The Life And Films Of John Sturges: A Wisconsin Studies In Film Tribute

John Sturges was a renowned American filmmaker who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. His contributions to the art of storytelling and filmmaking have earned him a place among the greats. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Sturges found his true passion for filmmaking at a young age. He started his journey in the film industry as an editor and gradually transitioned to directing, where he would go on to create some of the most iconic films of his time.

Rise to Prominence

Sturges began his directorial career in the late 1940s with films like "The Man Who Dared" and "The Sign of the Ram." However, it was his 1950 film "Mystery Street" that put him on the map and showcased his unique storytelling abilities. This neo-noir crime film captivated audiences with its intriguing plot twists and brilliant character development.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Sturges continued to cement his status as a master filmmaker with classics such as "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" (1957), "The Magnificent Seven" (1960), and "The Great Escape" (1963). These films not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved tremendous commercial success, helping to solidify Sturges' reputation as a visionary director.

Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges (Wisconsin Studies in Film)

by Glenn Lovell (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

FREE

The Magnificent Seven

"The Magnificent Seven" holds a special place in film history, as it remains one of Sturges' most iconic and beloved works. The film brilliantly showcases Sturges' ability to create a captivating ensemble cast, with actors like Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson bringing the characters to life with their stellar performances.

This Western masterpiece tells the story of a group of seven gunmen who are hired to protect a small Mexican village from a band of marauding bandits. The film expertly blends action, drama, and deep character exploration, leaving lasting impressions on its audience.

Influence and Legacy

John Sturges' films have had a profound impact on the world of cinema, inspiring countless filmmakers and captivating audiences for decades. His distinct directorial style, characterized by dynamic storytelling and memorable characters, continues to influence contemporary filmmakers.

In recognition of his contributions, the Wisconsin Studies in Film department has dedicated a segment to examine John Sturges' life and films. This in-depth exploration offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of this extraordinary director, dissect his artistic choices, and gain a deeper understanding of his impact on the film industry.

John Sturges' legacy as a filmmaker endures to this day. His films are timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences across generations. The Wisconsin Studies in Film department's exploration of Sturges' work provides a valuable insight into the life and mind of this exceptional director.

Through his groundbreaking storytelling techniques and meticulous attention to detail, Sturges has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. As we celebrate his life and films in this Wisconsin Studies in Film tribute, we honor his contribution to the art form that continues to inspire and entertain us.

Escape Artist: The Life and Films of John Sturges (Wisconsin Studies in Film)

by Glenn Lovell (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

FREE

Escape Artist—based on Glenn Lovell’s extensive interviews with John Sturges, his wife and children, and numerous stars including Clint Eastwood, Robert Duvall, and Jane Russell—is the first biography of the director of such acclaimed films as The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, and Bad Day at Black Rock. Lovell examines Sturges’s childhood in California during the Great Depression; his apprenticeship in the editing department of RKO Pictures, where he worked on such films as Gunga Din and Of Human Bondage; his service in the Army Air Corps in World War II; and his emergence as one of the first independent producer-directors in Hollywood.Chronicling the filmmaker’s relationships with such luminaries as Spencer Tracy, James Garner, Yul Brynner, and Frank Sinatra, Escape Artist interweaves biography with critical analyses of Sturges’s hits and misses. Along the way, Lovell addresses the reasons why Sturges has been overlooked in the ongoing discussion of postwar Hollywood and explores the director’s focus on masculinity, machismo, and male-bonding in big-budget, ensemble action films. Lovell also examines Sturges’s aesthetic sensibility, his talent for composing widescreen images, and his uncanny ability to judge raw talent—including that of Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn, all of whom began their careers in Sturges’s movies.            This long overdue study of a major Hollywood director will find a welcome home in the libraries of film scholars, action movie buffs, and anyone interested in the popular culture of the twentieth century.

Best Books for Special Interests, selected by the American Association of School Librarians, and Best Books for General Audiences, selected by the Public Library Association
"Pick up a copy of film critic and scholar Glenn Lovell's terrific new Sturges biography, Escape Artist. . . . I can't urge you enough to check out this interview-rich, aesthetically and culturally perceptive look at the filmmaker and his work."—Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Daily News

“Lovell’s list of interviewees reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and they obviously provided rich source material for this full-scale biography and career survey.”— Leonard Maltin

“This long overdue study of a major Hollywood director will find a welcome home in the libraries of film scholars, action movie buffs, and anyone interested in the popular culture of the twentieth century.”—Turner Classic Movies (TCM.com)