In Reply to: You knew it was coming posted by mvwine on November 22, 2002 at 07:43:48:
First, let me start by adding a couple of names to your list. I would not hesitate adding Stanley Kibrik - I do see him as more American than anything else.I would also add a name I would expect to cause a contraversy - Max Linder. I know, I know, he was born and died in France, but his years in America were productive, and most importantly, he was Charlie Chaplin's teacher and inspiration. Many of his discoveries were later copied by the pale Marx Brothers, albeit without his flair.
Anyway, to answer your last question, I'd say that with the Stanley's addition the US finally gets a crack at joining the ranks of great directors.
Other guys on your list are all good, even very good, and would no doubt do an honor to any country, but as I usually say, the competition for the top spot is extremely strong, and our guys, good as they are, get silver, not gold.
I love the early Woody, he is wonderful, but he is more like Mozart next to the truly deep and monumental giants like Mahler, Beethoven and Shostakovich. Ditto for the other guys. More like a baroque chamber vs. grandiose symphonies.
I like all the guys on your list with one exception - Hitchcock... somehow I never developed any attachment to him, except for his short subjects and his magazine.
And yes, I think Chaplin should be in the first part of your list.
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Follow Ups
- Interesting! - Victor Khomenko 08:07:22 11/22/02 (6)
- Agree about Kubrick - edta 11:25:43 11/22/02 (4)
- Re: Agree about Kubrick - Victor Khomenko 11:38:37 11/22/02 (3)
- Dangerous Analogies - Harmonia 13:19:08 11/22/02 (2)
- Stop beating me on that Mozard thingy, you guys! - Victor Khomenko 13:50:59 11/22/02 (1)
- ROFL! Bury yourself Victor! - Harmonia 20:06:15 11/25/02 (0)
- I was tempted to add Kubrick - mvwine 08:26:45 11/22/02 (0)