Paul Mazursky

Born:April 25, 1930

Place of Birth:Brooklyn, New York, USA

Died:June 30, 2014

Known For:Directing

Biography

Paul Mazursky, born Irwin Lawrence Mazursky, was a visionary American filmmaker who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Born on April 25, 1930, Mazursky's creative genius knew no bounds as he effortlessly transitioned between directing, screenwriting, and acting. His unique storytelling style, often blending drama with comedy, resonated with audiences worldwide and solidified his reputation as a master of modern social commentary.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mazursky garnered critical acclaim and recognition, earning five Academy Award nominations for his exceptional work. His films, such as "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," "An Unmarried Woman," "Harry and Tonto," and "Enemies, A Love Story," showcased his ability to delve into complex human relationships and societal issues with both depth and humor.

One of Mazursky's defining traits as a filmmaker was his knack for capturing the essence of everyday life in a way that was both relatable and thought-provoking. Whether exploring the trials and tribulations of love and marriage or delving into the immigrant experience in America, his films always struck a chord with audiences for their authenticity and emotional resonance.

In addition to his acclaimed dramas, Mazursky also ventured into lighter fare with films like "Next Stop, Greenwich Village," "Moscow on the Hudson," "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Moon over Parador," and "Scenes from a Mall." These comedies showcased his versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to navigate between different genres with ease.

Beyond his work behind the camera, Mazursky also made a mark as an actor, appearing in various films and television shows throughout his career. His on-screen presence added another dimension to his creative repertoire, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

Paul Mazursky's legacy continues to endure long after his passing on June 30, 2014. His influence on cinema can still be felt today, as filmmakers and audiences alike continue to appreciate and celebrate his groundbreaking contributions to the art of storytelling. Mazursky's body of work serves as a testament to his unparalleled talent, creativity, and unwavering commitment to exploring the complexities of the human experience through the lens of film.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Kung Fu Panda 2

Musician Bunny (voice)

2011

Po and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but first the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past.

Antz

Psychologist (voice)

1998

A neurotic worker ant in love with a rebellious princess rises to unlikely stardom when he switches places with a soldier. Signing up to march in a parade, he ends up under the command of a bloodthirsty general. But he's actually been enlisted to fight against a termite army.

Carlito's Way

Judge Feinstein

1993

A Puerto-Rican ex-con, just released from prison, pledges to stay away from drugs and violence despite the pressure around him, and lead a better life outside NYC.

History of the World: Part I

Roman Officer - The Roman Empire

1981

An uproarious version of history that proves nothing is sacred – not even the Roman Empire, the French Revolution and the Spanish Inquisition.

The Majestic

Studio Executive (voice)

2001

Set in 1951, a blacklisted Hollywood writer gets into a car accident, loses his memory and settles down in a small town where he is mistaken for a long-lost son.

Fear and Desire

Sidney

1953

After their airplane crashes behind enemy lines, four soldiers must survive and try to find a way back to their battalion. However, when they come across a local peasant girl the horrors of war quickly become apparent.

Bulworth

Paul Mazursky (uncredited)

1998

A suicidally disillusioned liberal politician puts a contract out on himself and takes the opportunity to be bluntly honest with his voters by affecting the rhythms and speech of hip-hop music and culture.

Into the Night

Bud Herman

1985

Ed Okin used to have a boring life. He used to have trouble getting to sleep. Then one night, he met Diana. Now, Ed's having trouble staying alive.

A Star Is Born

Brian

1976

Drunken, has-been rock star John Norman Howard falls in love with unknown singer Esther Hoffman after seeing her perform at a club. He lets her sing a few songs at one of his shows and she becomes the talk of the music industry. Esther's star begins to rise, while John's continues to fall. She tries desperately to get John to sober up and focus on his music, but it may be too late to save him.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Sidney Waxman

1986

Beverly Hills couple Barbara and Dave Whiteman find their lives altered by the arrival of a vagrant who tries to drown himself in their swimming pool.

Touch

Artie

1997

At the discovery of his ability to work miracles, Juvenal becomes a media sensation, but now he's prone to those who want to exploit him.

Production

Taking Care of Business

Executive Producer

1990

An uptight advertising exec has his entire life in a filofax organizer which mistakenly ends up in the hands of a friendly convict who poses as him.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills

Director

1986

Beverly Hills couple Barbara and Dave Whiteman find their lives altered by the arrival of a vagrant who tries to drown himself in their swimming pool.