Member-only story

Elia Kazan Biography: The Life and Legacy of a Legendary American Director

Henry Green

·17.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Elia Kazan: A Biography Richard Schickel

6 min read · 2 weeks before

785 View Claps

59 Respond

Save

Listen

Elia Kazan: A Biography

by Richard Schickel

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1711 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	564 pages

A Black And White Portrait Photograph Of Elia Kazan, A Serious Expression On His Face. Elia Kazan: A Biography Richard Schickel

Elia Kazan (September 7, 1909 – September 28, 2003) was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He is considered one of the most important and influential figures in the history of American cinema. Kazan's films are known for their realism, their exploration of social and political issues, and their use of Method acting.

Early Life and Career

Elia Kazan was born Elias Kazantzoglou in Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey) to Greek parents. His father was a weaver, and his mother was a homemaker. Kazan's family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old. They settled in New York City, where Kazan attended school and began his acting career.

Kazan studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his Broadway debut in 1930. He quickly became a successful stage actor, appearing in a number of well-received productions. In 1935, Kazan directed his first stage production, a revival of Clifford Odets' play "Waiting for Lefty."

Film Career

In 1940, Kazan made his film directorial debut with "City for Conquest." The film was a critical and commercial success, and it established Kazan as a major force in Hollywood.

Kazan directed a number of acclaimed films in the 1940s and 1950s, including "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" (1945),"Gentleman's Agreement" (1947),"On the Waterfront" (1954),and "East of Eden" (1955). These films won Kazan numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Director.

The Hollywood Blacklist

In 1952, Kazan testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC),which was investigating alleged communist infiltration of the film industry. Kazan named several former colleagues as communists, including Clifford Odets and Dalton Trumbo. His testimony contributed to the Hollywood blacklist, which prevented many talented screenwriters and directors from working in the film industry for years.

Kazan's decision to cooperate with HUAC was a controversial one. He was accused of betraying his friends and colleagues, and he was vilified by many in the film industry. However, Kazan defended his actions, saying that he believed it was his duty to cooperate with the government.

Later Career

Despite the controversy surrounding his HUAC testimony, Kazan continued to direct films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He directed a number of notable films during this period, including "Splendor in the Grass" (1961),"The Arrangement" (1969),and "The Last Tycoon" (1976).

In 1988, Kazan received a Lifetime Achievement Academy Award for his contributions to cinema. He died in 2003 at the age of 94.

Legacy

Elia Kazan is considered one of the most influential and important figures in the history of American cinema. His films have been praised for their realism, their exploration of social and political issues, and their use of Method acting.

Kazan's decision to cooperate with HUAC remains a controversial topic. Some believe that he betrayed his friends and colleagues, while others believe that he was simply ng what he thought was right.

Despite the controversy surrounding his HUAC testimony, there is no doubt that Elia Kazan was a brilliant filmmaker who made a significant contribution to American cinema. His films continue to be studied and admired by film scholars and moviegoers alike.

Richard Schickel's Biography of Elia Kazan

One of the most comprehensive and insightful biographies of Elia Kazan is "Kazan on Kazan: An Autobiography," written by Richard Schickel. The book was published in 1999 and it is based on a series of interviews that Schickel conducted with Kazan.

In the book, Kazan discusses his life and career in detail. He talks about his childhood in Constantinople, his immigration to the United States, his early acting career, and his transition to filmmaking. He also discusses his decision to cooperate with HUAC, and he responds to the criticism that he has received for his actions.

Schickel's biography of Kazan is a fascinating and revealing portrait of one of the most important figures in American cinema. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Kazan's life and work.

Elia Kazan was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important and influential directors in the history of American cinema. His films have had a profound impact on American culture, and they continue to be studied and admired by film scholars and moviegoers alike.

Kazan's decision to cooperate with HUAC remains a controversial topic, but it is important to remember that he was a product of his time. The Cold War was a period of great fear and paranoia, and many people believed that communism was a threat to American national security. Kazan's decision to cooperate with HUAC was a difficult one, but he believed that it was the right thing to do.

Whether or not one agrees with Kazan's actions, there is no doubt that he was a brilliant filmmaker who made a significant contribution to American cinema. His films are a testament to his talent, his vision, and his commitment to social justice.

Elia Kazan: A Biography

by Richard Schickel

4.5 out of 5