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BURT LANCASTER
AND FILM NOIR


Burt Lancaster made a significant impact on the film noir genre through his versatile performances and his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters. While he was known for his wide range of roles in various genres, his work in film noir stands out as a testament to his talent and impact on the genre.

Lancaster's presence in film noir began with his breakout role in "The Killers" (1946), directed by Robert Siodmak. In this film, he played the role of a doomed ex-boxer named Swede, caught up in a web of crime and deceit. Lancaster's portrayal of Swede demonstrated his ability to embody the disillusioned and brooding protagonist commonly found in film noir. His physicality, intensity, and emotional depth added layers of complexity to his character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Another notable film noir performance by Lancaster came in "Criss Cross" (1949), directed by Robert Siodmak. In this film, he played the role of Steve Thompson, a man caught in a dangerous love triangle. Lancaster's ability to convey a sense of longing, desperation, and vulnerability added depth to his character and heightened the film's noir atmosphere.

Lancaster's impact on film noir extended beyond individual performances. His presence brought a sense of gravitas and authenticity to the genre. His rugged and charismatic persona, combined with his nuanced acting abilities, allowed him to embody the morally conflicted characters that defined film noir. Whether playing a hero, anti-hero, or a complex antagonist, Lancaster's performances resonated with audiences and elevated the narratives of the films in which he appeared.

In addition to "The Killers" and "Criss Cross," Lancaster appeared in other film noirs such as "Brute Force" (1947) and "Sorry, Wrong Number" (1948), showcasing his versatility and range within the genre. He demonstrated an understanding of the dark and atmospheric elements of film noir and brought a level of depth and complexity to his characters that helped define the genre.

Overall, Burt Lancaster's impact on film noir is evident through his compelling performances and his ability to embody the archetypal characters that populate the genre. His contributions to film noir have left a lasting legacy, and his presence in the genre added depth and authenticity to the narratives, cementing his status as one of the iconic actors of classic Hollywood cinema.

AVAILABLE FILMS:


ALL MY SONS (1948)
APACHE (1954)
BRUTE FORCE (1947)
CRISS CROSS (1949)
I WALK ALONE (1948)
KILLERS, THE (1946)
KISS THE BLOOD OFF MY HANDS (1948)
MISTER 880 (1950)
PROFESSIONALS, THE (1966)
ROPE OF SAND (1949)
RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP (1958)
SORRY, WRONG NUMBER (1948)
TRAIN, THE (1964)
TRAPEZE (1956)
YOUNG SAVAGES, THE (1961)

VIDEO TRIBUTE:


Burt Lancaster


Burt Lancaster

Burt Lancaster was an American actor and producer, born on November 2, 1913, in Manhattan, New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of his generation, with a career that spanned over four decades. Lancaster made significant contributions to film, theater, and television, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Lancaster grew up in East Harlem, New York, and initially pursued a career in athletics, particularly as a circus acrobat. However, an injury led him to shift his focus to acting. He began his acting career in the theater and made his Broadway debut in 1945 in the play "A Sound of Hunting." His stage performances garnered critical acclaim, which eventually led to his transition to the silver screen.
​
Lancaster's breakthrough film role came in 1946 with "The Killers," based on a story by Ernest Hemingway. His portrayal of a brooding ex-boxer showcased his acting range and intensity. This performance marked the beginning of a successful film career that would earn him numerous accolades.

Throughout his career, Lancaster appeared in a wide range of film genres, including dramas, westerns, war films, and film noir. His notable film noir roles include "Criss Cross" (1949), "The Killers" (1946), and "Sweet Smell of Success" (1957). Lancaster's magnetic screen presence, physicality, and ability to portray complex characters added depth to his film noir performances.
Lancaster's versatility as an actor was showcased in his collaboration with directors such as Elia Kazan, John Frankenheimer, and Luchino Visconti. Some of his most acclaimed performances came in films like "From Here to Eternity" (1953), "Judgment at Nuremberg" (1961), "Elmer Gantry" (1960), and "Birdman of Alcatraz" (1962), for which he received Academy Award nominations.

In addition to acting, Lancaster established himself as a producer, forming the production company Hecht-Hill-Lancaster with Harold Hecht and James Hill. Together, they produced several successful films, including "Marty" (1955), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Lancaster's contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Elmer Gantry" (1960) and received a Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

Burt Lancaster passed away on October 20, 1994, in Century City, Los Angeles, California, at the age of 80. His legacy as an actor, producer, and cultural icon endures, and he is remembered as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, with his impact on film and his versatile performances leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
​​

Quotes:



"Most people seem to think I'm the kind of guy who shaves with a blowtorch. Actually I'm bookish and worrisome."

[on Kirk Douglas] "We both came from, sort of, well, shall we say, humble beginnings. We were both young, brash, cocky, arrogant. We knew everything, were highly opinionated. We were invincible. Nobody liked us."


-  Burt Lancaster

Trivia:

Was a big fan of the silent film The Unknown (1927), probably partially because the movie took place in a circus, and Burt himself spent a lot of time early in his life in a circus. He once said that no scene in any movie affected him as emotionally as the one in this movie in which Lon Chaney learns that Joan Crawford does not love him.

​ In 1947 he was offered the role of Stanley Kowalski in the original Broadway production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" after first choice John Garfield was rejected due to his demands for a ownership percentage of the play. He turned down the role that went to Marlon Brando and made him a legend.
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*** new features ***

Film Noir: The Men
Meet the hard-boiled detectives, cynical antiheroes, and ruthless villains
Film Noir: The Women
Meet Hard-Boiled Women, good girls gone bad, and femme fatales
Film Noir: The Directors
Meet the master storytellers who weave their ill-fated tales in an unforgiving dark, shadowy world.

Picture
Meet The Women who pushed the boundaries of moral, social, and artistic conventions... 
Part I
Part II