In this fascinating exploration, the focus is on the later careers of iconic filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Howard Hawks. It highlights the cultural shifts in Hollywood during the 1960s and how aging directors adapted to changing times. Nostalgic stories of older filmmakers navigating new industry landscapes are shared, alongside reflections on legacy and the tensions of generational change in filmmaking. The dialogue weaves in critiques of auteur theory and invites listeners to engage with the dynamic colorful history of cinema.
The podcast explores how the aging studio system in Hollywood led to the decline of established directors while new filmmakers thrived.
It discusses the impact of cultural changes and corporate ownership on veteran filmmakers, stressing the cyclical nature of generational turnover in the industry.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Hollywood Directors
The podcast emphasizes the dramatic shift in the Hollywood landscape during the late 1960s, particularly for established directors like Henry Hathaway. As younger filmmakers emerged, figures who had once dominated the industry faced decline, leading to the obsolescence of the old studio system. The transition opened doors for innovative directors such as Coppola and Spielberg, who were met with skepticism from the aging management reliant on the traditional system. This generational clash not only affected the job security of seasoned veterans but also obscured their significant contributions to cinematic history.
Cultural Shifts and Failure of Established Filmmakers
The discussion highlights how changing cultural norms and the rise of corporate ownership impacted the careers of veteran filmmakers in the 1960s and 70s. Directors who thrived in the studio system struggled to adapt as new executives prioritized profitability over creative vision, leading to the demise of ambitious projects. For instance, the podcast points out how major filmmakers like Scorsese and Coppola have been criticized for their expensive yet underperforming films in today’s market. This mirrors the sentiments from the past where established directors were dismissed as out of touch, encapsulating a cyclical pattern of generational turnover in Hollywood.
The Auteur Theory and its Implications
The podcast explores the rise and significance of the auteur theory, which celebrated directors as artists who imprint a unique vision onto their films. This cultural phenomenon began gaining traction in the 1950s, highlighting the contributions of iconic figures within the studio system. Critics like Truffaut and Sarris played pivotal roles in this shift, emphasizing the importance of individual artistic expression amid a commercial landscape. However, the podcast also acknowledges that this focus on auteurship has complexities, as many renowned directors struggle to maintain relevance in an increasingly youth-oriented industry.
A preview of the new season of You Must Remember This, which covers the late careers of Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, Howard Hawks, Vincente Minnelli and ten other directors who began their careers in the silent or early sound eras, and were still making movies in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, in spite of the challenges posed by massive cultural changes and their advanced age. In this mini-episode we’ll discuss the parallels between this history and today, from the tech industry takeover of Hollywood to the late work of Coppola and Scorsese; the interview with George Cukor that inspired the title of this season; the Orson Welles-Peter Bogdanovich-Quentin Tarantino connection that informs the way we think about “old man” movies, and much more.