You Must Remember This George Stevens 1958-1970 (The Old Man is Still Alive, Part 8)
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Mar 4, 2025 George Stevens' cinematic journey takes center stage, revealing how World War II deeply influenced his storytelling. He transitioned from frothy comedies to tackling serious themes, creating masterpieces like A Place in the Sun and Shane. Despite being in high demand, his only 1960s release, The Greatest Story Ever Told, turned out to be a flop. The podcast delves into his struggle to stay relevant in a changing Hollywood, his relationship with Warren Beatty, and the impact of personal trauma on his artistic vision.
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War's Impact and Post-War Success
- World War II and the liberation of Dachau profoundly impacted Stevens, shifting his focus to "moral disasters".
- Though successful with films like A Place in the Sun, Shane, and Giant, he felt increasingly disconnected from audiences.
Auteurs and Backlash
- Despite his accomplishments, auteur critics dismissed Stevens, placing him in a secondary tier.
- They found his style labored and his comedies slow, favoring directors like Ford, Hawks, and Hitchcock.
Critical Divide and Personal Preference
- Stevens' post-war films, like A Place in the Sun, were criticized by some as "soporific nonsense."
- However, Karina Longworth expresses her admiration for these films, especially in comparison to modern mainstream cinema.
