Ep# 45 - Haskell Wexler in the 60s
Medium Cool (1969)
There’s an argument to be made for the idea that Haskell Wexler was one of the founding fathers of modern cinema. With his emphasis on handheld cameras, naturalistic on-location shooting and dramatic lighting, Wexler stands out as one of the few true auteur cinematographers. Between his iconic visuals and his clear interest in and emphasis on political themes and social justice, his body of work acts as both a mirror for the decade and loudspeaker to progressive values.
Wexler remains a major influence to cinematographers to this very day – so who better to focus on for Cinema60’s first cinematographer-themed episode? Starting with his black and white beginnings, Cinema60 traces his narrative and documentary films through the decade, eventually culminating in Medium Cool – a proto-New Hollywood hybrid film that incorporates most every theme and camera trick he learned throughout the decade.
In this episode, Bart and Jenna take on the roles of George and Martha as they play “hump the cinematographer” while trying to slowly tear each other apart through psychological torture.
(Side note: We had horrible technical problems during this episode so apologies if it sounds rougher than usual, but also… tough.)
The following films are discussed:
• The Hoodlum Priest (1961)
Directed by Irvin Kershner
Starring Don Murray, Keir Dullea, Cindi Wood
• America America (1963)
Directed by Elia Kazan
Starring Stathis Giallelis, Frank Wolff, Linda Marsh
• The Best Man (1964)
Directed by Franklin Schaffner
Starring Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Ann Sothern
• The Bus (1965)
Directed by Haskell Wexler
Hour-long documentary
• Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Directed by Mike Nichols
Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal
• In the Heat of the Night (1967)
Directed by Delbert Mann
Starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Lee Grant
• Medium Cool (1969)
Directed by Haskell Wexler
Starring Robert Forster, Verna Bloom, Peter Bonerz
Also mentioned:
• Stakeout on Dope Street (1958)
Directed by Irvin Kershner
Starring Yale Wexler, Jonathan Haze, Steven Marlo
• Angel Baby (1961)
Directed by Paul Wendkos
Starring George Hamilton, Mercedes McCambridge, Burt Reynolds
• The Loved One (1965)
Directed by Tony Richardson
Starring Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, Anjanette Comer
• Faces (1968)
Directed by John Cassavetes
Starring John Marley, Gena Rowlands, Lynn Carlin
• The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
Directed by Norman Jewison
Starring Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Paul Burke
