Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
06-18-10, 09:56 AM
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Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
Link to pic at BBC site
Nice to see that Neame had a "good innings", albeit one cut short by an unfortunate fall.
It seems odd to think that The Poseidon Adventure was not acclaimed when first released but maybe it was not in keeping with the 1972 zeitgeist!
Poseidon Adventure director Ronald "Ronnie" Neame has died in hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 99.
The British film-maker, who died on Wednesday, never recovered after suffering from a fall, said family friend and BBC correspondent Peter Bowes.
London-born Neame also worked as a cinematographer on films including Blithe Spirit and In Which We Serve.
He directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, starring Dame Maggie Smith.
She won the best actress Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of the inspirational teacher of six young girls.
Neame also co-wrote screenplays including Great Expectations and Brief Encounter.
Classic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, released in 1972 and co-directed with Irwin Allen, starred Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters and was mauled by critics.
Speaking to the BBC in 2006, he said he was surprised by its enduring appeal adding that he "never believed that it was more than just an average picture".
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
The British film-maker, who died on Wednesday, never recovered after suffering from a fall, said family friend and BBC correspondent Peter Bowes.
London-born Neame also worked as a cinematographer on films including Blithe Spirit and In Which We Serve.
He directed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, starring Dame Maggie Smith.
She won the best actress Oscar in 1969 for her portrayal of the inspirational teacher of six young girls.
Neame also co-wrote screenplays including Great Expectations and Brief Encounter.
Classic disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, released in 1972 and co-directed with Irwin Allen, starred Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine and Shelley Winters and was mauled by critics.
Speaking to the BBC in 2006, he said he was surprised by its enduring appeal adding that he "never believed that it was more than just an average picture".
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
It seems odd to think that The Poseidon Adventure was not acclaimed when first released but maybe it was not in keeping with the 1972 zeitgeist!
06-18-10, 10:46 AM
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Re: Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
RIP
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
He was also critical of modern film-making saying movies had "become too frenetic, partly because the stories are not good enough".
"So they try to make up for their lack of good characterisation and storytelling by quick cutting and frenetic use of the camera," he added.
"And I think that's a pity."
06-18-10, 11:22 AM
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Re: Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
Some bitch had a good run... 99 years.
I've always liked 'Poseidon'.
I agree with him about much of modern film making.
I've always liked 'Poseidon'.
I agree with him about much of modern film making.
06-18-10, 11:56 AM
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Re: Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
He never directed a film that I really loved, but he certainly directed actors very well and he guided them in some of their favorite roles. The above mentioned Maggie Smith, and Alec Guiness considered The Horses Mouth his greatest screen role.
06-18-10, 11:59 AM
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Re: Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is a favorite of mine. On the excellent DVD commentary track (recorded when Neame was in his 90s and sharp as a tack) he talks about how his goal was to have an "invisible" style, always emphasizing the story and actors rather than imposing any type of directorial signature.
He had a great career.
He had a great career.
Last edited by obscurelabel; 06-18-10 at 12:02 PM.
06-18-10, 12:00 PM
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Re: Director Ronald Neame dies aged 99
I've only seen two of his films, "The Odessa File" and "Tunes of Glory", but I quite liked the latter.
