Roger Corman

Born:5 aprile 1926

Place of Birth:Detroit, Michigan, USA

Died:9 maggio 2024

Known For:Production

Biography

Roger Corman, a legendary figure in the world of independent film, left an indelible mark on the industry as a director, producer, and actor. Throughout his prolific career, spanning over 500 features, he earned a multitude of nicknames such as "The Pope of Pop Cinema" and "The King of Cult," reflecting his unique and innovative approach to filmmaking.

Corman's films, often produced on low budgets, garnered a cult following for their creativity and originality. From the iconic "The Little Shop of Horrors" to the chilling adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's tales in the "Poe Cycle," including "House of Usher," his work showcased a blend of horror, suspense, and social commentary that resonated with audiences.

Not only was Corman a trailblazer in independent cinema, but he also played a pivotal role in introducing American audiences to the works of foreign directors like Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, and Akira Kurosawa. His influence extended beyond the screen, as he mentored and launched the careers of numerous acclaimed filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and James Cameron, shaping the landscape of New Hollywood.

In addition to his contributions to the film industry, Corman's legacy includes his founding of New World Pictures and New Concorde, as well as his recognition by prestigious institutions like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His impact on cinema was further solidified when he received an Academy Honorary Award in 2009 for his significant contributions to film and the nurturing of emerging talent.

Beyond his directorial and producing prowess, Corman's keen eye for talent extended to actors as well. By giving opportunities to rising stars like Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, and William Shatner, he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of some of Hollywood's most iconic figures.

Roger Corman's enduring legacy as a maverick filmmaker and visionary producer continues to inspire generations of storytellers in the film industry. His innovative spirit, coupled with his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and championing emerging talent, cements his status as a true pioneer in cinema history.

Images

Filmografia

Recitazione

The Godfather Part II

Senator #2

1974

In the continuing saga of the Corleone crime family, a young Vito Corleone grows up in Sicily and in 1910s New York. In the 1950s, Michael Corleone attempts to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood and Cuba.

Scream 3

Studio Executive

2000

While Sidney Prescott and her friends visit the Hollywood set of Stab 3, the third film based on the Woodsboro murders, another Ghostface killer rises to terrorize them.

Philadelphia

Mr. Laird

1993

Two competing lawyers join forces to sue a prestigious law firm for AIDS discrimination. As their unlikely friendship develops their courage overcomes the prejudice and corruption of their powerful adversaries.

The Manchurian Candidate

Mr. Secretary

2004

Years after his squad was ambushed during the Gulf War, Major Ben Marco finds himself having terrible nightmares. He begins to doubt that his fellow squad-mate Sergeant Raymond Shaw, now a vice-presidential candidate, is the hero he remembers him being. As Marco's doubts deepen, Shaw's political power grows, and, when Marco finds a mysterious implant embedded in his back, the memory of what really happened begins to return.

Looney Tunes: Back in Action

Hollywood Director

2003

Fed up with all the attention going to Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck quits Hollywood, teams up with recently-fired stuntman Damien Drake Jr. and embarks on a round-the-world adventure, along with Bugs and The VP of Warner Bros. Their mission? Find Damien's father, and the missing blue diamond... and stay one step ahead of The Acme Corp., who wants the diamond for their own purposes.

The Howling

Man in Phone Booth (uncredited)

1981

After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem.

Body Bags

Dr. Bregman

1993

A woman working the late shift at a gas station while a killer is on the loose; a man who can't stand the thought of losing his hair; a baseball player that submits to an eye transplant. An anthology of terror.

Rachel Getting Married

Wedding Guest

2008

A young woman who has been in and out from rehab for the past 10 years returns home for the weekend for her sister's wedding.

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

Self

2010

At 89 years old, Stan Lee's name appears on more than one BILLION comics in 75 countries in 25 languages. Arguably the most recognized name in comics, Stan Lee has co-created over 500 legendary pop culture characters including Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk. Stan continues to create new material and entertain fans of all ages with fantastic stories and characters in all areas of entertainment. With Great Power: the Stan Lee Story, explores the vivid life and imagination of Stan Lee, from the early days of his Depression-era upbringing through the Marvel Age of Comics and beyond! The film uncovers original transcripts, illustrations, photographs and stories of Lee's fascinating journey from his early years at Timely Comics and World War Two, the comic book industry's censorship battle of the 1950's led by Dr. Fredric Wertham, the dawn of Marvel Comics and the legendary characters Stan co-created, to his current company POW! Entertainment.

Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project

Self

2007

The documentary consists of tape of Don's show (never been filmed before), interviews with Don's contemporaries, (Steve Lawrence, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds, etc.), established comedians (Billy Crystal, Rosanna Barr, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, etc.) and young comedians (Jeff Atoll, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, etc.).

Time Warp Vol. 3: Comedy and Camp

Self

2020

The final volume of Time Warp digs deep into what makes us laugh over and over again as we reveal the greatest cult comedies and campy classics of all-time. From "Fast Time at Ridgemont High" and "Office Space" to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and "Showgirls."

Produzione

Death Race

Producer

2008

Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowding in the US penal system has reached a breaking point. Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come together to form the 'Death Race', the biggest, most brutal event.

The Haunted Palace

Producer

1963

A warlock burned at the stake comes back and takes over the body of his great grandson to take his revenge on the descendents of the villages that burned him.

Death Race 2

Executive Producer

2010

In the world's most dangerous prison, a new game is born: Death Race. The rules of this adrenaline-fueled blood sport are simple, drive or die. When repentant convict Carl Lucas discovers there's a price on his head, his only hope is to survive a twisted race against an army of hardened criminals and tricked-out cars.

Deathstalker II

Executive Producer

1987

Deathstalker helps Reena the Seer out of a few jams, and she solicits his help for a bigger task. She reveals that she is actually Princess Evie, but the evil sorcerer had her abducted and cloned in order to seize control of the kingdom. Together they travel to the evil sorcerer's stronghold to restore the princess to her rightful position, encountering challenges along the way both from the sorcerer's goons and the fierce Amazon women.

Death Race 2000

Executive Producer

1975

In a boorish future, the government sponsors a popular, but bloody, cross-country race in which points are scored by mowing down pedestrians. Five teams, each comprised of a male and female, compete using cars equipped with deadly weapons. Frankenstein, the mysterious returning champion, has become America's hero, but this time he has a passenger from the underground resistance.

Rock 'n' Roll High School

Executive Producer

1979

A group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, take over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration.

The Fantastic Four

Executive Producer

1994

When dosed with cosmic rays, four intrepid astronauts are given incredible powers. They decide to form a superhero group called the Fantastic Four to fight their arch-enemy, Dr. Doom.

Deathstalker

Executive Producer

1983

The warrior Deathstalker is tasked by an old witch lady to obtain and unite the three powers of creation - a chalice, an amulet, and a sword - lest the evil magician Munkar get them and use them for nefarious purposes. After obtaining the sword, Deathstalker joins with other travelers going to the Big Tournament to determine the strongest warrior. The false king holds the true princess in captivity, and plots to have Deathstalker killed, and Deathstalker must fight to free the princess.

Death Race 2050

Producer

2017

The year 2050 the planet has become overpopulated, to help control population the government develops a race. The Death Race. Annually competitors race across the country scoring points for killing people with their vehicles.

Little Shop of Horrors

Original Film Writer

1986

Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's; a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker, Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for his supper.

The Little Shop of Horrors

Writer

1960

Seymour works in a skid row florist shop and is in love with his beautiful co-worker, Audrey. He creates a new plant that not only talks but cannot survive without human flesh and blood.

Humanoids from the Deep

Producer

1980

After a new cannery introduces scientifically augmented salmon to a seaside town in the Pacific Northwest, a species of mysterious, mutated sea creatures begin killing the men and raping the women.

Piranha

Executive Producer

1978

When flesh-eating piranhas are accidently released into a summer resort's rivers, the guests become their next meal.

The Slumber Party Massacre

Executive Producer

1982

Trish invites her high school basketball teammates over for a night they'll never forget -- or survive -- when an unexpected guest crashes the party: an escaped psychopath with a portable power drill.

Galaxy of Terror

Producer

1981

As a lone spaceship proceeds on its long voyage across space, the crew are surprised to encounter a strange pyramid form. Surprise turns to horror as one by one, they discover that their darkest nightmares are all starting to become real. The pyramid has to be behind it all somehow, but how can they save themselves from its influence?

The Masque of the Red Death

Producer

1964

A European prince terrorizes the local peasantry while using his castle as a refuge against the "Red Death" plague that stalks the land.

Dead Space

Executive Producer

1991

In this loose remake of "Forbidden World" (1982), Commander Krieger and his robot companion Tinpan are summoned by a distress call to a research facility on the planet Phaebon, and soon find themselves battling a bizarre virus and a monstrous creature inadvertently created by the scientists there.

House of Usher

Producer

1960

Convinced that his family’s blood is tainted by generations of evil, Roderick Usher is hell-bent on destroying his sister Madeline’s wedding to prevent the cursed Usher bloodline from extending any further. When her fiancé, Philip Winthrop, arrives at the crumbling family estate to claim his bride, Roderick goes to ruthless lengths to keep them apart.

The Pit and the Pendulum

Producer

1961

In the sixteenth century, Francis Barnard travels to Spain to clarify the strange circumstances of his sister's death after she had married the son of a cruel Spanish Inquisitor.