Paul Mazursky (1930-2014)
One of the most prolific film writers of his generation, Paul Mazursky died yesterday, but left behind an impressive filmography which serve as true documents of their time.
Graduating from Brooklyn College, he made his debut as an actor in films such as Kubrick’s Fear and Desire and iconic high school drama Blackboard Jungle. After taking small roles in television and film he transitioned into writing, first for TV series such as The Monkees and The Rifleman, before hitting the big time with free love sex comedies I Love You Alice B. Toklas (starring Peter Sellers) and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. The films stuck a cord with the Easy Rider generation and Mazursky was a hot property in Hollywood, especially when Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice was turned into a television series.
Rather than stick to his bread and butter films, he ventured into directing his own films, first with the romantic comedy Blume in Love and then the heartfelt dramedy Harry and Tonto, which earned Art Carney his Oscar. Next Stop, Greenwich Village and An Unmarried Woman followed, each earning multiple awards, high praise, and loyal fans, not to mention the success he had with Moscow on the Hudson, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, and Enemies.
Mazursky was one of the most talented screenwriters to emerged during the 70s and 80s, and while he moved back to acting by the 1990s, he made a huge impact. He directed 6 Oscar nominated performances and was nominated for four writing Oscars himself. Future writer directors such as Alexander Payne would pick up the torch Mazursky put down in 1988 and would continue mixing pathos, comedy, and universal themes into their intimate little movies.
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