Life of Film Curious but seems to be about to become extinct. Mea culpa I sing therefore I have not devoted the time it should. Last October I published here the first part a story on the life and career of Paul Newman, on the occasion of his death. Do not want to abandon the blog (even a blog never abandons forever) without publishing the report in full. Here goes.
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INDOMABLE THE FAREWELL OF
Gone. Paul Newman, the last myth of Hollywood, died of lung cancer last weekend. Gone are dozens of memorable performances and countless awards and praise. A legend made up with talent and personality into a career unparalleled in the history of cinema
Gone. Paul Newman, the last myth of Hollywood, died of lung cancer last weekend. Gone are dozens of memorable performances and countless awards and praise. A legend made up with talent and personality into a career unparalleled in the history of cinema
Paul Newman had entered the building. All activity stopped. All eyes pointed to the star, supported by his fellow actors. The frenetic pace of building the Chicago Mercantile Exchange dropped to a stillness absolute. No one hired, no one answered the phones. Time seemed to stop in its path. Paul Newman, the best paid actor of the moment, had set foot on the floor. It was April 1973, Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw and the director George Roy Hill had been invited by a broker to visit the Chicago Stock Exchange during the filming of Blow . However, Newman's legend had begun long before.
The first steps Paul Leonard Newman was born on January 26, 1925 in Shaker Heights, Cleveland, Ohio. The most famous blue eyes movie cast their first look at the cold winter Cleveland in the heart of a wealthy family. Paul, never lacked for nothing, though her father raised her to know the value of things. During his childhood, showed no inclination important for the interpretation, but two small plays while still went to primary school. During his teens, had different jobs, while born in him the first outbreaks of rebellion: sandwiches sold at the Palace Meat and shortly thereafter, even began to sell encyclopedias door to door. Won, with these works insubstantial, which invested $ 500 in mounting a play (for fun, almost without vocation) where he spent 495, The earned him another five to take their first drink.
In 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, Newman, like many young men of the time, temporarily left his studies in Economics and Business Administration and joined the Navy. As a volunteer for the pilot, was sent to Yale to receive a specialized course. That was the place that Paul needed. Yale Newman found a new air, a much larger universe than anything he had known. But it did not last. At four months, a routine check revealed a flaw in your eyes (in your eyes!) Was colorblind. This issue will sleep away the air and was assigned to the Pacific as a radio operator. The war came to Newman, as quickly as it arrived. After the war, in 1946, and by a grant from the government military, prepared to resume their studies, but this time, at Kenyon College.
Pointing ways Fortunately for the film, the war had made him mature and clarify their ideas. I knew that was the way the theater. The University was hosting a play called Primera Plana and Paul threw the rest. Was presented to test for the lead role and got it; role Newman remembers very well: "We had a great reception . I bent several times, for the first time, I was aware of be acting. " Paul turned into acting and appeared in several productions at the university, and, although the performance was only in principle, an escape, Newman found his way on stage.
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with the title already in his hands (it mattered little role), in 1949 he went to Williams Bay, Wisconsin, with a contract for a summer theater tour. After the tour, Newman joined another troupe, The Woodstock Players, where he participated in plays such as Cyrano de Bergerac , Suspect , The Glass Menagerie (which, 40 years then he would take to the movies) and John and Mary where, giving the reply and actress, met a brown-eyed blonde named Jackie White. It was a crush. After a whirlwind romance in the spring of 1950, the couple ran away to marry and at the end of the summer, returned to join the company. Newman acted in 16 plays after their wedding and, after that, decided to take a break from the theater to work on a farm near Woodstock, while Jackie was waiting for the birth of his eldest son, the ill-fated Scott.
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That same year, Paul's father fell seriously ill. Newman returned to Shaker Heights and took the reins of family business, forgetting for a time acting. Business was good and gave the store prospered. A few months later, Arthur died. Paul decided to sell the business and while the transaction is completed, he worked in various places, including picking up golf balls at a club, to clean them and return them to a bag. The kind of routine that drew from their boxes. -
In 1951, Newman decided to change his life and with Jackie and Scott to the small side, left Shaker Heights for ever. With their modest savings, he returned to Yale and enrolled in the School of Dramatic Art. There, he participated in several works (not important); but his talent was obvious to others. Present in one of the works (a feature on the life of Beethoven), were theatrical agents Liebling and Wood, who praised, forgetting the other, the work of Newman and the nephew of musician. Perhaps it all began with this meeting. Paul knew he was on the right track, even if it meant leaving his studies, he set the goal that changed his life: Broadway.
The Legend Begins
Paul and Jackie took to the adventure of the Big Apple and got a year later to see if he had something to do in the cutthroat world of Broadway. Paul was leaving every morning at New York with his best suit (the only decent thing I had) to make finding a job. Newman was a lucky man. With amazement to Paul himself, found his first job in television: a brief appearance in the TV movie The March of Time , where he played an old man and charged $ 65 which (who was going to say it then would become the highest paid actor of the year several times). After small roles in other television productions such as Tales of Tomorrow or Thriller, did not take long to get his first regular role in a series, The Aldrich Family . Gradually established working regularly on television and his face was familiar to the public. By then, Jackie had already lighting the couple's second daughter, Susan, and almost at par, Newman won a part in the musical Our Town . 
Hand of some old acquaintances (Liebling and Wood) who contacted the playwright William Inge, Newman agreed to an audition and landed a role in Picnic, a play that marked the beginning of the legend. Their role was not the protagonist, but an inexperienced college loses girlfriend (and pride) to a classmate lower, but the reviews were excellent. The New York Daily News declared: " The rich kid was very well played by Paul Newman ," the New York Post said: "Young Paul Newman has done a great job " and R. Coleman, the New York Daily Mirror, Newman succumbed to a simple and resounding "excellent ." Picnic was staged at the theater for fourteen months, with the economic security that it gave him, could consider the idea of \u200b\u200bentering the Actors Studio , the dream of any actor. Luck also accompany him here. Admission depended on two tests: one before the public and the other against such notable critics as Elia Kazan. A girl who also performed the tests to enter the prestigious academy needed a guy to a supporting role, and I asked Newman. Paul agreed and helped it work. The world turned suddenly and a few days after the test of the actress, Paul received the news of his admission to the Actors. Technically, he had not taken the test, but his supporting role he had secured a place at the Academy of the method. Pure talent.
The Actors, Newman learn everything you can learn and befriended with students and Geraldine Page, Rod Steiger and Eli Wallack. But the most important friendship of his life was established with Joanne Woodward, a beautiful and talented actress. The step came shortly before Picnic tables , and neither was a good impression of the other. However, the destination will gather again in this play (it replaced two of the actresses) and both recalled their first meeting, met a lot better and flourished among them a great personal and professional friendship. Meanwhile, Newman began to attract the attention of Hollywood figures, always looking for new faces. Newman was already well known in New York and Hollywood seemed like the next step. But Paul was reluctant to film mecca. Many of his fellow Hollywood Actor's talked about with disdain, although deep envy of the elect. It was time. Newman was then 30 years, a whole career ahead of him and a contract with Warner Brothers for 7 years. Shortly after the close Picnic, Paul decided to move to California. Jackie and the children stayed in Long Island, and Paul, not without misgivings, he went to stardom.
An actor in the film mecca Paul's fears about Hollywood are confirmed as set foot in the study of Warner. The executives were more concerned about the color of your hair and the money they could raise that level of performance. The talent of the players and that is adapted to the roles given to them was secondary, Hollywood was in the business of profit. Newman was not comfortable, he felt that star actor. In addition, all there were governed by the "star system", and alcoholism, drug addiction and loss of dignity was the order of the day. Of course, there were players who rebelled against it: Humphrey Bogart, Kirk Douglas, Jack Lemmon, John Houston ... Newman was not going to let yourself be seduced by Hollywood and joined the rebels, would be a new indomitable.
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As if this were not enough, the first thing he had prepared Warner could have ended his career before you start: The Silver Chalice ( The Silver Chalice, 1955 ), where Newman played a supporting role a Greek slave named Basil. He was without doubt one of the worst movies of the 50 and one of the greatest failures of the Warner. Years later, when television gave this film, Newman published a newspaper ad apologizing to viewers for the horrible movie. -
Paul got this role after an audition with the ill-fated James Dean. James was left with East of Eden and Newman took the cup. Paul was sorry increasingly having gone to Hollywood. Things did not work on the big screen, but, fortunately, rescued him from the theater. During the last week of filming, Paul landed the lead role in the work Desperate Hours, and his work away did Greek nightmare, the criticism of his performance were superb.
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The Silver Chalice was a resounding failure for the box office and critics (Paul had to get drunk to go and see a movie), and, while Warner is thinking what to do with their new signing, Newman continued with the theater and going to the Actors twice a week. In the 50's, the film was of high quality television, and Newman found them a good place to showcase their talent, so he recorded several films for the small screen. -
That same year Newman gave Warner the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and they claimed him for a new project called traitor to his country ( The Rack , 1956 ), where an officer would interpret Newman American accused of collaborating with the communists in Korea. This move went well. The film had an acceptable critical and commercial success and Paul was reconciled with the film.
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An unfortunate accident occurred on September 30, 1955 changed the employment prospects of Newman. James Dean, actor Hollywood fashion, was killed driving his Porsche Spyder, leaving a large hole in the film mecca. Paul and James were going to work together in a TV movie called The Battler , in which Paul seconded the boxer who would play Dean. The death of the "rebel without a cause" was a blow to Paul, had been friends since arriving in Hollywood, and his first impression was that The Battler could not continue without James. However, the producers offered the role of Dean in the film, and Newman, after some doubts, he accepted it as a tribute to his late friend. His whole world was about to change. And it came
The Battler aired from coast to coast and many directors including Robert Wise, fixed in Newman. With a black eye resulting from a fight at a bar after the issuance of The Battler (Paul was a Method actor) Newman went to a meeting with Wise. The director had seen the movie and had a part for him, paper originally written for Dean and Newman's life would change forever kicking legend. The rebel passing the baton the indomitable.
It was Somebody Up There Likes ( Somebody up there likes me , 1956), the biography of a famous boxer, Rocky Graziano. For several days before filming, Newman lived with Graziano in the morning to night. He studied the way they speak, move, boxing ... Paul trained with professional sparring and plunged into the gym, put all his energies on perfecting the portrait of Rocky.
the summer of 56, the film was ready. There were many comparisons to Brando, but Somebody Up There Likes a new born screen legend. "The young actor plays as Graziano rightly getting that he was not distinguished from Brando (New York Times) . " The shadow of Marlon Brando refused to leave, but his talent would take the figure beyond, eliminating unfair labels. " For Newman, Somebody Up There Likes a recital that releases the handicap of its resemblance to Brando. His talent is huge and flexible. (Variety) "
The first success in the film had come and from here, everything would go through the roof. And now that success had come, how she felt Paul? Evil Jackie had trouble adapting to the success of her husband, but was what he had always desired. The lives successful actor and family man lived with difficulty. Newman's personal life was troubled, as Paul just thought Joanne Woodward, and it crashed in his mind with his family, who was waiting in Long Island. Jackie wanted to, but it really had little in common with her. Newman traveled, met people, people with their own concerns and, little by little, Jackie and Paul had been estranged.
Shortly after Newman came to Hollywood, Joanne was awarded a contract with 20th Century Fox and was, as Paul, a successful actress. Friends since Picnic , spent more time together than the marriage of Paul and Jackie could bear. However, education and the values \u200b\u200binstilled in him away Newman's infidelity. Do not think for one moment deceive Jackie, but was unable to deny his feelings for Joanne, and each passing day without it made him more miserable. In the prime of his life he was mired in misery. The Warner Bros.
then paid him $ 1,000 a week, and had 75,000 in lease concept. In addition, two films that come after Somebody Up There Likes and was bound by contract were truly awful: Women guilty ( Until They Sail, 1957) and one man for her (The Helen Morgan story, 1957). Newman
drowned their sorrows in alcohol, becoming arrested in 1956 for drunk driving. Joanne did not want to see not to break their marriage, but missed her terribly. Common sense surfaced and turned to psychoanalysis, which helped him move forward. However, fate did not understand couches. Warner, continuing his farm, hired Newman to the 20th, I was looking for an actor for an adaptation of Faulkner's work entitled The Long, Hot Summer. Newman passed the test and was elected, and (blessed destination) the actress who starred the film with him was Joanne Woodward, actress on the rise after interpretation (supporters of an Oscar) in The Three Faces of Eve .
Fate had gathered, would work for the first time in the same movie and would love the view. Newman and Woodward worked well together and Martin Ritt, director of the film, took their chemistry to the romance of history. Paul asked for a divorce to Jackie (who was very far away from her husband) and it went smoothly. The film was a success and Newman was already lodged in Hollywood. In January 1958, Paul and Joanne were married in a chapel in Las Vegas and have been one of Hollywood's most stable marriages, death has interrupted only Paul, 50 years of happy marriage. In March the same year the movie was released, and shortly after received an Oscar for Joanne The Three Faces of Eve , and Paul was honored by The Long, Hot Summer ( The Long, Hot Summer , 1958) with the award for Best Actor at Cannes (the first awarded to an American). The couple expect their first child, and the next film Paul, lefty (left handed gun The , 1958), success was acceptable. Everything seemed to go well for Newman.
His next film was a gem: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ( Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , 1958), he shared the stage with Elizabeth Taylor. For his performance in this film, Paul won $ 17,500 and won his first Oscar nomination, but did not take the prize (the coveted statuette resisted him six times before getting it). The film worked perfectly and Newman began to notice the price of fame. The press and attributed haunted romances with Taylor and other actresses. This did not go with him.
categorized in order to avoid the drama, Paul tried his luck, with his wife, a comedy entitled A husband in distress ( Rally 'round the flag, boys , 1959), but critics were not supported. He returned to drama with The Philadelphians ( The Young Philadelphians, 1959), written and directed film far better than Newman escaped with their interpretation. This was the last movie I would roll with Warner, because in 1959 he could afford to buy the three years left of contract by paying the considerable sum of $ 500,000. In these, born Elionor Theresa, the fourth daughter of Newman and Joanne first, and, unexpectedly, Paul decided to move to Broadway, to try their luck again in the theater with a play called Sweet Bird of Youth. " The performance is superb. The boy Newman is played by the perfect center of the work (Brooks Atkinson) . " "Memorable , excellent (Coleman, New York Daily Mirror) ." Swept Newman's talent wherever he went.
's next film which he starred was a strange choice of Newman himself, the drama tear From the terrace ( From the terrace , 1960), the third interpretation with his wife. Well at the box office, but nothing more. Perhaps Newman just wanted something relaxed before going full on 60's, its glory years.
Success After Exodus (Exodus , 1960), a film for which he won $ 200,000 and where serious problems with the director, played an official site of the Jewish underground in Palestine, came the role that would mark his career, and that eventually was going to report an Oscar: The Hustler ( The Hustler , 1961), an opportunity that would consecrate him as the great actor he was. " With this impression I had from the beginning " said Newman.
film was his alter ego, a character type that has always flown by his films: the lonely anti-hero, rebellious and untamed, but no bad intentions. Eddie "rapid" Felson, a pool player, who deceived the suckers for a few dollars, and, inevitably, has to face after the tragedy, its ghosts and morality in an endless game with Minnesota Fats, which said it was the best. Compliments to the interpretation of Newman (and, indeed, the entire film) were incredible. It was the best interpretation of Newman to date. " This time there is more to his intense burning as the man who cheats in the game with religious fervor. Their stakes were very high, but this time has passed (Alton Cook, Time) . "
Among the nine Oscar nominations The Hustler, Newman came second for best actor, but neither did it this time. However, he won the British Academy Award for his performance, and The Hustler became a film classic.
His next two films, Paris Blues ( Paris blues , 1961) and When you are 20 years ( Hemingway's Adventures of a young man , 1962), were eclipsed by the shadow of Eddie Felson, although, in fact, two films were unpretentious. Then, in 1962, performed, now on the big screen, the main character in Sweet Bird of Youth ( Sweet bird of youth , 1962), which was the breakthrough success of another famous film Newman, Hud (1963), where he played another anti-hero, a rancher embittered, ambitious and selfish. Again the critics and the audience applauded Paul. I had just had her second daughter Joanne and defendant was the actor of the moment. What more could you ask for? An Oscar, but again, only got one nomination. Seemed to be a curse, it was his third nomination in five years.
Newman remained committed to breaking stereotypes and work in a comedy. He did, along with his wife, Samantha ( A new kind of love , 1963), but the comedy seemed to be his own. After this failed project without a lot of films came as stem Prize (The Prize , 1963), entertaining, but his claims could not; She and her husband ( What a way to go!, 1964) , Outrage ( The Outrage , 1964) and Lady L (1965). Meanwhile, before the birth of his sixth offspring, Clea, released (along with his wife) a comedy on Broadway Baby want to kiss, proving that he could be a good comedian.
After these projects, would the character of Harper in Harper , private investigator ( Harper, the moving target , 1966), another of the hits from the 60. After this he worked with Hitchcock in Torn Curtain ( Torn Curtain, 1966) and his old friend Martin Ritt (The Long, Hot Summer, Hud) in Man (1967)
was in this year , 1967, after Man, where would a new title and a new character to remember the films of Newman: The Cool Hand Luke (Cool Hand Luke , 1967). A role that Newman could only interpret. Luke is locked in a tough prison for two years for a misdemeanor (actually, almost surreal). But he can not live in a cage. It is an indomitable. Several escape attempts, one or another fruitful bravado with colleagues ("they're not able to eat 50 hard boiled eggs in one sitting?") And a fantastic finish that Newman watered with outstanding performance, with a cynical smile led to the end in a prison movie as atypical as tragic and funny. Only Newman could do it, and apparently, only Newman, again nominated for this outstanding performance, he could escape the Oscar for the fourth time. " was considered an injustice that Newman did not take the Oscar. The critical acclaim bordered on reverence. The vitality, dexterity and sensitivity of Newman is recognized as the only "noted in 1990 JC Landry, Paul's friend and biographer.
was then 42 years (well taken) and the success he sought. But Newman was stubborn and went back to try their luck with another comedy Secret Command ( The Secret War of Harry Frigg , 1968), but still did not appear that his path. In 1966 he was appointed in the Golden Globes World Favorite Actor, and a year later was nominated for Best Actor of the Year by the National Association of Theatre Owners.
In 1968, already one of the most acclaimed actors in Hollywood, Newman remained indomitable. Switched sides and stood behind the camera to direct his first film: Rachel, Rachel (1968). "Almost enjoy more of this than go on stage or stand in front of a camera " Newman even admitted after the premiere of the film. The producers did not trust the project (which would play Woodward) and Warner (Warner precisely) only provided 700,000 dollars (producing a film in a Hollywood studio cost about two and half million dollars). The film, unexpectedly, was a success in every way. It hailed the film (nominated for an Oscar for best film of the year), the work of Joanne and even the direction of Newman, as Life magazine noted " the emotional nuances and technical security, something quite remarkable for a first film "and won a Golden Globe for best director and the award of the New York Critics Circle. Newman was unstoppable. Now it's raining offers to direct, but preferred to wait for a worthwhile project. Joanne was rescued from his inactivity work with this film and received several awards for her performance.
the late 60's, Newman and earned $ 1,000,000 per film. In June 1969 formed a partnership with Sydney Poitier and Barbara Streisand (in 1971 they would join Steve McQueen) and called First Artists Productions Company. A while back, with his wife and John Foreman, had also formed another partnership, the Newman-Foreman Company, producer of the film follows Paul, Five Hundred Miles ( Winning, 1969), a drama immersed in the world racing cars. Following that film, Newman's passion for racing cars grew, while reaching to convert, over time, in a second (or third, considering the address as something apart) profession. He would not use a double and enrolled at the Bob Bondurant school. He saw the natural gift of Newman behind the wheel. Newman was taking more and more fans to the races. In one week, Paul progressed to master the same models used by the professionals, and in a few months, he had a sufficient level to compete (although it took four years from the completion of five hundred miles to obtain special permission will allowed to race in competition). He later formed his own team, winning many races with him and even Paul (with more than 50 years, a real old car in the world) won in 1977 driving a Datsun, two national championships. Despite these successes, the height of his career and his popularity was yet to come.
At the top
The critical Five hundred miles were really good, but nothing compared to what you come up with his next film: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance ( Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid , 1969), where he formed a legendary team with George Roy Hill and Robert Redford. The script of this western as atypical was filmed by Hollywood for many months and no one will do too much attention. However, Newman was interested in it, liked the friendship that formed between the two protagonists. Suddenly, the revelation that Newman had his eye, the entire film industry was interested in the project, becoming the most precious of the day script. By then the Newman-Foreman and had his hands on the rights. With Newman in the role of Butch, the leader of the gang, the role of Sundance Kid went to Robert Redford and the girl to Katherine Ross, Roy Hill film directing and writing as Burt Bacharach hummed the theme "Raindrops keep falling on my head. "
Two Cassidy garnered unprecedented success in the history of cinema. The chemistry of Newman and Redford on screen was amazing, and the public, the film touched her heart, Ross won the Oscar for best actress Redford's career was revived reporting this film several awards and nominations, and as Newman Newman ... was from another planet. The admiration and devotion became Paul reached superstar status. The Oscar was again resisted, but was undoubtedly also one of the most talented actors of the moment, the world's number one star lockers. The film reported about $ 30,000,000 and was the highest-grossing western in movie history.
The world was at the foot of Newman, but he did well against the ground. Earlier this decade was offered two roles (now known) that rejected: Father Karras in The Exorcist and Harry in Dirty Harry . Paul had other things in mind. Newman had always been interested in social and political issues of his country and his next two films, A Man today (WUSA , 1970) and a Great Notion ( Sometimes a great notion , 1971) were committed two films of the Newman-Foreman, and Paul made the latter the dual role of actor / director Joanne protagonist. Then, at the hands of the First Artists came Pocket Money (Pocket money , 1972), The hanging judge ( The life and time of Judge Roy Bean , 1972), John Houston, Man Mackintosh ( The Mackintosh Man, 1973) also of Houston ... none with great success. None except the third work of Newman as director: The effect of gamma rays on the Daisies ( The effect of the gamma rays on Man-on-the-moon marigolds , 1972), a really bad film entitled, but admirable, which starred Joanne Woodward, and Paul gave him a nomination for best director at Cannes.
Things, however, were not going well. One of six was a bad average for the biggest star of the moment. I needed a movie that re-established as an actor and superstar, but this would not happen. His next film was not going to restore as a superstar, but he would surpass all known ribbons. In 1973 came the coup ( The sting , 1973), the film that marked his peak of popularity and put him beyond any known star, a resounding success. The Academy Awards, though not nominated Newman, did not give back the film and 7 statuettes awarded: best film, director, screenplay, editing ... a success. In this film, Paul was reunited with her fellow Butch Cassidy and the Sundance , Hill and Redford. The formula that had worked so well in the 1969 film came to work here. Newman in the role of Henry Gondorf and Redford in the fledgling but talented Johnny Hooker were a wonderful couple on screen, and Hill and Ward (writer) worked outstandingly.
life's blows
A history of these two con artists who give the blow of his life to avenge Lonnegan Doyle and studied with a great script, I supported a spectacular movie (literally) that was due to the new trend in Hollywood disaster movies. The Towering Inferno (The towering inferno , 1974) together with his partner Newman Steve McQueen, also a big star now, and despite its success, was the beginning of the bad years of Newman, the second mid 70's.
film were years without success, coupled with the tremendous shock when the death in 1978, his son Scott, a victim of drugs and alcohol. Although Paul, Joanne and Jackie tried to get the divorce occurred in the least harmful to children, Scott has always been the most vulnerable. He already had seven years at the time of separation, and affected him more than his sisters. His adolescence was problematic due to uprooting and Scott's sense of failure in front of his father. Depression took hold of him and Paul and Jackie, but did their best to help, they could not fix.
For Newman, this was a personal blow immersed in its worst labor. In this downturn, Newman took refuge in cars and clumsy film projects. It was the end of this decade when he was offered the role of Lt. Ripley (star of the Alien saga ), but Newman refused. Were five years without success that would have ended the career of anyone. The semi-sequel to Harper With Drowning ( The drowning pool , 1975), a cameo in Silent Movie Mel Brooks ( Silent Movie, 1976), Buffalo Bill (Buffalo Bill and the Indians , 1976), Slap Shot ( Slap Shot, 1977)-this, at least, was grossing- Quintet (Quintet , 1978), On doomsday (When time ran out , 1979) ... laziness.
The rebirth of a star
District apache ( Fort Apache - The Bronx , 1981) was the script that needed to get out of the doldrums seventies, with impersonating a police Newman fifties in a story that lived up to its name. From the limited success of this film, it came the revival of Newman. Out of the hole and again the public and critics alike embraced him. Paul's career was relaunched as none had ever done. His incredible talent was still there, and the 80's witnessed it. In 1981 came
Absence of Malice ( Absence of Malice, 1981), a drama about the responsibility of the press was not only a commercial success, but was hailed as a thoughtful and courageous film. Newman played the son of a gangster (20 years embody the father of one of these) which is immersed in a conflict after the death of his father. This role earned him his fifth Oscar nomination (sixth if you count the best film by Rachel, Rachel ), but he again escaped. No matter. With his next film earned another nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The sixth. The film in question was Verdict ( The Verdict , 1982), a courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet who got a great performance Newman. Another success, three of three in two years, but the Oscar slipped back into his hands. "What the hell has to Paul Newman to win an Oscar? ", published full-page Variety. People did not understand that the Academy does not rewarded, but Newman did not despair.
directed and starred in 1984 and son Harry ( and son Harry, 1984), a film needed to Newman that served to appease the ghosts of the death of his son and as a tribute to it, regardless of impact at the box office or critical. After this became a shelter in the car waiting for a good project to work.
The awards ceremony of the Academy Awards in 1986, Paul Newman received an honorary Oscar "in recognition his many memorable performances and their dedication to this craft ." While I doubt (there were crumbs, back pay to look good) went to pick it up, and in his speech took certain liberties, " thank a very special award is not wrapped in a death certificate. I hope my best work is yet to come . " In next year's show, Paul won the Oscar for Best Leading Actor for his performance in The Color of Money .
The Color of Money (The color of money , 1986) was the Paul draft was awaited and son Harry. It was Newman himself who decided to rescue Eddie "The Hustler" Felson himself writing a screenplay (later improved by Richard Price) along the lines of the new novel by Walter Tevis, whose work also inspired The Hustler. Newman turned to arm with the cue that was thrown at the end of The Hustler where morality was understood that the above money, and drew a sober and mature brilliant performance by 25 years the character who played in 1961 and that earned him his second Oscar nomination. The Academy could not resist. "Successful generational reflection. Bright and intelligent staging script (...) Interpretation of Paul Newman, the Oscar-winning, one can only say one thing: awesome "read from our country Fernando Morales of El País. Martin Scorsese was in charge of management, as Paul wanted to (although in the letter attached to the script, Michael Newman called him instead of Martin) and counted for the role of rookie and talented newcomer with a boy who had just begun, but Newman had already predicted a great future, come to say " sure to be one of the greats of Hollywood "it was Tom Cruise. This and his subsequent work in Top Gun that year, launched his career.
After the return to the mat for Eddie, Newman returned to the address, with his wife before the cameras in The Glass Menagerie (The Glass Menagerie , 1987), his last film as director, and participated in three almost consecutive films: Man and Little Boy ( Fat man little boy , 1989), Blaze (Blaze , 1989) and Mr. Bridge Waiting (Mr. And Mrs. Bridge , 1990), latest film with his wife, Joanne Woodward, after 14 collaborations.
Almost 70 years in 1993, the Hollywood Academy awarded him the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his work in charity and humanitarian work in the field of alcohol and drugs.
returned to the cinema in 1994 with The Hudsucker (The Hudsucker Proxy , 1994), a Coen brothers film in which Newman played a supervillain, and starred in, also in 1994, Not a fool ( Nobody's Fool, 1994), a character made as a compendium of Luke Jackson, Eddie Felson, Butch Cassidy or even the Henry Gondorf of The coup, but with a few more years and the frustration of a forced outage. All a crook without a fool that Newman would play with skill and it would bring his eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actor. To continue the tradition (broken only in 1987) did not give him the statuette, but Newman was back. Also in 1996, his youngest daughter, Melissa, Grandpa made him giving birth to the first grandchild of Paul: Peter Elkind.
was four years before Newman returned to acting. There was no hurry to select project and Twilight (Twilight , 1998) seemed correct. A great role, a division Exception (Gene Hackman, Susan Sarandon, James Garner) and a detective story old-fashioned, maybe too classic to appeal to the postmodern generation of the late twentieth century. The 90's ended with Message in a Bottle (Message in a bottle , 1999), supporting and taking to Kevin Costner in a romance story about an ocean where Newman could bring a bit of personality.
The twilight of a legend
Two films and a tribute has been the legacy of Newman for the last millennium. In a character who certainly could have been Butch Cassidy for 75 years and living in our day, Paul played a bank robber that simulates a stroke (brilliantly) to leave jail and continue to make mischief in Where the Money ( Where the money is , 2000). This film, although funny and entertaining, and a good performance by Newman and Linda Fiorentino, had known a bit like last movie was already great legend Paul Newman. Many offers came to their hands to act again, but it was Sam Spielberg as a producer and "American Beauty" Mendes behind the camera, who convinced him. Newman had a smell, and its role, and the project itself was a delight. In Road to Perdition (Road to Perdition , 2002), Newman played brilliantly to John Rooney, the sponsor of a major mafia gang that has a protégé of Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a man who, under a great respect for Rooney, do the dirty work that allows you to keep his family. The criticism was supported. "(...) Extraordinary masterpiece reinvents the best black film without betraying the code of this glorious Newman and Hanks (...) gender roles embroider" (Carlos Boyero, Diario El Mundo).
Newman was 77, and his performance earned him a new Oscar nomination, this time as Best Supporting Actor, but finally took the statuette Chris Cooper for her performance in Adaptation . Road to Perdition was the last appearance of the legendary actor of Ohio on the big screen, as subsequently appeared in three television productions: Freedom: A History of Us (2003) Our Town (2003) and Empire Falls (2005).
The last goodbye
In 1976, at the height of his success, Richard Warren Lewis asked in an interview as you would like to be remembered after his death, this is what Newman said, "I would like to be remembered as a man who tried to be modern, to help people communicate, they tried to produce something decent in their own lives. The memory of someone who has managed to grow without too celebrate their victories, was never fully satisfied with himself. The memory of someone who was not daunted by failures. Because we have to keep trying. Always. That is the most important. "
In 2006, Paul Newman released an atypical work in his films, studies completed in the Disney / Pixar. This was an animation film called Race Cars Cars . Paul gave up his voice to the protagonist of the film car, like James Dean gave his legend Newman in The Battler . A final contribution in the year of the golden anniversary of his debut as a film actor. A tribute to one of his greatest passions, the environment that created his legend. The last farewell of indomitable.
The Battler aired from coast to coast and many directors including Robert Wise, fixed in Newman. With a black eye resulting from a fight at a bar after the issuance of The Battler (Paul was a Method actor) Newman went to a meeting with Wise. The director had seen the movie and had a part for him, paper originally written for Dean and Newman's life would change forever kicking legend. The rebel passing the baton the indomitable. It was Somebody Up There Likes ( Somebody up there likes me , 1956), the biography of a famous boxer, Rocky Graziano. For several days before filming, Newman lived with Graziano in the morning to night. He studied the way they speak, move, boxing ... Paul trained with professional sparring and plunged into the gym, put all his energies on perfecting the portrait of Rocky.
the summer of 56, the film was ready. There were many comparisons to Brando, but Somebody Up There Likes a new born screen legend. "The young actor plays as Graziano rightly getting that he was not distinguished from Brando (New York Times) . " The shadow of Marlon Brando refused to leave, but his talent would take the figure beyond, eliminating unfair labels. " For Newman, Somebody Up There Likes a recital that releases the handicap of its resemblance to Brando. His talent is huge and flexible. (Variety) "
The first success in the film had come and from here, everything would go through the roof. And now that success had come, how she felt Paul? Evil Jackie had trouble adapting to the success of her husband, but was what he had always desired. The lives successful actor and family man lived with difficulty. Newman's personal life was troubled, as Paul just thought Joanne Woodward, and it crashed in his mind with his family, who was waiting in Long Island. Jackie wanted to, but it really had little in common with her. Newman traveled, met people, people with their own concerns and, little by little, Jackie and Paul had been estranged. Shortly after Newman came to Hollywood, Joanne was awarded a contract with 20th Century Fox and was, as Paul, a successful actress. Friends since Picnic , spent more time together than the marriage of Paul and Jackie could bear. However, education and the values \u200b\u200binstilled in him away Newman's infidelity. Do not think for one moment deceive Jackie, but was unable to deny his feelings for Joanne, and each passing day without it made him more miserable. In the prime of his life he was mired in misery. The Warner Bros.
then paid him $ 1,000 a week, and had 75,000 in lease concept. In addition, two films that come after Somebody Up There Likes and was bound by contract were truly awful: Women guilty ( Until They Sail, 1957) and one man for her (The Helen Morgan story, 1957). Newman
drowned their sorrows in alcohol, becoming arrested in 1956 for drunk driving. Joanne did not want to see not to break their marriage, but missed her terribly. Common sense surfaced and turned to psychoanalysis, which helped him move forward. However, fate did not understand couches. Warner, continuing his farm, hired Newman to the 20th, I was looking for an actor for an adaptation of Faulkner's work entitled The Long, Hot Summer. Newman passed the test and was elected, and (blessed destination) the actress who starred the film with him was Joanne Woodward, actress on the rise after interpretation (supporters of an Oscar) in The Three Faces of Eve . Fate had gathered, would work for the first time in the same movie and would love the view. Newman and Woodward worked well together and Martin Ritt, director of the film, took their chemistry to the romance of history. Paul asked for a divorce to Jackie (who was very far away from her husband) and it went smoothly. The film was a success and Newman was already lodged in Hollywood. In January 1958, Paul and Joanne were married in a chapel in Las Vegas and have been one of Hollywood's most stable marriages, death has interrupted only Paul, 50 years of happy marriage. In March the same year the movie was released, and shortly after received an Oscar for Joanne The Three Faces of Eve , and Paul was honored by The Long, Hot Summer ( The Long, Hot Summer , 1958) with the award for Best Actor at Cannes (the first awarded to an American). The couple expect their first child, and the next film Paul, lefty (left handed gun The , 1958), success was acceptable. Everything seemed to go well for Newman. His next film was a gem: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ( Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , 1958), he shared the stage with Elizabeth Taylor. For his performance in this film, Paul won $ 17,500 and won his first Oscar nomination, but did not take the prize (the coveted statuette resisted him six times before getting it). The film worked perfectly and Newman began to notice the price of fame. The press and attributed haunted romances with Taylor and other actresses. This did not go with him. categorized in order to avoid the drama, Paul tried his luck, with his wife, a comedy entitled A husband in distress ( Rally 'round the flag, boys , 1959), but critics were not supported. He returned to drama with The Philadelphians ( The Young Philadelphians, 1959), written and directed film far better than Newman escaped with their interpretation. This was the last movie I would roll with Warner, because in 1959 he could afford to buy the three years left of contract by paying the considerable sum of $ 500,000. In these, born Elionor Theresa, the fourth daughter of Newman and Joanne first, and, unexpectedly, Paul decided to move to Broadway, to try their luck again in the theater with a play called Sweet Bird of Youth. " The performance is superb. The boy Newman is played by the perfect center of the work (Brooks Atkinson) . " "Memorable , excellent (Coleman, New York Daily Mirror) ." Swept Newman's talent wherever he went.
's next film which he starred was a strange choice of Newman himself, the drama tear From the terrace ( From the terrace , 1960), the third interpretation with his wife. Well at the box office, but nothing more. Perhaps Newman just wanted something relaxed before going full on 60's, its glory years.
Success After Exodus (Exodus , 1960), a film for which he won $ 200,000 and where serious problems with the director, played an official site of the Jewish underground in Palestine, came the role that would mark his career, and that eventually was going to report an Oscar: The Hustler ( The Hustler , 1961), an opportunity that would consecrate him as the great actor he was. " With this impression I had from the beginning " said Newman. film was his alter ego, a character type that has always flown by his films: the lonely anti-hero, rebellious and untamed, but no bad intentions. Eddie "rapid" Felson, a pool player, who deceived the suckers for a few dollars, and, inevitably, has to face after the tragedy, its ghosts and morality in an endless game with Minnesota Fats, which said it was the best. Compliments to the interpretation of Newman (and, indeed, the entire film) were incredible. It was the best interpretation of Newman to date. " This time there is more to his intense burning as the man who cheats in the game with religious fervor. Their stakes were very high, but this time has passed (Alton Cook, Time) . "
Among the nine Oscar nominations The Hustler, Newman came second for best actor, but neither did it this time. However, he won the British Academy Award for his performance, and The Hustler became a film classic. His next two films, Paris Blues ( Paris blues , 1961) and When you are 20 years ( Hemingway's Adventures of a young man , 1962), were eclipsed by the shadow of Eddie Felson, although, in fact, two films were unpretentious. Then, in 1962, performed, now on the big screen, the main character in Sweet Bird of Youth ( Sweet bird of youth , 1962), which was the breakthrough success of another famous film Newman, Hud (1963), where he played another anti-hero, a rancher embittered, ambitious and selfish. Again the critics and the audience applauded Paul. I had just had her second daughter Joanne and defendant was the actor of the moment. What more could you ask for? An Oscar, but again, only got one nomination. Seemed to be a curse, it was his third nomination in five years.
Newman remained committed to breaking stereotypes and work in a comedy. He did, along with his wife, Samantha ( A new kind of love , 1963), but the comedy seemed to be his own. After this failed project without a lot of films came as stem Prize (The Prize , 1963), entertaining, but his claims could not; She and her husband ( What a way to go!, 1964) , Outrage ( The Outrage , 1964) and Lady L (1965). Meanwhile, before the birth of his sixth offspring, Clea, released (along with his wife) a comedy on Broadway Baby want to kiss, proving that he could be a good comedian. After these projects, would the character of Harper in Harper , private investigator ( Harper, the moving target , 1966), another of the hits from the 60. After this he worked with Hitchcock in Torn Curtain ( Torn Curtain, 1966) and his old friend Martin Ritt (The Long, Hot Summer, Hud) in Man (1967)
was in this year , 1967, after Man, where would a new title and a new character to remember the films of Newman: The Cool Hand Luke (Cool Hand Luke , 1967). A role that Newman could only interpret. Luke is locked in a tough prison for two years for a misdemeanor (actually, almost surreal). But he can not live in a cage. It is an indomitable. Several escape attempts, one or another fruitful bravado with colleagues ("they're not able to eat 50 hard boiled eggs in one sitting?") And a fantastic finish that Newman watered with outstanding performance, with a cynical smile led to the end in a prison movie as atypical as tragic and funny. Only Newman could do it, and apparently, only Newman, again nominated for this outstanding performance, he could escape the Oscar for the fourth time. " was considered an injustice that Newman did not take the Oscar. The critical acclaim bordered on reverence. The vitality, dexterity and sensitivity of Newman is recognized as the only "noted in 1990 JC Landry, Paul's friend and biographer. was then 42 years (well taken) and the success he sought. But Newman was stubborn and went back to try their luck with another comedy Secret Command ( The Secret War of Harry Frigg , 1968), but still did not appear that his path. In 1966 he was appointed in the Golden Globes World Favorite Actor, and a year later was nominated for Best Actor of the Year by the National Association of Theatre Owners.
In 1968, already one of the most acclaimed actors in Hollywood, Newman remained indomitable. Switched sides and stood behind the camera to direct his first film: Rachel, Rachel (1968). "Almost enjoy more of this than go on stage or stand in front of a camera " Newman even admitted after the premiere of the film. The producers did not trust the project (which would play Woodward) and Warner (Warner precisely) only provided 700,000 dollars (producing a film in a Hollywood studio cost about two and half million dollars). The film, unexpectedly, was a success in every way. It hailed the film (nominated for an Oscar for best film of the year), the work of Joanne and even the direction of Newman, as Life magazine noted " the emotional nuances and technical security, something quite remarkable for a first film "and won a Golden Globe for best director and the award of the New York Critics Circle. Newman was unstoppable. Now it's raining offers to direct, but preferred to wait for a worthwhile project. Joanne was rescued from his inactivity work with this film and received several awards for her performance. the late 60's, Newman and earned $ 1,000,000 per film. In June 1969 formed a partnership with Sydney Poitier and Barbara Streisand (in 1971 they would join Steve McQueen) and called First Artists Productions Company. A while back, with his wife and John Foreman, had also formed another partnership, the Newman-Foreman Company, producer of the film follows Paul, Five Hundred Miles ( Winning, 1969), a drama immersed in the world racing cars. Following that film, Newman's passion for racing cars grew, while reaching to convert, over time, in a second (or third, considering the address as something apart) profession. He would not use a double and enrolled at the Bob Bondurant school. He saw the natural gift of Newman behind the wheel. Newman was taking more and more fans to the races. In one week, Paul progressed to master the same models used by the professionals, and in a few months, he had a sufficient level to compete (although it took four years from the completion of five hundred miles to obtain special permission will allowed to race in competition). He later formed his own team, winning many races with him and even Paul (with more than 50 years, a real old car in the world) won in 1977 driving a Datsun, two national championships. Despite these successes, the height of his career and his popularity was yet to come. At the top
The critical Five hundred miles were really good, but nothing compared to what you come up with his next film: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance ( Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid , 1969), where he formed a legendary team with George Roy Hill and Robert Redford. The script of this western as atypical was filmed by Hollywood for many months and no one will do too much attention. However, Newman was interested in it, liked the friendship that formed between the two protagonists. Suddenly, the revelation that Newman had his eye, the entire film industry was interested in the project, becoming the most precious of the day script. By then the Newman-Foreman and had his hands on the rights. With Newman in the role of Butch, the leader of the gang, the role of Sundance Kid went to Robert Redford and the girl to Katherine Ross, Roy Hill film directing and writing as Burt Bacharach hummed the theme "Raindrops keep falling on my head. " Two Cassidy garnered unprecedented success in the history of cinema. The chemistry of Newman and Redford on screen was amazing, and the public, the film touched her heart, Ross won the Oscar for best actress Redford's career was revived reporting this film several awards and nominations, and as Newman Newman ... was from another planet. The admiration and devotion became Paul reached superstar status. The Oscar was again resisted, but was undoubtedly also one of the most talented actors of the moment, the world's number one star lockers. The film reported about $ 30,000,000 and was the highest-grossing western in movie history.
The world was at the foot of Newman, but he did well against the ground. Earlier this decade was offered two roles (now known) that rejected: Father Karras in The Exorcist and Harry in Dirty Harry . Paul had other things in mind. Newman had always been interested in social and political issues of his country and his next two films, A Man today (WUSA , 1970) and a Great Notion ( Sometimes a great notion , 1971) were committed two films of the Newman-Foreman, and Paul made the latter the dual role of actor / director Joanne protagonist. Then, at the hands of the First Artists came Pocket Money (Pocket money , 1972), The hanging judge ( The life and time of Judge Roy Bean , 1972), John Houston, Man Mackintosh ( The Mackintosh Man, 1973) also of Houston ... none with great success. None except the third work of Newman as director: The effect of gamma rays on the Daisies ( The effect of the gamma rays on Man-on-the-moon marigolds , 1972), a really bad film entitled, but admirable, which starred Joanne Woodward, and Paul gave him a nomination for best director at Cannes. Things, however, were not going well. One of six was a bad average for the biggest star of the moment. I needed a movie that re-established as an actor and superstar, but this would not happen. His next film was not going to restore as a superstar, but he would surpass all known ribbons. In 1973 came the coup ( The sting , 1973), the film that marked his peak of popularity and put him beyond any known star, a resounding success. The Academy Awards, though not nominated Newman, did not give back the film and 7 statuettes awarded: best film, director, screenplay, editing ... a success. In this film, Paul was reunited with her fellow Butch Cassidy and the Sundance , Hill and Redford. The formula that had worked so well in the 1969 film came to work here. Newman in the role of Henry Gondorf and Redford in the fledgling but talented Johnny Hooker were a wonderful couple on screen, and Hill and Ward (writer) worked outstandingly. life's blows
A history of these two con artists who give the blow of his life to avenge Lonnegan Doyle and studied with a great script, I supported a spectacular movie (literally) that was due to the new trend in Hollywood disaster movies. The Towering Inferno (The towering inferno , 1974) together with his partner Newman Steve McQueen, also a big star now, and despite its success, was the beginning of the bad years of Newman, the second mid 70's. film were years without success, coupled with the tremendous shock when the death in 1978, his son Scott, a victim of drugs and alcohol. Although Paul, Joanne and Jackie tried to get the divorce occurred in the least harmful to children, Scott has always been the most vulnerable. He already had seven years at the time of separation, and affected him more than his sisters. His adolescence was problematic due to uprooting and Scott's sense of failure in front of his father. Depression took hold of him and Paul and Jackie, but did their best to help, they could not fix.
For Newman, this was a personal blow immersed in its worst labor. In this downturn, Newman took refuge in cars and clumsy film projects. It was the end of this decade when he was offered the role of Lt. Ripley (star of the Alien saga ), but Newman refused. Were five years without success that would have ended the career of anyone. The semi-sequel to Harper With Drowning ( The drowning pool , 1975), a cameo in Silent Movie Mel Brooks ( Silent Movie, 1976), Buffalo Bill (Buffalo Bill and the Indians , 1976), Slap Shot ( Slap Shot, 1977)-this, at least, was grossing- Quintet (Quintet , 1978), On doomsday (When time ran out , 1979) ... laziness. The rebirth of a star
District apache ( Fort Apache - The Bronx , 1981) was the script that needed to get out of the doldrums seventies, with impersonating a police Newman fifties in a story that lived up to its name. From the limited success of this film, it came the revival of Newman. Out of the hole and again the public and critics alike embraced him. Paul's career was relaunched as none had ever done. His incredible talent was still there, and the 80's witnessed it. In 1981 came Absence of Malice ( Absence of Malice, 1981), a drama about the responsibility of the press was not only a commercial success, but was hailed as a thoughtful and courageous film. Newman played the son of a gangster (20 years embody the father of one of these) which is immersed in a conflict after the death of his father. This role earned him his fifth Oscar nomination (sixth if you count the best film by Rachel, Rachel ), but he again escaped. No matter. With his next film earned another nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The sixth. The film in question was Verdict ( The Verdict , 1982), a courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet who got a great performance Newman. Another success, three of three in two years, but the Oscar slipped back into his hands. "What the hell has to Paul Newman to win an Oscar? ", published full-page Variety. People did not understand that the Academy does not rewarded, but Newman did not despair.
directed and starred in 1984 and son Harry ( and son Harry, 1984), a film needed to Newman that served to appease the ghosts of the death of his son and as a tribute to it, regardless of impact at the box office or critical. After this became a shelter in the car waiting for a good project to work. The awards ceremony of the Academy Awards in 1986, Paul Newman received an honorary Oscar "in recognition his many memorable performances and their dedication to this craft ." While I doubt (there were crumbs, back pay to look good) went to pick it up, and in his speech took certain liberties, " thank a very special award is not wrapped in a death certificate. I hope my best work is yet to come . " In next year's show, Paul won the Oscar for Best Leading Actor for his performance in The Color of Money .
The Color of Money (The color of money , 1986) was the Paul draft was awaited and son Harry. It was Newman himself who decided to rescue Eddie "The Hustler" Felson himself writing a screenplay (later improved by Richard Price) along the lines of the new novel by Walter Tevis, whose work also inspired The Hustler. Newman turned to arm with the cue that was thrown at the end of The Hustler where morality was understood that the above money, and drew a sober and mature brilliant performance by 25 years the character who played in 1961 and that earned him his second Oscar nomination. The Academy could not resist. "Successful generational reflection. Bright and intelligent staging script (...) Interpretation of Paul Newman, the Oscar-winning, one can only say one thing: awesome "read from our country Fernando Morales of El País. Martin Scorsese was in charge of management, as Paul wanted to (although in the letter attached to the script, Michael Newman called him instead of Martin) and counted for the role of rookie and talented newcomer with a boy who had just begun, but Newman had already predicted a great future, come to say " sure to be one of the greats of Hollywood "it was Tom Cruise. This and his subsequent work in Top Gun that year, launched his career. After the return to the mat for Eddie, Newman returned to the address, with his wife before the cameras in The Glass Menagerie (The Glass Menagerie , 1987), his last film as director, and participated in three almost consecutive films: Man and Little Boy ( Fat man little boy , 1989), Blaze (Blaze , 1989) and Mr. Bridge Waiting (Mr. And Mrs. Bridge , 1990), latest film with his wife, Joanne Woodward, after 14 collaborations. Almost 70 years in 1993, the Hollywood Academy awarded him the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his work in charity and humanitarian work in the field of alcohol and drugs.
returned to the cinema in 1994 with The Hudsucker (The Hudsucker Proxy , 1994), a Coen brothers film in which Newman played a supervillain, and starred in, also in 1994, Not a fool ( Nobody's Fool, 1994), a character made as a compendium of Luke Jackson, Eddie Felson, Butch Cassidy or even the Henry Gondorf of The coup, but with a few more years and the frustration of a forced outage. All a crook without a fool that Newman would play with skill and it would bring his eighth Oscar nomination for Best Actor. To continue the tradition (broken only in 1987) did not give him the statuette, but Newman was back. Also in 1996, his youngest daughter, Melissa, Grandpa made him giving birth to the first grandchild of Paul: Peter Elkind. was four years before Newman returned to acting. There was no hurry to select project and Twilight (Twilight , 1998) seemed correct. A great role, a division Exception (Gene Hackman, Susan Sarandon, James Garner) and a detective story old-fashioned, maybe too classic to appeal to the postmodern generation of the late twentieth century. The 90's ended with Message in a Bottle (Message in a bottle , 1999), supporting and taking to Kevin Costner in a romance story about an ocean where Newman could bring a bit of personality.
The twilight of a legend
Two films and a tribute has been the legacy of Newman for the last millennium. In a character who certainly could have been Butch Cassidy for 75 years and living in our day, Paul played a bank robber that simulates a stroke (brilliantly) to leave jail and continue to make mischief in Where the Money ( Where the money is , 2000). This film, although funny and entertaining, and a good performance by Newman and Linda Fiorentino, had known a bit like last movie was already great legend Paul Newman. Many offers came to their hands to act again, but it was Sam Spielberg as a producer and "American Beauty" Mendes behind the camera, who convinced him. Newman had a smell, and its role, and the project itself was a delight. In Road to Perdition (Road to Perdition , 2002), Newman played brilliantly to John Rooney, the sponsor of a major mafia gang that has a protégé of Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), a man who, under a great respect for Rooney, do the dirty work that allows you to keep his family. The criticism was supported. "(...) Extraordinary masterpiece reinvents the best black film without betraying the code of this glorious Newman and Hanks (...) gender roles embroider" (Carlos Boyero, Diario El Mundo). Newman was 77, and his performance earned him a new Oscar nomination, this time as Best Supporting Actor, but finally took the statuette Chris Cooper for her performance in Adaptation . Road to Perdition was the last appearance of the legendary actor of Ohio on the big screen, as subsequently appeared in three television productions: Freedom: A History of Us (2003) Our Town (2003) and Empire Falls (2005).
The last goodbye
In 1976, at the height of his success, Richard Warren Lewis asked in an interview as you would like to be remembered after his death, this is what Newman said, "I would like to be remembered as a man who tried to be modern, to help people communicate, they tried to produce something decent in their own lives. The memory of someone who has managed to grow without too celebrate their victories, was never fully satisfied with himself. The memory of someone who was not daunted by failures. Because we have to keep trying. Always. That is the most important. " In 2006, Paul Newman released an atypical work in his films, studies completed in the Disney / Pixar. This was an animation film called Race Cars Cars . Paul gave up his voice to the protagonist of the film car, like James Dean gave his legend Newman in The Battler . A final contribution in the year of the golden anniversary of his debut as a film actor. A tribute to one of his greatest passions, the environment that created his legend. The last farewell of indomitable.
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