Roger Corman

Roger Corman
Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Roger Corman
Birth date	April 5, 1926
Birth place	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Occupation	Film director, producer, actor

Roger Corman is a renowned American film director, producer, and actor, known for his work on low-budget films, particularly in the horror film and science fiction film genres. He has collaborated with many notable filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and James Cameron. Corman's films often feature B-movie staples, such as Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Boris Karloff. His production company, New World Pictures, has produced films like Death Race 2000 and Rock 'n' Roll High School.

● Early Life and Education

Corman was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a family of Russian Jewish descent. He developed an interest in film at a young age, influenced by the works of Fritz Lang and Alfred Hitchcock. Corman attended Stanford University, where he studied engineering and English literature, and later worked as a screenwriter for Twentieth Century-Fox. He also worked with American International Pictures, a company that would later become a major player in the B-movie industry, producing films like The Tingler and House of Usher.

● Career

Corman's career in film began in the 1950s, with his first film, Five Guns West, released in 1955. He went on to direct a string of successful low-budget films, including The Little Shop of Horrors and The Fall of the House of Usher, which starred Vincent Price. Corman's films often featured special effects and makeup by Dick Smith and Rob Bottin. He also worked with cinematographer John Alcott and composer Bernard Herrmann. Corman's production company, New World Pictures, produced films like The Wild Angels and The Trip, which starred Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Corman has also worked with actresses like Barbara Steele and Pamela Franklin, and actors like Jason Robards and William Shatner.

● Filmography

Corman's filmography includes a wide range of genres, from horror films like The Haunted Palace and The Tomb of Ligeia, to science fiction films like X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes and The Last Woman on Earth. He has also directed drama films like The Intruder and The Young Racers, and comedy films like A Bucket of Blood and The Little Shop of Horrors. Corman's films often feature cameos by notable actors and actresses, including Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, and Sharon Tate. His films have been released by various companies, including American International Pictures, New World Pictures, and MGM Studios. Corman has also worked with filmmakers like Samuel Fuller and Herb Freed.

● Awards and Legacy

Corman has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to film, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Society of Lincoln Center and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has also been recognized by the American Film Institute and the Library of Congress. Corman's films have influenced a generation of filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino and Tim Burton. His production company, New World Pictures, has been credited with launching the careers of Francis Ford Coppola and James Cameron. Corman's legacy extends beyond his own films, with his influence visible in the work of filmmakers like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

● Personal Life

Corman is married to Julie Corman, a film producer and screenwriter. He has four children, including Catherine Corman, a film producer and actress. Corman is known for his frugal approach to filmmaking, often using low-budget techniques to produce high-quality films. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the American Film Institute and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Corman has also been recognized for his contributions to the environmental movement, particularly in the area of conservation. He has worked with organizations like the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife Fund.