Peter Bogdanovich
Full Name and Common Aliases
Peter Bogdanovich is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, novelist, and actor.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 30, 1939, in Kingston, New York. Still active and alive today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, filmmaker (director, producer, writer), actor
Early Life and Background
Peter Bogdanovich was born to Peter Martin Vogl and Harden Machtel Bogdanovich. His father, a journalist, moved the family to Stamford, Connecticut when Peter was three years old. The young Peter grew up surrounded by books, as his mother, an artist, encouraged his love for reading.
Growing up in suburban New York, Bogdanovich developed a passion for cinema at an early age. He began making short films with his friends and wrote film scripts in high school. After graduating from Stamford High School in 1957, he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a scholarship to study English literature.
Early Career
Bogdanovich's interest in filmmaking led him to attend film classes at USC, where he befriended fellow aspiring directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. In the early 1960s, he began working as an assistant editor for several films, including Roger Corman's _The Wild Angels_.
Major Accomplishments
Bogdanovich directed a string of successful films in the 1970s, starting with _What's Up, Tiger Lily?_, a parody of the James Bond film _Dr. No_. He achieved critical acclaim for his next two films:
_The Last Picture Show_ (1971) won two Academy Awards and earned Bogdanovich an Oscar nomination for Best Director.
_Paper Moon_ (1973), starring Ryan O'Neal and Tatum O'Neal, was nominated for four Oscars.
Bogdanovich also directed _Daisy Miller_ (1974), a critically acclaimed adaptation of Henry James's novella.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Bogdanovich's notable works include:
The Last Picture Show (1971) - A classic coming-of-age drama set in 1950s Texas.
Paper Moon (1973) - A comedy-drama about a con man and his young daughter on the road during the Great Depression.
Daisy Miller (1974) - An adaptation of Henry James's novella about an American girl living in Switzerland.
Bogdanovich has also acted in several films, including _The Big Sleep_ (1978), where he played a memorable cameo as a police lieutenant.
Impact and Legacy
Peter Bogdanovich's contributions to American cinema are undeniable. His early work with Roger Corman helped shape the New Hollywood movement of the 1960s and 1970s. As a director, writer, and actor, Bogdanovich has left an indelible mark on film history.
His passion for storytelling and his dedication to preserving classic films have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Today, Peter Bogdanovich continues to be involved in the film industry, inspiring new generations of filmmakers with his unique vision and creative spirit.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Peter Bogdanovich's quotes on filmmaking, storytelling, and life offer valuable insights into the art of creating memorable movies. His opinions are sought by critics, directors, and actors alike, as he shares his experiences and perspectives on:
The importance of preserving classic films for future generations.
The challenges and rewards of adapting literature to the screen.
The role of the director in bringing a story to life.
Bogdanovich's legacy extends beyond his own films; his contributions to the world of cinema have inspired countless creators, making him a beloved figure in the film community.
Quotes by Peter Bogdanovich

Comedy is the hardest thing to get right. I remember a joke we did in 'What's Up, Doc?' that didn't get a single laugh. So we moved the shot a foot-and-a-half to one side, and all of a sudden, the laugh was there. It drives you crazy; the balance is so delicate.

During the Hollywood studio system, they looked for people who were unusual. The stars had peculiarities.

'Mask' wasn't the version that I wanted when it was originally released. It made money, but it would have made a lot more money. My version was a lot less depressing - tragic, but a lot less depressing.

I was offered 'Popeye,' which Robert Altman made. They offered me $2 million to direct that, which was good money. I wasn't interested in it. I don't like that kind of movie.

For a while, all the studios had their art-house divisions, but that went by the by pretty quickly. Now, they're really focusing on these huge blockbusters, spending a fortune on cartoon pictures and comic-strip movies and superhero movies, and they aren't making pictures like 'How Green Was My Valley,' which was an Oscar winner in its day.




