrangment' ( a novel written by him). He discussed the double life of a Greek American and how he manages to live in a different culture.
Despite the fact that Kazan is a role model for many film makers and he helped in shaping the American cinema; some people were against him because of his political activity. Kazan was a communist and his first anger from the system is when the party members tried to interfere in his artistic work. Later he was accussed of 'naming names' of the party members to HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee). It was said he chose to do such a thing to preserve his career. Although this sounds indecent Kazan remained one of the most influential figures in the cinema world. His work has nothing to do with his political activity. At the same time, this story has many forms and no one knows the real reason behind Kazan's action.
His Personal Life:
Kazan's first marriage stayed more than 31 years till the death of his wife Molly Day Thacher, a playwriter. They had two daughters and two sons. His second marriage lasted for 11 years and ended the same end. His wife Barbara Loden, the actress died in 1980 left him with their two sons. Later he met Frances Rudge and they got married in 1982 till he died at the age of 94 in 2003.
| 53 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
He had a knack for bringing out the best performances in his players through clever manipulations. His work with Marlon Brando and Jimmy Dean are amongst their best and I love Panic in the Streets..
I look forward to reading more and welcome to Orble!