‘Casting By’ is a informative look at a largely unkown Hollywood icon
Starting this weekend at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema is the new documentary about the unsung heroes of the filmmaking process, the casting director, and the impact and evolution of the craft, “Casting By”. The film also serves to tell the story of the most influential and famous members of the casting world Marion Dougherty. In December of 2011, the film industry sadly lost Marion Dougherty and though most film fans would not recognize her by name; her work revolutionized the acting and casting industry.
Casting By
Directed by Tom Donahue
Dougherty began her career as a casting agent in the 50s for a collection of New York based TV shows, including the Kraft Television Theatre, Route 66 and Naked City. During the studio era of film making that lasted into the early 60’s, casting was done by surveying the usual crop of studio-signed actors who were often given roles based upon their looks and personality versus their talent. However, Dougherty recognized that there was a large pool of actors in New York’s off-Broadway productions and acting schools and was the first person to cast unknown actors based upon character instead of appearance. But perhaps the best treat in this revelatory film is the massive collection of footage, screen tests and movie clips featuring legendary actors such as James Dean, Christopher Walken, Jon Voight and Maureen Stapleton, before their fame.
‘Quartet’ features one excellent supporting performance
With over 70 acting credits under his belt, according to IMDB, Dustin Hoffman makes his directorial debut with “Quartet”, opening in theaters nationwide from Alliance Films Jan 15. The story of a retirement home for musicians and the reluctant star moving in that changes everything has been adapted for the screen by Ronald Harwood from his own stage play. So has all the films that Dustin Hoffman appeared in prepared him to step behind the camera?
Quartet Review
Starring: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay,Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Sheridan Smith and Michael Gambon
Written by Ronald Harwood
Beecham House for retired musicians is buzzing ever since the rumors have started circling that the home is soon to play host to a new resident, and word is it’s a major star. (more…)
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