The Typewriter The Rifle And The Movie Camera
Introduction
Samuel Michael Fuller, also known as Sam Fuller, was an iconic Jewish-American filmmaker who made major contributions to the film industry. Best remembered for his tough and gritty films that pushed the boundaries of what was typically acceptable on screen, he was a filmmaker who did not shy away from touchy and controversial topics.
One of his most famous works, The Typewriter, The Rifle, and The Movie Camera, is a documentary that explores his career and his experiences in the film industry.
Early Life
Sam Fuller was born on August 12, 1912, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was born to Russian Jewish immigrants. His parents were financially unstable, and as a result, he had a tough childhood. He dropped out of school to support his family, and by the age of 12, he was working as a copyboy at the New York Evening Graphic.
He eventually went on to become a crime reporter, but he was soon fired for writing a story that exposed corruption in the New York Police Department. This incident inspired him to pursue a career in screenwriting and filmmaking.
Military Service
Sam Fuller enlisted in the US Army during World War II and served in the Infantry. He was wounded in battle and was awarded a Purple Heart. His experiences in the military had a profound impact on his later work as a filmmaker.
He wrote his first screenplay, The Steel Helmet, based on his experiences in the Korean War. The film was released in 1951 and was a critical and commercial success. It is often cited as one of the first films to depict the Korean War.
Directing Career
Sam Fuller's directing career spanned over 30 years. He directed over 20 films during his career, with many of them being regarded as cult classics. His films were often controversial and dealt with issues such as racism, war, and crime.
Some of his most notable films include The Naked Kiss, Shock Corridor, and White Dog.
The Typewriter, The Rifle, and The Movie Camera
In 1995, Sam Fuller directed a documentary about his own life and experiences in the film industry. The film, titled The Typewriter, The Rifle, and The Movie Camera, explores his career and the obstacles he faced in the industry.
The film features interviews with other filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Jim Jarmusch, who discuss Fuller's influence on their own works.
Legacy
Sam Fuller's contributions to the film industry are still felt today. His films continue to inspire filmmakers and are regarded as important works of American cinema.
His work as a filmmaker was groundbreaking and influential, and he paved the way for many of the filmmakers that came after him. He was a true artist who remained true to his vision and never compromised his artistic integrity.
Conclusion
The Typewriter, The Rifle, and The Movie Camera is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the life and career of Sam Fuller, a truly influential figure in the film industry.
Despite facing many obstacles, he remained a true artist and a trailblazer, never compromising his artistic integrity. His work continues to inspire filmmakers today and he will always be remembered as a true legend in American cinema.
