Legendary B-movie filmmaker Roger Corman has died aged 98 – GeekTyrant

Roger Corman died. He died on May 9 at the age of 98 at his home in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his family

Corman was the idiosyncratic spirit of independent filmmaking and left a legacy that has shaped the film industry. Affectionately referred to as the “King of B Movies,” Corman distinguished himself throughout his career with an incredible ability to combine creativity with austerity, producing films that thrilled audiences and nurtured emerging talent.

Born in Detroit in 1926, Corman graduated from Stanford University with an engineering degree, but quickly turned to the film industry, where his true passion lay.

His early work in the 1950s and 1960s laid the foundation for a career that would span six decades, during which he produced and directed over 400 films. These films often had tight budgets and tight shooting schedules, but had a particular energy and ingenuity that captured the spirit of the times.

Corman's approach to filmmaking was revolutionary and he had the ability to recognize and nurture new talent. His films served as a launching pad for numerous Hollywood icons, including actors like Jack Nicholsonwho got his break at Corman's The Cry Baby Killer (1958) and Little shop of horrors (1960) and Robert De Nirowho played the main role Damn mom (1970).

Corman's film sets were also breeding grounds for future directors such as: Francis Ford Coppolawho directed Dementia 13 (1963) under Corman's guidance and Martin Scorsesewho directed Bertha freight car (1972).

Corman also once tried his hand at making Marvel films with his legendary 1994 adaptation of The Fantastic Four, which was never officially released. He has made so many fun and entertaining films throughout his career.

This talent as a mentor earned him a reputation as Hollywood's most influential and supportive talent incubator.

His influence also extended beyond individual careers and Corman had a major influence on the genre film landscape, particularly in the areas of horror, science fiction and action. Corman called film “the only truly modern art form.”

Films like The Mask of the Red Death (1964) and Death Race 2000 (1975) are considered classics and celebrated for their inventive interpretations of familiar motifs and their commentary on society and human nature.

In addition to entertaining audiences, his work often conveyed subversive political and social commentary that resonated with the counterculture movements of the '60s and '70s.

Despite often tight budgets, Corman's films were visually stunning and made use of imaginative sets and practical effects that would inspire generations of filmmakers. His ability to create compelling images and narratives with limited resources was an incredible talent.

In 2009, Corman was honored with an Oscar at AMPAS's first Governors Awards ceremony. There, Ron Howard praised him for hiring women in key leadership and creative positions and giving them major roles.

Walter Moseley was quoted as saying that Corman offered “one of the few open doors” that transcended age, race and gender.

The filmmaker was also ahead of his time in recognizing the value of international markets and was one of the first American producers to distribute his films widely abroad, expanding the global reach of his unique cinematic brand.

The family's statement on his death underscores the essence of Corman's view of his work and legacy: “His films were revolutionary and iconoclastic, capturing the spirit of an era. When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said: 'I was a filmmaker, exactly that.'”

This humble self-assessment of a man whose works defined the B-movie genre speaks volumes about his character and his dedication to his craft.

Roger Corman's death marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on in the countless filmmakers he inspired and the innovative approach to filmmaking he represented.

His films are a living tapestry of the fantastic, the outrageous and the human, and they are his lasting gift to the world of cinema.

Corman is survived by his wife, producer Julie Corman, and daughters Catherine and Mary.