Roger Corman, known as the “King of the Bs,” passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of low-budget classics like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters.” Over the span of his career starting in 1955, Corman produced and directed many films, discovering and launching the careers of notable filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard, James Cameron, and Martin Scorsese. His ability to gamble and experiment on a small budget helped shape the golden age of Hollywood in the 1970s, with actors like Jack Nicholson and directors like Coppola, Cameron, and Scorsese getting their start in Corman’s films.
Corman’s films were renowned for their quick turnaround times and minimal budgets, often completed in as little as five days. Many actors, including Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Bruce Dern, and Ellen Burstyn, began their careers in Corman productions. His directors were given creative freedom within these constraints, leading to groundbreaking films like “The Wild Angels,” which influenced Peter Fonda’s “Easy Rider,” and Scorsese’s “Boxcar Bertha.” Despite the limitations, Corman’s films broke barriers by openly addressing themes of sex and drugs, such as in his film “The Trip.”
As Corman’s reputation grew, he expanded his influence by releasing prestigious foreign films in the United States, including works by Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and Volker Schlondorff. His ability to juggle both low-budget genre films and high-quality foreign titles showcased his versatility and business acumen. Despite his reputation for being thrifty, Corman maintained good relationships with his directors, never firing one throughout his career. Many of his former collaborators later returned the favor by casting him in their films or acknowledging his influence on their careers.
Throughout his career, Corman’s films received critical acclaim and cult following, with “Little Shop of Horrors” and his Edgar Allan Poe adaptations standing out as enduring classics. Films like “The Raven,” starring Nicholson alongside horror legends Boris Karloff and Peter Lorre, were praised for their unique twist on the horror genre. Corman’s success in the industry led to opportunities to direct larger studio productions, but he found more success with his independent, low-budget approach. His dedication to showcasing new talent and pushing creative boundaries cemented his legacy as an influential figure in the film industry.
Born in Detroit and raised in Beverly Hills, Corman attended Stanford University before launching his career in Hollywood. Despite his success and numerous contributions to the film industry, Corman remained humble, defining himself simply as a filmmaker. His marriage to producer Julie Halloran and their three children, Catherine, Roger, and Brian, played a significant role in his personal life. Corman’s impact on Hollywood is undeniable, with his influence seen in the careers of countless filmmakers and actors who got their start under his guidance. His legacy lives on through his films and the mark he left on the industry.
