Richard Fleischer on Blu

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

There is nothing unkind about the term "journeyman director" and it does apply to Fleischer. It means a director who doesn't have an easily discernible style or recurring themes, like Kubrick, Hawks, Ford or Hitchcock. They also don't tend to originate films, they get hired to direct films, often in many different genres. That all applies to Fleischer. It doesn't mean that a journeyman director does a bad job, they are just different from auteurs.

Take your point. I think it's also fair to say that the term is used unflatteringly by many writers and critics to indicate a solid yet "unremarkable" talent.

[CreasyBear]

Originally Posted by Reddington

Take your point. I think it's also fair to say that the term is used unflatteringly by many writers and critics to indicate a solid yet "unremarkable" talent.

I think "unremarkable" describes Fleischer. He could do solid work, but he didn't have a unique eye. He was serviceable most of the time and downright lazy, later in his career.

[The Great Owl]

Great thread.

Richard Fleischer had such a range of genre output. He was a serviceably solid director, but the sheer breadth of movies in his catalogue is remarkable.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Reddington

Take your point. I think it's also fair to say that the term is used unflatteringly by many writers and critics to indicate a solid yet "unremarkable" talent.

While he was capable of good work with a decent screenplay, I wouldn't place him along the great directors I've mentioned before. He didn't bring the little extra which would make a good film genuinely great, even if he has a few minor classics under his belt. Even among journeyman directors I wouldn't put him along Robert Wise.

[Reddington]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

While he was capable of good work with a decent screenplay, I wouldn't place him along the great directors I've mentioned before. He didn't bring the little extra which would make a good film genuinely great, even if he has a few minor classics under his belt. Even among journeyman directors I wouldn't put him along Robert Wise.

I wouldn't place him among the greats, either. But I do think 20,000 Leagues, Fantastic Voyage, and The Boston Strangler at the very least evidence an above-average level of directorial talent.

Hey, just my take on him.