James Toback
James Toback
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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James Thomas Toback was a renowned American film director, screenwriter, and actor.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 17, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Passed away on March 26, 2021, at the age of 80.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American. Filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and actor.
Early Life and Background
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Toback was born to Jewish parents, Joseph and Rose Toback. His father was a painter, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up in Brooklyn, James developed an interest in film at an early age. He began making short films as a teenager and attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Major Accomplishments
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Toback's breakthrough came with the 1974 film "The Gambler," starring James Caan. The movie received critical acclaim for its gritty portrayal of addiction and the dark side of the human experience. Toback went on to direct several other notable films, including "Fingers" (1978), "Black and White in Color" (1976), and "Harvard Man" (2001). He was known for pushing boundaries and exploring complex themes.
Notable Works or Actions
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Toback's work often reflected his fascination with the human condition. His films frequently featured characters grappling with addiction, identity crises, and existential dilemmas. Some of his most notable works include:
"The Gambler" (1974) - A gritty drama about a young math professor struggling with addiction.
"Fingers" (1978) - A crime drama that explores the world of organized crime through the eyes of a piano prodigy.
* "Black and White in Color" (1976) - A satirical comedy-drama that critiques colonialism.
Impact and Legacy
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Toback's films have had a lasting impact on American cinema. His bold style, willingness to tackle tough subjects, and commitment to artistic integrity have inspired generations of filmmakers. Though his career was marked by controversy and criticism, Toback remains an important figure in the history of independent filmmaking.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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James Toback's influence can be seen in many aspects of contemporary film culture. His willingness to tackle complex themes and push boundaries has made him a legendary figure among filmmakers and critics alike.
Quotes by James Toback
It's hard to give a dramatic shape to even the most dramatic life. . . . you are forced not just into selectivity, but into alteration, distortion and outright lying about what did and didn't happen.
I alternate between feeling incredibly lucky that I've gotten away with almost everything I wanted to do, and feeling like I've been shafted.
The idea that there aren't mistakes made constantly in the judicial system is too obvious even to need to mention.
To have six billion people on Earth, two billion of whom are carrying around a warped view of you? That has to register.
Most of my movies get about a third raves, a third vicious attacks, and a third in-between.
![[Robert Downey was being singled out for] selective prosecution. He's a sweet guy who never did harm to anyone except himself. He's been doing drugs for 20 years and functioning for 20 years, and in those 20 years there've been hundreds of people who've been getting high constantly and behaved very destructively and have not been arrested. Robert's real problem is he gets caught.](/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Flakl0ama8n6qbptj.public.blob.vercel-storage.com%2Fquotes%2Fquote-2612678.png&w=1536&q=100)
[Robert Downey was being singled out for] selective prosecution. He's a sweet guy who never did harm to anyone except himself. He's been doing drugs for 20 years and functioning for 20 years, and in those 20 years there've been hundreds of people who've been getting high constantly and behaved very destructively and have not been arrested. Robert's real problem is he gets caught.
The collaborator has to be someone who understands that his role is to help you articulate what you want, but at the same time is not just going to be mechanically obeying, but adding to, supplementing, and coming up with stuff.
