Richard Fleischer on Blu

[Dailyan]

Adventure, blockbuster epics, noir, and true crime. Richard Fleischer is one of the most versatile directors.

US releases

Select international releases

[Reddington]

Nice one, Dailyan!

Often referred to as a "journeyman" director, which I think is a bit unkind. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was the most expensive Hollywood film up to that time, and is a triumph; without doubt the finest Disney live-action production, and one of the very best science-fiction/adventure films ever made. Plenty of other gems in his varied career, too.

[noirjunkie]

He's one of my favorite directors. If you can track down his memoir, Just Tell Me When to Cry, it's filled with plenty of great stories--and he's actually a decent writer, too.

I hope my favorite of his films, The Narrow Margin, gets to be added to the OP sooner rather than later.

[Rzzzz]

I love the extras on the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Dvd where they go into a lot of detail about how Walt gave him his first chance at a big budget film. He couldn't believe Walt wanted him when his father Max was his biggest competitor at one time. Fleischer was very nervous but for some reason Walt really believed in him and it paid off for both of them.

I have 8 of his films on blu and one on Dvd (Trapped). Just waiting for a price drop on that one...

[bonehica]

I've only recently begun to explore this man's oeuvre, but everything I have watched so far has been top notch. Another great director thread to help me explore choices!

[DukeTogo84]

I've only seen about 6 of those films, but I've enjoyed them all. I need to watch Mandingo at some point as that has James Mason, and loved their collaboration in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

[CelestialAgent]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

I've only seen about 6 of those films, but I've enjoyed them all. I need to watch Mandingo at some point as that has James Mason, and loved their collaboration in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

I might be tempted by that French release for the James Mason TV interview.

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by bonehica

I've only recently begun to explore this man's oeuvre, but everything I have watched so far has been top notch. Another great director thread to help me explore choices!

“Compulsion” is excellent. It’s a bit of a taste to come for his other true crime films “The Boston Strangler” and “10 Rillington Place”. Dean Stockwell is the highlight of the cast for me. I’d recommend the Signal One release because it includes two great Guardian interviews with Fleischer.

[bonehica]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

“Compulsion” is excellent. It’s a bit of a taste to come for his other true crime films “The Boston Strangler” and “10 Rillington Place”. Dean Stockwell is the highlight of the cast for me. I’d recommend the Signal One release because it includes two great Guardian interviews with Fleischer.

High praise considering the other notables in the cast!!

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by bonehica

High praise considering the other notables in the cast!!

He has a scene in the middle of the film with himself and Diane Varsi that conveys just how disturbed/sociopathic his character is and he's damn good.

[The Batman Professor]

Of his unreleased filmography, I wish THE BOSTON STRANGLER and THE JAZZ SINGER (1980) would get a proper bluray release.

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by The Batman Professor

Of his unreleased filmography, I wish THE BOSTON STRANGLER and THE JAZZ SINGER (1980) would get a proper bluray release.

What's wrong with either the Plan B or Twilight Time releases of "The Boston Strangler"?

[bonehica]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

He has a scene in the middle of the film with himself and Diane Varsi that conveys just how disturbed/sociopathic his character is and he's damn good.

It's actually been in my Kino wishlist for awhile, but now you have me weighing whether I need to import the UK version. Region Free problems!!

[The Batman Professor]

Originally Posted by Dailyan

What's wrong with either the Plan B or Twilight Time releases of "The Boston Strangler"?

Nothing - I just ordered it.

Thanks!

Now find me a copy of THE JAZZ SINGER.

[drownsoda]

I am only slightly familiar with Fleischer due to his horror titles, namely Amityville 3D and See No Evil; the former is okay, but the latter is a great film, and features a great performance from Mia Farrow—Indicator's Blu-ray is fantastic.

[The Batman Professor]

10 Rillington Place is a must-see.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Reddington

Nice one, Dailyan!

Often referred to as a "journeyman" director, which I think is a bit unkind. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was the most expensive Hollywood film up to that time, and is a triumph; without doubt the finest Disney live-action production, and one of the very best science-fiction/adventure films ever made. Plenty of other gems in his varied career, too.

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.

[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.