Roger Corman, a titan of low-budget B movies, has passed away at the age of 98. He produced over 300 films and directed around 50, with cult classics like “A Bucket of Blood” and “The Little Shop of Horrors” among his credits. Corman also facilitated the rise of young filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese. He was remembered for his generous mentorship and keen insights into storytelling, advising one protege to focus on the first and last reel of a film.
Corman’s films were known for giving early opportunities to future stars like Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, and Peter Fonda. He also worked with undiscovered talents like Robert De Niro and Robert Towne, helping them make their mark in the industry. With a knack for turning low budgets into critical hits, Corman once created a movie using unused footage of Boris Karloff to craft a new story, resulting in the acclaimed film “Targets.”
In 1970, Corman established New World Pictures, where he made an unprecedented move by distributing esteemed foreign films like Ingmar Bergman’s “Cries and Whispers.” Despite the profits made by this venture, Corman was still associated with exploitation filmmaking. Throughout his career, he ventured into various genres, from horror to sci-fi to action, with an ever-present theme of outlaws and societal rebels in his movies.
Corman’s early life in Detroit and California, as the son of an engineer, shaped his views on money and success. After a brief stint in engineering, he transitioned into the film industry and started his career as a producer, director, and writer. His first films, created with minimal resources, set the stage for his signature style. Over time, he garnered respect for his Poe adaptations and innovative storytelling techniques.
By the 1980s, Corman had sold New World Pictures and founded Concorde-New Horizons, continuing his work in producing films. He captured a new generation of audiences with projects like the “Sharktopus” series for Syfy. His contributions to the film industry were recognized with an honorary Oscar in 2009 and a documentary, “Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel.” Corman’s legacy as an iconic figure in B movies and a mentor to aspiring filmmakers endures, leaving a lasting mark on cinema.
