Kazan and Directing (LINK)
April 1st 2008 04:13
In the autumn of 1973, Elia Kazan, director of such classic films as Gentleman's Agreement, A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront, was honored by a two-week retrospective of his films at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut. At the conclusion of the program, Mr. Kazan gave this timeless talk to students. This is what he said about the role of a director
"What kind of person must a film director train himself to be? What qualities does he need?" he asked. Here are a few: A construction gang foreman, who knows his physical problems and their solutions and is ready, therefore, to insist on these solutions...A hypnotist, who works with the unconscious to achieve his ends.
A poet, a poet of the camera, able both to capture the decisive moment of Cartier Bresson or to wait all day like Paul Strand for a single shot, which he makes with a bulky camera fixed on a tripod. An outfielder, for his legs. The director stands much of the day, dares not get tired, so he has strong legs. Think back and remember how the old time directors dramatized themselves. By puttees, right?
"He also needs to be cunning of a trader in Baghdad bazaar. The firmness of an animal trainer. Obvious. Tigers! A great host. At a sign from him fine food and heartwarming drink appear. The kindness of an old-fashioned mother who forgives all.
The authority and sternness of her husband, the father, who forgives nothing, expects obedience without question, brooks no nonsense. These alternatively. The elusiveness of a jewel thief - no explanation, take my word for this one. The blarney of a PR man, especially useful when the director is out in a strange and hostile location as I have many times been. A very thick skin. A very sensitive soul. Simultaneously.
The patience, the persistence, the fortitude of a saint, the appreciation of pain, a taste for self-sacrifice, everything for the cause. Cheeriness, jokes, playfulness, alternating with sternness, unwavering firmness. Pure doggedness. An unwavering refusal to take less than he thinks right out of a scene, a performer, a co-worker, a member of his staff, himself."
"What kind of person must a film director train himself to be? What qualities does he need?" he asked. Here are a few: A construction gang foreman, who knows his physical problems and their solutions and is ready, therefore, to insist on these solutions...A hypnotist, who works with the unconscious to achieve his ends.
A poet, a poet of the camera, able both to capture the decisive moment of Cartier Bresson or to wait all day like Paul Strand for a single shot, which he makes with a bulky camera fixed on a tripod. An outfielder, for his legs. The director stands much of the day, dares not get tired, so he has strong legs. Think back and remember how the old time directors dramatized themselves. By puttees, right?
"He also needs to be cunning of a trader in Baghdad bazaar. The firmness of an animal trainer. Obvious. Tigers! A great host. At a sign from him fine food and heartwarming drink appear. The kindness of an old-fashioned mother who forgives all.
The authority and sternness of her husband, the father, who forgives nothing, expects obedience without question, brooks no nonsense. These alternatively. The elusiveness of a jewel thief - no explanation, take my word for this one. The blarney of a PR man, especially useful when the director is out in a strange and hostile location as I have many times been. A very thick skin. A very sensitive soul. Simultaneously.
The patience, the persistence, the fortitude of a saint, the appreciation of pain, a taste for self-sacrifice, everything for the cause. Cheeriness, jokes, playfulness, alternating with sternness, unwavering firmness. Pure doggedness. An unwavering refusal to take less than he thinks right out of a scene, a performer, a co-worker, a member of his staff, himself."
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Kazan is certainly one of the greats. What he was able to do with the likes of Brando and Dean is stunning. An actors Director who also knew the value of dramatic structure and narrative.
Comment by Anonymous
Karl Malden was one of the most outspoken actors about Kazan. If you ever catch and interview with him talking about Kazan's tactics -- inspiring.
What I got from Malden is that Kazan spent a lot of time with the actors before production or rehearsals. He got to know them and then from what he learned he used to help them make the mark.
Comment by Kenna