Let’s start with the obvious: Paul Newman is one of the most celebrated, charismatic, charming and unique stars in Hollywood history. A magnetic presence on the screen, if he was shooting it was virtually impossible to look away, who also had an overwhelming acting talent, resulting in a practically perfect cinematic figure.
Paul Newman’s films as a director
1 “Rachel, Rachel”
In addition to his film debut, “Raquel, Raquel” is by far Paul Newman’s best film as a director. From the close-ups to the thrilling finale, a particularly exceptional section within the exceptional ensemble, the protagonist of this story a huge one Joanne Woodward is told with admirable delicacy, intelligence, sensitivity and elegance. An intimate cinema, free and moving in its simplicity that was further enhanced by the soundtrack of Jerome Moross, a cast of wonderful supporting actors and the ability of Newman’s camera to accompany, dialogue, understand and admire its unforgettable protagonist. A memorable directorial debut.
Two “Invincible caste”
Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel, ‘Invincible Caste’ marked Paul Newman’s confirmation as a wonderful director. Also, in his second feature film after “Raquel, Raquel”, he combined his work behind the camera with the always welcome presence of him in front of them, offering a capital interpretation in a work in which it is also worth highlighting the work of Henry Fonda and, above all, Lee Remick and Richard Jaeckel. The respective works, together with the splendid soundtrack by the genius Henry Mancini and a direction as sober as it is effective, ended up completing a remarkable family melodrama with moments of undeniable emotional significance. The most accessible proposal from the director of Newman.
Invincible caste in eCartelera
3 ‘The effect of gamma rays on daisies’
Critically acclaimed, ‘The Effect of Gamma Rays on Daisies’, a beautiful title, adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Paul Zindel, with the most absolute rawness, completely moving away from a tearful profile in which one could have been completely fallen. And it is that, thanks above all to the direction of a Paul Newman fully aware that the story he was telling was alone without needing to underline, the film captured you and shaken you by the silences and by the looks, by the small gestures and the punctual moments of strange poetry. . A proposal as dry as it is risky in which the monumental interpretation of Joanne Woodward, winner of the Cannes Best Actress Award for this work.
4 “Harry and son”
The autobiographical essence that distinguishes “Harry and Son” is a key point when it comes to understanding its impact on the viewer. Combining a calm and elegant directing of the house, with a superb performance, there is no scene in which it appears that is not a real enjoyment, Paul Newman has signed a film that is seen with constant pleasure, capturing the most powerful dramatic moments. and exciting in a final stretch that stands out from the rest. A simple film in its forms, very interesting in its background and enjoyable from start to finish when seen.
5 ‘The glass zoo’
For his fifth and final film as a director, Paul Newman opted for the risky decision to literally adapt “The Glass Menagerie,” a play of the same name as essential Tennessee Williams. And it is precisely in this obsession to respect the starting material as much as possible what weighs down a proposal with a strong theatrical spirit that ends up generating more boredom than admiration. A slight disappointment more or less balanced by a cast completely involved in the story and in which the impressive works of Joanne Woodward and John Malkovich stand out. The performances of him are by far the best of this failed directorial farewell of the giant Newman.
Listing the number of classics he has starred in over the course of his professional career would be a real challenge that would force us to use several specials, so the option chosen to return to Newman’s universe was to remember his directorial aspect. And it is that, although by no means the most celebrated of his career, the actor also tried his luck behind the camera in a total of five feature filmsNot to mention ‘The Dark Box’, his stunning 1980 TV movie.
Sober director, completely out of any excess or attempt at visual bombast, strongly linked to classicism and with a particular predilection for emphasizing the importance of his characters, Paul Newman’s director is more than just an anecdote. Because, While it is true that he has not signed any masterpieces, his short but intense filmography behind the camera is full of great cinematic moments. More (gold) wood for the career of an absolute legend.
Source: E Cartelera
