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This interview originally appeared inSFX magazineissue 175 (October 2008).
We spoke to Roger Corman about his heroes and inspirations for the issue.
But thats exactly what has happened to the King of the B-movie.
Unlike some, Corman didnt fix on directing as a career option at an early age.
Now I had to really analyse the films that I liked.
It was probably during my last year that I started thinking, This is what I want to do.
I had to learn on the set, Corman explains.
I didnt study directing, because I started as a writer, then became a writer/producer.
One of the first I remember was Things to Come.
I read a number of HG Wells stories Things to Come, War of the Worlds.
John Ford and Howard Hanks
Ford had a great feeling for the common people, particularly in the West.
Great visuals, these broad shots, and then the characterisation of the hard-bitten life of the cowboy.
Howard Hawks was a master of sophisticated comedy, but also capable of creating the private eye.
Red River is one of the best westerns ever made.
So I took the degree in engineering.
Was that useful later on?
I think a little bit, particularly in the planning and organisation.
Jeff Corey
Jeff Corey was a major influence in teaching me about acting.
Jeff was the teacher, and he was teaching the method.
I was more comfortable simply discussing the character with the actor before the shoot began.
The depression
I grew up in the Depression, and most people were poor.
On the set theres a certain amount of wasted time.
There are prolonged discussions of things that dont need discussing.
Working efficiently to utilise your time is important - working rather than chatting.
He said, You have a story?
He said, How much money do you need?
I said, $75,000, he said yes, and it just started from there!
The auteurs
Ive always liked the work of the auteurs.
In the 70s I started distributing art films.
I had no intention of losing money, but I thought if I could break even, thats fine.
The first was Ingmar Bergmans Cries and Whispers.
Roger Corman died on May 9, aged 98.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
