"Imitation of Life"

"Imitation of Life"
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, 1606-1669 Zigrosser, Carl, 1891-1975 Frederick K · Public domain · source
Name	Imitation of Life
Director	Douglas Sirk
Producer	Ross Hunter
Writer	Eleanore Griffin, Allan Scott
Starring	Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, John Gavin, Sandra Dee

"Imitation of Life" is a 1959 American drama film directed by Douglas Sirk and produced by Ross Hunter. The film is based on the 1933 novel of the same name by Fannie Hurst, which was also adapted into a film in 1934 starring Claudette Colbert and Warren William. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, John Gavin, and Sandra Dee, and explores themes of racism, identity, and the American Dream. The film's narrative is set against the backdrop of Hollywood's Golden Age, with Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios serving as prominent settings.

● Introduction

The 1959 version of "Imitation of Life" was a major commercial success, grossing over $50 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, alongside Ben-Hur and Some Like It Hot. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast, including Lana Turner, who was a major Hollywood star at the time, known for her roles in films like The Postman Always Rings Twice and Peyton Place. The film also launched the career of Sandra Dee, who went on to appear in films like Gidget and A Man Could Get Killed. The movie's director, Douglas Sirk, was a renowned filmmaker known for his work on films like All That Heaven Allows and Written on the Wind, which also explored themes of social class and identity.

● Plot

The film tells the story of Lora Meredith, a young Hollywood actress played by Lana Turner, who becomes a star with the help of her agent, Allen Loomis, played by Robert Alda. Lora's rise to fame is contrasted with the struggles of her African American maid, Annie Johnson, played by Juanita Moore, who faces racism and discrimination in her daily life. The film also explores the complex relationships between Lora, Annie, and their respective daughters, Susie Meredith and Sarah Jane Johnson, played by Sandra Dee and Karin Dicker. As the story unfolds, the characters become embroiled in a web of deception and heartbreak, set against the glamorous backdrop of Beverly Hills and New York City.

● Production

The film was produced by Ross Hunter and Universal-International Pictures, with a screenplay by Eleanore Griffin and Allan Scott. The movie was shot on location in Los Angeles and New York City, with Cinemascope and Technicolor technology used to create a vibrant and stereophonic sound experience. The film's score was composed by Frank Skinner and Henry Mancini, with Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen contributing to the movie's soundtrack. The film's cinematography was handled by Russell Metty, who also worked on films like Spartacus and The Misfits.

● Themes

The film explores a range of themes, including racism, identity, and the American Dream. The character of Annie Johnson serves as a powerful symbol of the struggles faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement, with Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks being prominent figures of the time. The film also examines the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, as seen in the characters of Lora Meredith and Susie Meredith, as well as Annie Johnson and Sarah Jane Johnson. The movie's portrayal of Hollywood's Golden Age also provides a commentary on the social class and status of the time, with Beverly Hills and Bel Air serving as symbols of wealth and privilege.

● Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praising the film's direction and performances. The film was also a major commercial success, grossing over $50 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast, including Lana Turner, who was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance. The film also received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Juanita Moore and Best Cinematography for Russell Metty.

● Legacy

The film's legacy can be seen in its influence on later films and television shows, including The Brady Bunch and The Cosby Show. The film's portrayal of African American life and racism also paved the way for later films like Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and To Kill a Mockingbird. The film's director, Douglas Sirk, is also widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, with Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola citing him as an inspiration. The film has also been recognized by the Library of Congress as a National Film Registry landmark, alongside other classic films like Casablanca and Singin' in the Rain. Category:1959 films