King Vidor
King Vidor
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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King Wallis Vidor was born on August 8, 1894, in Galveston, Texas. He is often referred to as simply "King" Vidor.
Birth and Death Dates
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August 8, 1894 – November 12, 1982
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Film Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Early Life and Background
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King Vidor was born to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by hardship, but his father's love of storytelling encouraged King's interest in the arts. Vidor began writing stories and drawing at an early age, and he even published his first short story in a local newspaper when he was just 15 years old.
As a young man, Vidor worked as a bank teller to support himself while pursuing his passion for filmmaking. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he began working in the film industry as a propman and then as a writer and director.
Major Accomplishments
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Vidor's early success came with the 1925 film _Wine of the Devil_, which was a commercial failure but caught the attention of studio executives. He went on to direct several successful films, including _The Crowd_ (1928), _Hallelujah!_ (1929), and _Street Scene_ (1931).
In addition to his work in film, Vidor was also known for his advocacy of cinematography as an art form. He believed that the camera should be treated as a creative partner, rather than simply a recording device.
Notable Works or Actions
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Vidor's most notable works include:
_The Crowd_ (1928): A groundbreaking film that explored the lives of working-class Americans.
_Hallelujah!_ (1929): A musical drama that was one of the first Hollywood films to feature an all-black cast.
* _Street Scene_ (1931): A drama about a poor family living in New York City's Lower East Side.
Vidor also experimented with new techniques, such as using long takes and deep focus photography. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to telling stories that were socially relevant.
Impact and Legacy
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King Vidor's impact on the film industry cannot be overstated. He influenced generations of directors, including Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola. His emphasis on cinematography as an art form raised the bar for visual storytelling in films.
Vidor was also a pioneer in social commentary, tackling topics such as poverty, racism, and class inequality in his work. His commitment to telling stories that mattered helped pave the way for future filmmakers who would tackle similar issues.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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King Vidor's legacy extends beyond his films themselves. He was a true artist who approached storytelling with passion and conviction. His quotes and writings continue to inspire new generations of creatives, offering insights into the art and craft of filmmaking.
As a pioneer in both cinematography and social commentary, Vidor's work continues to influence filmmakers today. His commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
Quotes by King Vidor
The Screen Directors Guild was organized solely by and for the motion picture director... We are not anti-anything: The Guild being formed for the purpose of assisting and improving the director's work in the form of a collective body, rather than as an individual, as was necessary in the past.
In my opinion, the motion picture is the greatest medium of expression ever invented. It embraces all the other arts. The films that have the greatest unity, the greatest overall strength, and give the most satisfaction to the viewer, have been those in which a guiding hand was imposed in every section of the film's many divisions.
A simple story filmed with limited sets can often be more effective than a costly extravaganza. provided it had depth and allows the audience to identify with the character.
There is the story in every man's heart of human progress. I believe every one of us knows that his major job on Earth is to make some contributions, no matter how small, to this inexorable movement of human progress.