William Wyler, film director: biography, best films

Cinematography is a magical territory that tears the veil and lets an ordinary person into the world of another era, fairy-tale time or apocalypse. Thanks to the films you can plunge into a completely different reality, which completely absorbs all attention. Masterpieces of cinematography are recognized by millions of people around the world, and a lot of spectators hurry to the cinema to enjoy on the big screen the fairytale and power that the filmmakers prepared. Time goes on, 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 that has had a significant impact on the worldview and perception of others. It should be said thank you to the filmmakers who create memorable tapes.

The world of cinema

The world of cinema is a huge system that connects and tears the fates of people. Someone becomes popular and acquires the coveted glory, and somebody works all his life, and receives nothing. It is difficult to get favor in this business, it's better just to be born lucky.

Modern cinema has huge capabilities that allow you to shoot high-quality, expensive and impressive films. Coming to the cinema, people simply lose the gift of speech from special effects, brightness and greatness of the image. Despite this, the power of the film is not in the created effect. What is the magic of cinematography? It lurks in the thinnest, lightest and most fragrant sense - the impression. It is the aftertaste of viewing that affects whether we like the movie or not. After all, black and white or silent films can shake a person to the core, without resorting to entertainment.

Introduction

William Wyler is a film director, screenwriter and producer from America. He is recognized as one of the most successful filmmakers in the history of Hollywood. Interestingly, this talented person was nominated 12 times for the Oscar. Even more impressive is the fact that the actors and actresses who worked under him were nominated for the same prize 36 times and won a total of 14 times. William Wyler began his career path in the distant 1925, and finished only in 1970, leaving behind a rich cinematic heritage, which is now an example for all future directors.

To assess the fullness of the contribution of this person to art, one should consider his biography, as well as films that have brought him worldwide fame. Despite the fact that William Wyler had time to work on a lot of tapes, each of them became a small masterpiece of his time.

Childhood

The biography of this professional begins July 1, 1902 in the French town of Mulhouse, when Wilhelm Weiler was born. The boy was born into a family of Jews. My father was from Switzerland, he worked as a salesman. Melanie's mother was born in Germany. Interestingly, she was a cousin of Karl Lammlet - creator of Universal Pictures. She often led William and his older brother to the movies and opera performances. Also in the house of the Wyler there were often performances where the whole family could participate.

Moving to New York

For the "tick" William Wyler graduated from the Higher Commercial School in Lausanne. After that, he actively studied music, visiting the Paris National Conservatory. When the parents realized that the son would not become a continuer (which fell into decay after World War I), they contacted Karl 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 Lammlet, and part of the earned money was to be given for accommodation and meals.

In 1923, William moved to Los Angeles. He continues to be interrupted by one or other work, but all of them are connected with Universal. Surprisingly, by 1925 he had become the youngest director and was shooting short Westerns. In just 5 years he is one of the richest directors of 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 link his life with Margaret Tollichet. This marriage was successful, the couple had 5 children. Margaret was an American actress, but she did not achieve much fame. Interestingly, William Wyler was older than his wife for 12 years. Moreover, it was his second marriage. The first time he entered into official relations in 1936, choosing his chosen one Margaret Sullavan. History remembers only her 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 in the rank of major. In the war he took a very risky step, which cost the life of the operator from his team. William made a documentary tape "Memphis Belle: The History of the Flying Fortress", which required trips to real bombing. Nevertheless, everything went relatively well, and the tape was finished. It is worth noting that in pursuit of "realism" William Wyler deaf in one ear.

Awards

In the life of Wyler there were four significant awards, which are important to mention. The first (Oscar for Best Director) award he received in 1943 for the film "Mrs. Miniver." The second Oscar he received for the same merits in the film "The best years of our life" in 1947. The third "Oscar" went to the director in 1960 for "Ben Hur" - a 1959 film. In 1966, William Wyler received the Irving Thalberg award. The last award is a prestigious American award, which they receive for their outstanding contribution to the development of film production. The award is given by the American Film Academy. Irving Thalberg, in honor of whom the award was named, was the talented manager of the production department of Metro Goldwyn Mayer.

Filmography

William Wyler, whose films are fine-tuned, has created many tapes. In total, there are about 28 films by the director. The time period of Wyler's active work lasted from 1929 to 1970. At the beginning of the creative path, the director created several tapes in just one year. It should be borne in mind that each of them was appreciated and was considered very professional.

His films are still 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. Reviewing old movies will be of interest to anyone who wants to be involved in the world of Hollywood cinema of past years.

The legendary Ben Hur

"Ben Hur" - 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 was on November 18, 1959 in New York. William H. Wyler's "Ben Hur" won the award in 11 nominations. The unseen success of the film is easily explained by the professionalism and talent of the director, who tried to work every scene up to trifles. Despite the huge success, Wyler did not lose his head, but continued to work hard, creating for his audience quality tapes.

The action of the movie "Ben Hur" unfolds in the new possessions of the Roman Empire - Judea. An affluent and glorious resident of the city of Ben Hur meets his old friend Mesalla. Despite the friendship and kinship, they strongly quarrel on ideological grounds. It turns out that Mesalla became a Roman tribune, so Ben Góra refers to the galleys, and his relatives are imprisoned. During one of the battles, Ben Hur rescues the Roman consul, who grants his citizenship in gratitude and bequeaths his immense fortune. Returning to his homeland, Ben Hur learns that his family is sick, and the thirst for revenge inflames him. He decides to take part in the races of chariots, where he defeats Mesalle. Dying, the latter reports where the Ben Góra family is and how to find it. The former slave tries to persuade Ben Gur not to show his leprosy family, so as not to break his heart. He decides to show his mother and sister Jesus, who is executed on Calvary. Ben Hur tries to give him water, but the crowd tramples him. After the crucifixion begins a terrible downpour, and Ben Hur reunites with Christ and relatives.

"How to steal a million"

William Wyler, most likely, did not expect such success. It should be noted that this film attracted 24.6 million spectators in the Soviet box office. The film is made in a comic genre with detective elements. The main roles were performed by Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. The film takes place in France in the 1960s. It is told about Charles Bonnet - an artist who forges paintings and art objects. He has a beautiful and educated daughter Nicole. The film tells of the amazing intricacies of fate and adventures of the daughter of a scam, a detective and a rich groom.

Beautiful voice, beautiful shots and a talented game of all actors made the film incredibly popular both in Hollywood and the Soviet Union. And the phrase "Papa Bonnet" became an aphorism.

Roman holiday

The film "Roman Holidays" is a romantic comedy by Wyler, filmed in 1953. The main roles were directed by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It is interesting that it was the film "Roman Holidays" that brought Hepburn the first glory. This role also brought the actress the first "Oscar". The film tells about the adventures of Princess Anna, 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 starts hysterical, and the servants call the doctor. He decides to give Anna sleeping pills and advises to go to bed. Ignoring the doctor's words, the princess will go for a walk around Rome. It is here that her fascinating and unsafe adventures begin.

Summarizing, I would like to say that William Wyler, whose best films were considered, was a talented man who managed to rise from the very bottom of society, become a professional and win worldwide fame and love from viewers of different countries. A unique combination of talent, charisma and dedication gave the world a wonderful director, who remains an example for many.