Roger Corman, the iconic filmmaker known for his low-budget B movies, has passed away at the age of 98 at his home in Santa Monica, California [12c62b59]. Corman died on Thursday, according to a statement posted on his official Instagram account [12c62b59].
Corman, often referred to as the 'King of the Bs,' was a prolific producer and director who made hundreds of inexpensive films throughout his career [12c62b59]. He specialized in lightning-fast, low-budget productions that often became cult classics [12c62b59]. Some of his notable works include 'The Little Shop of Horrors' and a series of acclaimed Edgar Allan Poe adaptations starring Vincent Price [12c62b59]. He also had a strong influence on European horror cinema [12c62b59].
Corman's career had a profound impact on Hollywood, shaping the action, horror, and science fiction genres and providing a platform for future stars and filmmakers [12c62b59]. He mentored and influenced filmmakers like Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, James Cameron, and Martin Scorsese, who went on to have successful careers [12c62b59]. Corman also mentored actors like Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, William Shatner, and Robert De Niro, jumpstarting their careers [12c62b59].
Corman was born in Detroit in 1926 and got his Hollywood start as a messenger for Twentieth Century-Fox before becoming a script reader [12c62b59]. He later became a mainstay of American International Pictures, known for pioneering the 'low-budget drive-in fare of the 1950s' [12c62b59]. As a producer and director, he racked up more than 500 credits, including films like 'The Fast and the Furious,' 'Grand Theft Auto,' and 'The Cry Baby Killer,' which marked Jack Nicholson's big-screen debut [12c62b59].
Corman's influence can be seen in the work of many successful filmmakers today. He paved the way for independent cinema and showed that great films could be made on a shoestring budget [12c62b59]. His rebellious spirit and commitment to storytelling continue to inspire filmmakers around the world [12c62b59].
Robert Towne, a legendary Hollywood screenwriter, played a significant role in shaping the New Hollywood era of the 1970s [93c49621]. He started his career working for B-movie legend Roger Corman and later collaborated with Jack Nicholson on iconic films [93c49621]. Towne's screenplays were known for their gritty realism, sociopolitical commentary, and dark, downbeat endings [93c49621]. His most famous work is the 1974 neo-noir mystery film Chinatown, for which he won an Academy Award [93c49621]. Towne's understanding of the 'state of mind' in 'Chinatown' was crucial to the film's success [f9fda91e].
Despite his successes, Towne's life was marred by cocaine addiction and his secretive writing collaborations with Edward Taylor [f9fda91e]. However, he was still considered an architect of America's post-'60s cultural 'state of mind' [f9fda91e]. Towne's legacy is still visible in the film industry today [93c49621]. He also had a close friendship and successful collaboration with Tom Cruise [93c49621]. Towne's impact on Hollywood is undeniable [93c49621].
Corman and Towne were both legends in Hollywood's film industry. Corman's low-budget B movies and Towne's masterful screenwriting played significant roles in shaping the world of cinema [12c62b59] [93c49621]. Their contributions will always be remembered, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors [12c62b59] [93c49621].