Cinema is a magical territory that breaks the veil and lets an ordinary person into the world of another era, fairy tale time or apocalypse. Thanks to films, you can plunge into a completely different reality, which will completely absorb all the attention. Cinema masterpieces are recognized by millions of people around the world, and many viewers rush to the cinema to enjoy the fairy tale and power prepared by the filmmakers on the big screen. Time goes ahead, and some tapes do not age and remain in memory forever. Probably, each person can associate some period of his life with a certain film, which had a significant impact on the worldview and perception of others. I must say thanks to the filmmakers who create commemorative tapes.
World of cinema
The world of cinema is a huge system that unites and breaks the destinies of people. Someone is becoming popular and gaining the desired glory, while someone has been working all his life and receives nothing. It is difficult to get the favor of fortune in this matter, it is better to just be born lucky.
Modern cinema has enormous capabilities that allow you to shoot high-quality, expensive and impressive films. Coming to the cinema, people simply lose their speech ability from special effects, brightness and grandeur of the image. Despite this, the strength of the film is not at all in the effect created. What is the magic of cinema? She lurks in the most delicate, light and fragrant feeling - the impression. It is the aftertaste from watching that affects whether we like the film or not. After all, black-and-white or silent films can shock a person to the depths of their souls, without resorting to entertainment.
Acquaintance
William Wyler is a filmmaker, screenwriter and producer hailing from America. He is recognized as one of the most successful directors in the history of Hollywood. It is interesting that this talented man was nominated for the Academy Award 12 times. Even more impressive is the fact that the actors and actresses who worked under his leadership were nominated for the same prize 36 times and won a total victory 14 times. William Wyler began his career back in 1925, and ended only in 1970, leaving behind a rich cinematic heritage, which now is an example for all future directors.
To appreciate the fullness of the contribution of this person to art, you should consider his biography, as well as films that brought him worldwide fame. Despite the fact that William Wyler managed to work on many tapes, each of them became a small masterpiece of his time.
Childhood
The biography of this professional begins on July 1, 1902 in the French town of Mulhouse, when Wilhelm Weiler was born. The boy was born into a Jewish family. My father was from Switzerland, he worked as a salesman. Mother Melanie was born in Germany. Interestingly, she was a cousin of Karl Lammle, creator of Universal Pictures. She often drove William and his older brother to the movies and opera shows. Also, performances in which the whole family could participate were often held at the Wyler House.
Moving to New York
For the show, William Wyler graduated from the Higher Commercial School in Lausanne. After that, he was actively studying music, visiting the Paris National Conservatory. When the parents realized that the son would not be the continuation of the case (which fell into decay after the First World War), they contacted Carl and sent the boy to New York. William came to the States in 1921. At first he worked as a courier for the company of Karl Lammle, and part of the money earned had to be paid for accommodation and meals.
In 1923, William moved to Los Angeles. He continues to interrupt one or the other, but they are all connected with Universal. In an amazing way, by 1925 he became the youngest director and removed short westerns. In just 5 years, he is one of the richest directors in the United States.
Interestingly, many colleagues noted his terrible perfectionism, because William Wyler was ready to shoot one scene a hundred times, just to get the perfect shot.
Marriage and War
In 1938, William decided to connect his life with Margaret Tollichet. This marriage was successful, the couple had 5 children. Margaret was an American actress, but she never achieved great fame. Interestingly, William Wyler was 12 years older than his wife. Moreover, this was his second marriage. The first time he entered into official relations in 1936, choosing Margaret Sullavan as his chosen one. History only remembers its loud voice and episodic roles. William's second marriage lasted until his death, his wife survived him for 10 years.
When the Second World War began, William went to serve in the Air Force with the rank of major. In the war, he took a very risky step, which cost the life of the operator from his team. William shot the Memphis Belle: A History of the Flying Fortress documentary, which called for field bombing trips. Nevertheless, everything worked out relatively well, and the tape was finished. It is worth noting that in the pursuit of "realism" William Wyler deaf in one ear.
Awards
There have been four significant rewards in Wyler's life that are important to mention. The first (Academy Award for Best Director) he received in 1943 for the film "Mrs. Miniver." He received the second Academy Award for the same services in the film "The Best Years of Our Life" in 1947. The third Oscar went to the director in 1960 for Ben Hur - the 1959 film. In 1966, William Wyler received the Irving Talberg Award. The last award is a prestigious American award, which is received for outstanding contribution to the development of film production. The award is given by the American Film Academy. Irving Talberg, in whose honor the award is named, was the most talented manager of the production department of Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
Filmography
William Wyler, whose films are highly tuned, has created many films. In total there are about 28 film works of the director. The temporary period of active activity of Wyler lasted from 1929 to 1970. At the beginning of his career, the director created several films in just a year. It should be borne in mind that each of them was appreciated and was considered very professional.
His films still remain relevant. Students study the work of William Wyler, trying to learn from him not only the manner of shooting, but also the very attitude to the process of creating a film. Revising old films will be interesting to anyone who wants to be involved in the world of past Hollywood cinema.
The legendary Ben Gur
“Ben Hur” is a 1959 film for which Wyler received an Oscar. The tape is based on the novel by writer Lew Wallace. The premiere of the film took place on November 18, 1959 in New York. Ben Gur William Wyler received an award in 11 nominations. The unprecedented success of the film is easily explained by the professionalism and talent of the director, who tried to work out every scene to the smallest detail. Despite the huge success, Wyler did not lose his head, but continued to work hard, creating high-quality films for his viewers.
The film "Ben Hur" takes place in the new possessions of the Roman Empire - Judea. A prosperous and glorious resident of the city of Ben Hur meets with his old friend Mesalla. Despite friendship and kinship, they quarrel strongly on ideological grounds. It turns out that Mesalla became a Roman tribune, so Ben Gur is referred to the galleys, and his relatives are imprisoned. During one of the battles, Ben Hur rescues the Roman consul, who, in gratitude, returns his citizenship and bequeaths his enormous fortune. Returning to his homeland, Ben Hur finds out that his relatives are ill, and in him a thirst for revenge is inflamed. He decides to take part in chariot races, where he defeats Mesalla. When dying, the latter reports where the Ben Hur family is and how to find it. The former slave persuades Ben Hur not to show himself to the leper relatives, so as not to break his heart. He decides to show his mother and sister to Jesus, who is executed at Calvary. Ben Gur tries to give him water, but the crowd trample him. After the crucifixion, a terrible rain begins, and Ben Gur reunites with Christ and his family.
"How to steal a million"
William Wyler, most likely, himself did not expect such a success. It should be noted that this film attracted 24.6 million viewers in the Soviet box office. The film was shot in a comedy genre with elements of a detective story. The main roles were played by Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. The film takes place in France in the 1960s. It tells about Charles Bonn - an artist who fakes paintings and art objects. He has a beautiful and educated daughter Nicole. The film tells about the amazing interweaving of fates and adventures of the daughter of a swindler, a detective and a rich groom.
Beautiful voice acting, beautiful shots and the talented play of all the actors made the film incredibly popular both in Hollywood and the Soviet Union. And the phrase "dad Bonnet" became an aphorism.
Roman holiday
The movie Roman Holiday is Wyler’s romantic comedy, shot in 1953. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Interestingly, it was the film "Roman Vacations" that brought Hepburn its first glory. This role also brought the actress the first Oscar. The film tells about the adventures of Princess Anne, who goes on a grand tour of Europe. Every day the girls are completely monotonous - ceremonies and receptions that seem incredibly boring and dull. At some point, Anna begins to have a tantrum, and the servants call the doctor. He decides to give Anna sleeping pills and advises him to go to bed. Ignoring the doctor’s words, the princess will go for a walk in Rome. This is where her fascinating and unsafe adventures begin.
Summing up, I want to say that William Wyler, whose best films were considered, was a talented person who managed to rise from the very bottom of society, become a professional and win worldwide fame and love among viewers from different countries. A unique combination of talent, charisma and determination gave the world an excellent director, who remains an example for many.