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Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures (Revised Edition)
Robert Wise, the young editor of Citizen Kane, earned his directorial stripes at RKO, particularly with The Body Snatcher and The Set-Up, films of amazing quality and dark sensibility. Wise later found himself at Warner Brothers, MGM, and 20th Century Fox, consistently directing pictures of depth and versatility. The man behind the searing crime film, Odds Against Tomorrow, followed such success with the upbeat West Side Story. Wise guided the great, multi-character drama of Executive Suite and also turned his attention to warfare with The Sand Pebbles. He was the personification of the finest, old style "studio director" and ultimately became a two-time winner of the Academy Award for Best Director. Wise not only made films his way, he made them the right way, directing classics such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Sound of Music, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Joe Jordan's book, which includes over twenty interviews, presents a thorough analysis of the Robert Wise canon.
"Robert Wise remains one of the great architects of American movies of this last century; the steady, easy personality, hiding a will of steel that allowed him to guide his movies with a hand of knowledge, and authority, and soar in every single genre he undertook. With one of the most wide-ranging careers of any filmmaker ever, J.R. Jordan's book more than does Robert Wise justice in critically assessing his incredibly versatile work, as well as honoring the man who quietly created some of the finest and most famous movies of all time."
- C. Courtney Joyner
Author of The Westerners: Interviews with Actors, Directors, Writers, and Producers
"Meticulous research by J.R. Jordan makes this a thorough study of director Robert Wise, which classic film fans will appreciate. Jordan examines the body of Wise's work in a film-by-film journey, his information woven neatly with interviews of participants providing the voices. They are the soundtrack, and Jordan's careful presentation of the material is the long tracking shot that lures us into a sudden, sharp, and breathtaking close-up, echoing the director's own careful craftsmanship."
- Jacqueline T. Lynch
Author of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.
"With this extremely readable volume film historian J.R. Jordan gives us a rigorous examination of Robert Wise's career and contributions to American cinema. Wise often goes underappreciated but Jordan does this pioneer justice. Jordan's prose is accessible and uncompromising at once. This book is a must read for anyone who appreciates the gift of cinema to humanity."
- Tony Kashani
Author of Movies Change Lives: Pedagogy of Constructive Humanistic Transformation Through Cinema (Minding the Media)
About the Author:
J.R. Jordan is a motion picture historian and is also the author of Showmanship: The Cinema of William Castle.
"Robert Wise remains one of the great architects of American movies of this last century; the steady, easy personality, hiding a will of steel that allowed him to guide his movies with a hand of knowledge, and authority, and soar in every single genre he undertook. With one of the most wide-ranging careers of any filmmaker ever, J.R. Jordan's book more than does Robert Wise justice in critically assessing his incredibly versatile work, as well as honoring the man who quietly created some of the finest and most famous movies of all time."
- C. Courtney Joyner
Author of The Westerners: Interviews with Actors, Directors, Writers, and Producers
"Meticulous research by J.R. Jordan makes this a thorough study of director Robert Wise, which classic film fans will appreciate. Jordan examines the body of Wise's work in a film-by-film journey, his information woven neatly with interviews of participants providing the voices. They are the soundtrack, and Jordan's careful presentation of the material is the long tracking shot that lures us into a sudden, sharp, and breathtaking close-up, echoing the director's own careful craftsmanship."
- Jacqueline T. Lynch
Author of Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.
"With this extremely readable volume film historian J.R. Jordan gives us a rigorous examination of Robert Wise's career and contributions to American cinema. Wise often goes underappreciated but Jordan does this pioneer justice. Jordan's prose is accessible and uncompromising at once. This book is a must read for anyone who appreciates the gift of cinema to humanity."
- Tony Kashani
Author of Movies Change Lives: Pedagogy of Constructive Humanistic Transformation Through Cinema (Minding the Media)
About the Author:
J.R. Jordan is a motion picture historian and is also the author of Showmanship: The Cinema of William Castle.
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506 pages, Hardcover
Published February 8, 2020
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December 26, 2020
Some weeks back, I received an e-mail from someone named Joe Jordan, who wanted to know if (since I had reviewed The Desert Rats), I would like to have a copy of his book about the film director Robert Wise.
I rarely turn down an offer of a book, unless it’s something that I absolutely know will not be my cup of tea. But a book about classic cinema? I said thank you to Joe, and waited for my copy of Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures.
Meanwhile, I went off and did a quick search online to find out more about Robert Wise (1914-2005). Because, frankly speaking, unlike (for instance) Alfred Hitchcock or Billy Wilder, this was a name that didn’t immediately conjure up a list of films. I knew of Robert Wise, of course, but I am ashamed to admit I couldn’t have named a single film he’d directed (The Desert Rats didn’t count, since Joe had told me about that).
On IMDB, on the Robert Wise page, I was greeted by posters of some of Wise’s most famous films, and instantly, I remembered this credits frame.
How could I have forgotten? Robert Wise was the man who directed one of my favourite feel-good films of all time (and my favourite Hollywood musical), The Sound of Music. And he directed several other films that have been on my watch list for many years now: West Side Story (yes, yes, I know…), Run Silent Run Deep, and The Andromeda Strain among them.
Jordan’s book examines these, as well as the other films that comprise Wise’s filmography. Jordan begins with a brief (very brief, it’s only a few paragraphs) pertaining to Wise’s work before he became a film director. The most prominent aspect of his pre-directorial days is Wise’s work as an editor, including for Orson Welles’s Citizen Kane. Wise’s editing of Citizen Kane is mentioned, but not really dwelt upon; the book devotes itself to the forty films that Wise directed in the course of a directorial career that stretched from the 1940s to 2000. From The Curse of the Cat People (1944) to the TV movie A Storm in Summer (2000).
Jordan moves chronologically through these forty films, one chapter per film. The chapters follow a set pattern. The film is introduced by way of explaining how it came about and how Robert Wise got the job of directing it. This is followed by a brief synopsis of the film.
Following the synopsis is what, in most chapters, forms about half the chapter: a detailed analysis of the film, including descriptions of some key scenes, important characters and events, as well as noteworthy dialogues. Jordan delves deep into the film in question, examining how Wise uses a character or a camera angle (for instance) to reinforce a certain message, or how symbolism works in a certain film, or how a film differs from (and/or bears a resemblance to) the literary work from which it was adapted.
In most of the chapters, this is followed by an interview with someone who was part of the film or in some way connected to it. Invariably, these are people who formed part of the cast, though occasionally there are interviews with others: with Alan Dean Foster, for instance, who wrote most of the story for Star Trek: The Motion Picture; and with Neile Adams, Steve McQueen’s wife, who reminisces about living in Taiwan during the shooting of The Sand Pebbles.
For me, these interviews were the most interesting and satisfying part of the book. They sometimes offer a brief glimpse behind the scenes, and they offer an insight into the man and the director who was Robert Wise. Many of the actors interviewed talk about how most of Wise’s directing was done at the casting stage of the process: he made sure he chose the right actor for the role, and when the film was being shot, Wise tended to not interfere with the actor’s understanding of the role or his/her portrayal of it. Wise, perhaps because of his early work as an editor, also seems to have been exceptionally organized. He would work from storyboards which would be prepared well in advance, so that when he came on set, he knew exactly how the scene would be filmed.
Talking about Wise’s films, I was amazed by the versatility of this man. Unlike the average film-maker whom one can pretty much slot into a given set of genres, Wise seems to have excelled at almost every genre. From the musical (The Sound of Music, West Side Story) to science fiction (The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Andromeda Strain, Star Trek: The Motion Picture) to horror (The Haunting, The Body Snatcher) to war (The Desert Rats, Destination Gobi, The Sand Pebbles) to comedy (Something for the Birds) to noir (Captive City), boxing films (Somebody Up There Likes Me), drama, historicals—Wise seems to have done every type of film. And done them well: he won four Oscars and was nominated for many other awards.
In the course of the interviews in this book, a vivid picture of the personality of Wise comes through as well. Most of those interviewed describe Robert Wise in similar terms: as a ‘class act’, a ‘humanitarian’, a ‘very sweet and funny man’, ‘professional and low-key’, and a gentleman. They talk of his intelligence and his commitment to his work.
A glimpse is also offered at times of the ethical side of Wise. Sandra de Bruin, who acted in The Andromeda Strain, for instance, narrates an incident when, sometime after the film, she had dropped by to meet Wise at work on her way to an audition with another film-maker whose office was nearby. The other film-maker started to make overtures to de Bruin, insisting she have a glass of wine—but before it got out of hand, Wise (having realized that de Bruin had been in the film-maker’s office far too long) sent an associate to rescue de Bruin on some pretext. Sandra de Bruin recalled that “Bob had an aversion to producers and super stars taking sexual advantage of starlets…”
The rest of the book, its descriptions about the films, for instance, is not something that really stayed with me. The detailed analysis of each film may be lost on anybody who hasn’t seen the film (I, despite having not seen most of the films in this book, diligently read through every single chapter, and found myself feeling quite lost at times, unable to keep up with characters and their motivations). Even if you’ve seen the film and know it pretty well (as was the case with me vis-à-vis The Sound of Music), the detailed analysis is not always extraordinary; there was not too much of that “Wow, this would never have occurred to me!” sort of epiphany happening.
Despite that, an interesting read, and Jordan’s research is obviously thorough: you can see that this is a writer who’s delved deep into his subject and knows it pretty much inside-out. The subject, of course (as is evident by the name of the book) being the motion pictures of Robert Wise. Not Robert Wise the man, not his life outside of his cinematic career, but the forty films he made during that career. Almost nothing of Wise’s personal life comes through here, other than fleeting mentions of his wives, Patricia Doyle (m 1942-1975) and Millicent Wise (m 1977-2005). So if it’s gossip you’re looking for, this is not the book to read.
October 2, 2020
No ghost picture scared people more than The Haunting, with its doomed house where doors seem to buckle and bulge unnaturally from the inside. The opening of Sound of Music, as a helicopter sweeps down on Julie Andrews, in the Swiss Alps is a visual and musical triumph. Both landmark scenes were the work of one man: Robert Wise. Yet as monumental as they were these scenes were only a fraction of his output. J. R Jordan sets himself to survey all of Wise’s films. It is a massive task as in more than sixty years of film making, Robert Wise made forty feature films, in all types of genres, from science fiction through to horror; war through to film noir. Wise was highly versatile, being able to make any type of film – and do it well.
The book promises a lot, but the delivery is another thing. While the book focuses on the films, the biographical detail is just too scant. Wise’s upbringing is dispensed in one paragraph. The reader moves to the editing Citizen Kane is dished out with the shortest of treatments. Other biographical details are also given short shrift. Robert Wise’s presidency of the guild is given highly superficial treatment. “In June of 1971, Wise was elected as the tenth president of the Directors Guild of America. (413) Wise’s service to the DGA was extraordinary. Jordan fails to mention one achievement during his entire term.
Among other things, Wise was also a founder and chair of the Special Projects Committee for more than a quarter of a century. When Wise was asked to name the Guild contribution of which he was most proud, he would state the Special Projects. In a profession focussed on the individual, he helped build a creative community that continues. As the DGA notes on it wesbite: “Before Special Projects, the DGA had no creative panels or conferences, no professional symposia, and few chances for colleagues to compare notes.” These Guild mainstays are a direct result of Wise’s dedication.” Again Jordan makes one reference to his role. (445)
So the focus is on the films he directed, not his life. The book is written by an enthusiast, who offers some straight forward plot descriptions of the cinema of Robert Wise. Occasionally, he lifts his gaze from the films to its background. In the case of The Haunting, Jordan looks at the original novel as well. He examines the theatrical origins of West Side Story (1961) in some detail. In the main, he simply provides a plot description.
What is omitted from the book is any sense of how Wise directed his films, or his general directorial approach, or even examples of how his directing worked. He barely mentions the impact of Val Lewton, a Russian-American novelist, film producer and screenwriter best known for a string of low-budget horror films he produced for RKO Pictures in the 1940s. Jordan does mention that Wise dedicated The Haunting to Lewton – twice. Lewton had a massive influence on Wise, and it would have been interesting to discuss how his ideas pervade Wise’s work. In Lewton’s films, it is what you do not see that causes fear – the sight of a monster in most horror films was always a letdown. Lewton and Wise use darkness to convey evil. Wise liked to work in black and white, partly for this reason.
His critical stature is not discussed at any length. For example, the impact of the film critic Andrew Sarris, who allocated Robert Wise to the “Strained Seriousness” category in the 1960s is ignored. This key critical verdict helped confine Wise to the margins of film studies. Jordan has little or nothing to say about this or any other school of criticism. Indeed, you will struggle to find the word ‘auteur,’ which is an odd omission for a book that focuses on a director. Jordan confines himself to newspaper reviews, rather than film critics.
Even putting critical discussion aside, iconic visual sequences such as the opening of Sound of Music (1965), or the savage distortion of the door in The Haunting (1963), cries out for some mention. What the reader is subjected to is a constant repeating of film plots. A minor exception is The Set-Up (1949), where there is at least a little discussion – all two sentences of it – of Wise’s directorial craft. This omission of any detailed discussion of Wise’s direction means the book has an aimless structure.
For example, The Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) is an underrated directorial achievement, and the conclusion is filmed brilliantly by Wise. Wise’s use of close-ups and set pieces is astonishing. You can see the sweat on the skin. Jordan could have guided the reader to its many strengths, but decides for a weak discussion: “The narrative, in short, contains many unforgettable scenes, but Wise’s depiction of the film’s beginning and end is especially noteworthy due to the similarities between the two.” (287)
Jordan could also benefit from employing a wider use of sources. Jordan has done some interviews, and they are scattered throughout the book. The interviews provide some insights, but even here, Jordan is just content to let them run, rather than edit them down for the main points, or provide context for their comments. The result is rambling recollections of Wise. Does the reader need to know from the actor Ralph Votrian that working with Robert Wise was great – three times in two pages? The conversation wanders onto Sandra Dee and her early death at 62.
Moreover, the prose needs the hand of a copywriter. Convoluted sentences such as this one on the novelist Shirley Jackson, scream out for editing: “Throughout her career, she frequently refused interviews, steadfastly believing that her work spoke for itself, and over the course of several decades, such a presumption has proved, rather continuously, to be undeniably correct.” (325)
Jordan could have used many other references to build up his book. While Wise is little studied, he has not been ignored. Jordan could have used some of the available sources. Richard C. Keenan’s The Films of Robert Wise, published in 2007, is a solid introduction to the director. Where Jordan is better than Keenan’s work is that his work attempts to cover all the films, including those he edited. Nonetheless, it is a clear lapse that Keenan’s work is not even mentioned in the bibliography. Jordan appears to have either ignored the book or be unaware of it. The underlying research is suspect, as there is no footnoting or discussion of competing claims.
Jordan has put together an introductory book of a still overlooked director. The most impressive aspect of Jordan’s book is that it highlights the incredible contribution of Wise, but it provides little else. If you are looking for an introduction to the films of Robert Wise, it is a weak starting point – at best.
The author provided a review copy of the book.
Original review at:
https://kevinbrianton.com/j-r-jordan-...
The book promises a lot, but the delivery is another thing. While the book focuses on the films, the biographical detail is just too scant. Wise’s upbringing is dispensed in one paragraph. The reader moves to the editing Citizen Kane is dished out with the shortest of treatments. Other biographical details are also given short shrift. Robert Wise’s presidency of the guild is given highly superficial treatment. “In June of 1971, Wise was elected as the tenth president of the Directors Guild of America. (413) Wise’s service to the DGA was extraordinary. Jordan fails to mention one achievement during his entire term.
Among other things, Wise was also a founder and chair of the Special Projects Committee for more than a quarter of a century. When Wise was asked to name the Guild contribution of which he was most proud, he would state the Special Projects. In a profession focussed on the individual, he helped build a creative community that continues. As the DGA notes on it wesbite: “Before Special Projects, the DGA had no creative panels or conferences, no professional symposia, and few chances for colleagues to compare notes.” These Guild mainstays are a direct result of Wise’s dedication.” Again Jordan makes one reference to his role. (445)
So the focus is on the films he directed, not his life. The book is written by an enthusiast, who offers some straight forward plot descriptions of the cinema of Robert Wise. Occasionally, he lifts his gaze from the films to its background. In the case of The Haunting, Jordan looks at the original novel as well. He examines the theatrical origins of West Side Story (1961) in some detail. In the main, he simply provides a plot description.
What is omitted from the book is any sense of how Wise directed his films, or his general directorial approach, or even examples of how his directing worked. He barely mentions the impact of Val Lewton, a Russian-American novelist, film producer and screenwriter best known for a string of low-budget horror films he produced for RKO Pictures in the 1940s. Jordan does mention that Wise dedicated The Haunting to Lewton – twice. Lewton had a massive influence on Wise, and it would have been interesting to discuss how his ideas pervade Wise’s work. In Lewton’s films, it is what you do not see that causes fear – the sight of a monster in most horror films was always a letdown. Lewton and Wise use darkness to convey evil. Wise liked to work in black and white, partly for this reason.
His critical stature is not discussed at any length. For example, the impact of the film critic Andrew Sarris, who allocated Robert Wise to the “Strained Seriousness” category in the 1960s is ignored. This key critical verdict helped confine Wise to the margins of film studies. Jordan has little or nothing to say about this or any other school of criticism. Indeed, you will struggle to find the word ‘auteur,’ which is an odd omission for a book that focuses on a director. Jordan confines himself to newspaper reviews, rather than film critics.
Even putting critical discussion aside, iconic visual sequences such as the opening of Sound of Music (1965), or the savage distortion of the door in The Haunting (1963), cries out for some mention. What the reader is subjected to is a constant repeating of film plots. A minor exception is The Set-Up (1949), where there is at least a little discussion – all two sentences of it – of Wise’s directorial craft. This omission of any detailed discussion of Wise’s direction means the book has an aimless structure.
For example, The Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) is an underrated directorial achievement, and the conclusion is filmed brilliantly by Wise. Wise’s use of close-ups and set pieces is astonishing. You can see the sweat on the skin. Jordan could have guided the reader to its many strengths, but decides for a weak discussion: “The narrative, in short, contains many unforgettable scenes, but Wise’s depiction of the film’s beginning and end is especially noteworthy due to the similarities between the two.” (287)
Jordan could also benefit from employing a wider use of sources. Jordan has done some interviews, and they are scattered throughout the book. The interviews provide some insights, but even here, Jordan is just content to let them run, rather than edit them down for the main points, or provide context for their comments. The result is rambling recollections of Wise. Does the reader need to know from the actor Ralph Votrian that working with Robert Wise was great – three times in two pages? The conversation wanders onto Sandra Dee and her early death at 62.
Moreover, the prose needs the hand of a copywriter. Convoluted sentences such as this one on the novelist Shirley Jackson, scream out for editing: “Throughout her career, she frequently refused interviews, steadfastly believing that her work spoke for itself, and over the course of several decades, such a presumption has proved, rather continuously, to be undeniably correct.” (325)
Jordan could have used many other references to build up his book. While Wise is little studied, he has not been ignored. Jordan could have used some of the available sources. Richard C. Keenan’s The Films of Robert Wise, published in 2007, is a solid introduction to the director. Where Jordan is better than Keenan’s work is that his work attempts to cover all the films, including those he edited. Nonetheless, it is a clear lapse that Keenan’s work is not even mentioned in the bibliography. Jordan appears to have either ignored the book or be unaware of it. The underlying research is suspect, as there is no footnoting or discussion of competing claims.
Jordan has put together an introductory book of a still overlooked director. The most impressive aspect of Jordan’s book is that it highlights the incredible contribution of Wise, but it provides little else. If you are looking for an introduction to the films of Robert Wise, it is a weak starting point – at best.
The author provided a review copy of the book.
Original review at:
https://kevinbrianton.com/j-r-jordan-...
October 22, 2022
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is an incredibly well-researched book focused on the movies Robert Wise directed throughout his remarkable career. Wise is best known for his work on movies including The Sound of Music, The Haunting, West Side Story, and The Body Snatcher and his accomplishments in Hollywood garnered countless awards and nominations, as well millions of fans. Each chapter in this book provides a summary, an in-depth critical analysis, and surrounding context for each of Wise’s films. Author J.R. Jordan reveals intricate details about each movie and explores cinematic elements layered within each, enticing the reader to rewatch Wise’s works to discover them.
Jordan’s writing is clear, concise, and familiar and his passion about this topic is evident. With introductions by Wise’s nephew, Douglas E. Wise, and a foreword by actor Gavin MacLeod, Jordan’s writing is informed by over 20 interviews he conducted, and includes script excerpts and photos from the movies. The result is a scholarly yet accessible work that can be read in a linear fashion to chronicle Wise’s movies as they were released, or referred to as you’re viewing each movie.
This book is not to be missed by anyone who delights in cinema. As readers and movie lovers, we’re fortunate to have this contribution from Jordan.
Jordan’s writing is clear, concise, and familiar and his passion about this topic is evident. With introductions by Wise’s nephew, Douglas E. Wise, and a foreword by actor Gavin MacLeod, Jordan’s writing is informed by over 20 interviews he conducted, and includes script excerpts and photos from the movies. The result is a scholarly yet accessible work that can be read in a linear fashion to chronicle Wise’s movies as they were released, or referred to as you’re viewing each movie.
This book is not to be missed by anyone who delights in cinema. As readers and movie lovers, we’re fortunate to have this contribution from Jordan.
July 22, 2020
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures starts off with a touching forward by Gavin McLeod and a fascinating introduction penned by Wise’s nephew, which makes for a perfect segue to this well-rounded, in-depth portrait. Each chapter zeroes in on one of Wise’s movies, mixing his personal history with detailed information about his films.
It’s evident that J.R. Jordan truly did his research for this novel; the amount of factual information included in each chapter is highly impressive. Jordan tells a wonderful story while also giving plenty of historical background on early film. The entire work is extremely well put together; while it’s a lengthy book, it’s not difficult to follow in the slightest and keeps the reader’s attention easily.
Each chapter also contains several photos, ranging from Wise’s personal photos to stills from his films, which really help the reader to see Robert Wise as a full person rather than simply a famous name. Captivating and well-written, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Wise and early film.
It’s evident that J.R. Jordan truly did his research for this novel; the amount of factual information included in each chapter is highly impressive. Jordan tells a wonderful story while also giving plenty of historical background on early film. The entire work is extremely well put together; while it’s a lengthy book, it’s not difficult to follow in the slightest and keeps the reader’s attention easily.
Each chapter also contains several photos, ranging from Wise’s personal photos to stills from his films, which really help the reader to see Robert Wise as a full person rather than simply a famous name. Captivating and well-written, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Wise and early film.
May 30, 2021
“I don't know how to run a newspaper, Mr. Thatcher; I just try everything I can think of.” - Citizen Kane
With Citizen Kane being one of Robert Wise's first films, it may have set the tone for his entire career. Wise took every situation that was thrown at him and turned it into something witty, beautiful and/or meaningful. He was the ultimate Hollywood change agent and fixer in an era where stars, producers and directors were just beginning to find their way. J.R. Jordan showcases the history of ingenuity within Hollywood in such a poignant way that you want to keep reading to find out more. The amount of depth that Jordan's writing exposes within the scripts and plots of early Hollywood definitively reveal all that was good and real about Robert Wise. As we now come into a time where audacity is publicly rewarded on social media, the quiet humbleness of Robert Wise is brilliantly contrasted in Jordan's latest book. A Must READ!!!
With Citizen Kane being one of Robert Wise's first films, it may have set the tone for his entire career. Wise took every situation that was thrown at him and turned it into something witty, beautiful and/or meaningful. He was the ultimate Hollywood change agent and fixer in an era where stars, producers and directors were just beginning to find their way. J.R. Jordan showcases the history of ingenuity within Hollywood in such a poignant way that you want to keep reading to find out more. The amount of depth that Jordan's writing exposes within the scripts and plots of early Hollywood definitively reveal all that was good and real about Robert Wise. As we now come into a time where audacity is publicly rewarded on social media, the quiet humbleness of Robert Wise is brilliantly contrasted in Jordan's latest book. A Must READ!!!
October 20, 2022
This book is absolutely wonderful! I have seen a few of Robert Wise's Films like The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. I've always heard of many of his other films like The Body Snatcher and The Haunting, and The Andromeda Strain! It was fascinating to learn about all of these films and the process it took to make them. Along with all of the juicy set drama to keep me hooked! Learning the ins and outs of each movie in chronological order really helped make the book into more of a nonfiction story, as it made it easier to read and digest. The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of was the formatting for some of the pages. There are pictures of actors and sets to help demonstrate some of the material being talked about, which is incredibly helpful. However, sometimes the pictures are placed in an odd spot on the page and the wording around it doesn't quite make sense. Otherwise this book is fantastically written and definitely worth a read!
July 21, 2020
In this work, J.R. Jordan expertly details the life and career of celebrated director Robert Wise. Best known for directing West Side Story and The Sound of Music, Robert Wise was pivotal in the creation of countless other memorable works from his period. This book looks in-depth at each of his films and gives inside perspective into the rich story behind his films. I would highly recommend this book to any reader who has an interest in early film or the film industry in general.
Read
April 29, 2023Great Read! Jordan writes with a through understanding of the plot and symbolism exhibited in Wise’s films, as well as the ins and outs of industry bureaucracy that he had to manage. Exploring one film per chapter helps to map his extensive career while zeroing in on each creative decision that defined it. These elements create an enjoyable and analytic read regarding Wise’s craftsmanship, as well as the years of work it took to create such a legend.
May 30, 2021
This is beautifully written history of Hollywood’s golden age centered around director Robert wise. Wonderfully researched, Jordan finds a way to weave an engaging tale that leaves the reader with dreams of the glitz and glamor from that beautiful bygone era. The pictures were breathtaking and added to the story, making it a visual journey as well. Highly recommended!
July 24, 2020
Please read my full review here.
November 23, 2020
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is a carefully researched, meticulously written labor of love for the titular director. Author Joe Jordan reviews all forty of Wise’s films, giving each film a chapter with a detailed synopsis, photos, passages of dialogue that best illustrate the tone, and an interview with someone who was involved in the production. Some of the interviews are fascinating, like Earl Holliman sharing Wise’s on-set behavior from Destination Gobi; some are with stuntmen or child actors who didn’t have much interaction with the director himself. Either way, everyone interviewed shares interesting trivia about working with their fellow actors and making the film itself.
Having seen over half of his films, I was probably the perfect audience to enjoy this book. I learned that he started out his career as a film editor, and when he turned his focus to directing, he included that knowledge for more efficient productions. Since he always kept his editor’s eye, he knew exactly which shots he wanted to cut together while sitting in his director’s chair. Anyone who remembers how he directed “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music can probably guess he started as an editor.
This is not a traditional dish-the-dirt film industry book, nor is it an actual biography. This is a thoughtful analysis of forty films, spanning from 1944-1989. If you’re not an old movie buff, you’re going to be completely lost as actors, composers, costume designers, and studio heads are rattled off as common place vernacular. I’ve seen more old movies than new ones, and I appreciated the inclusion of character actors like Walter Slezack and Elisha Cook Jr., and the credit given to James Edwards, a pioneer predating Sidney Poitier but remembered by few today.
While everyone is quick to praise an actor’s versatility, we often gloss over a director’s accomplishments and even forget which movies he’s helmed. Robert Wise directed musicals, quiet dramas, horror films, war films, science fictions, westerns, boxing pictures, and romantic comedies. Scan the list of his forty films, and if you recognize the titles but didn’t realize they belonged to him, pick up Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures to learn more.
http://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/robert...
Having seen over half of his films, I was probably the perfect audience to enjoy this book. I learned that he started out his career as a film editor, and when he turned his focus to directing, he included that knowledge for more efficient productions. Since he always kept his editor’s eye, he knew exactly which shots he wanted to cut together while sitting in his director’s chair. Anyone who remembers how he directed “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music can probably guess he started as an editor.
This is not a traditional dish-the-dirt film industry book, nor is it an actual biography. This is a thoughtful analysis of forty films, spanning from 1944-1989. If you’re not an old movie buff, you’re going to be completely lost as actors, composers, costume designers, and studio heads are rattled off as common place vernacular. I’ve seen more old movies than new ones, and I appreciated the inclusion of character actors like Walter Slezack and Elisha Cook Jr., and the credit given to James Edwards, a pioneer predating Sidney Poitier but remembered by few today.
While everyone is quick to praise an actor’s versatility, we often gloss over a director’s accomplishments and even forget which movies he’s helmed. Robert Wise directed musicals, quiet dramas, horror films, war films, science fictions, westerns, boxing pictures, and romantic comedies. Scan the list of his forty films, and if you recognize the titles but didn’t realize they belonged to him, pick up Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures to learn more.
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April 28, 2021
This is an excellent choice of a book if you are looking to learn everything you could need to know about Robert Wise and the films he directed such as Body Snatcher and Citizen Kane. It is an in-depth read, and covers each of his films in great detail, ensuring you are not missing out on anything important when it comes to Robert Wise.
December 20, 2020
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures revolves around the motion picture productions of the remarkable Robert Wise. Written by J.R. Jordan, the story features touching recollections by Gavin McLeod and Wise’s nephew. Beginning with some background family information, the story of Wise’s experience is dictated professionally and expertly by Jordan.
The story of Wise’s production experience is elaborated by the author in a way that truly captures the dedication and hard work put in by Robert Wise to show how his enthusiasm paid off in a way to make some of the best feature films to ever be viewed on the big screen.
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is dictated in a way that is not a biography of the director’s life, as it’s more of an examination of his productions. Though I had certainly heard of Robert Wise before reading J.R. Jordan’s book, I was fascinated to learn of all the production works which he had a hand in making into a feature.
J.R. Jordan’s novel is a perfectly fitting story for those who are truly interested in the works of production and the impacts that are made on the viewers of these collections. Though I would have liked to have more information about Mr. Wise, I was captivated by the in-depth approach to the works of such a devoted member of the production society.
I’m honored to have had the experience to learn about the creations of the untouchable Robert Wise and the influence he has left on the production world. I’m pleased to rate Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures 5 out of 5 stars. I would gladly recommend this story to anyone who has an interest in the world of film production and believe that anyone who has an interest in joining the world of film would be honored to learn by the works of Mr. Wise.
The story of Wise’s production experience is elaborated by the author in a way that truly captures the dedication and hard work put in by Robert Wise to show how his enthusiasm paid off in a way to make some of the best feature films to ever be viewed on the big screen.
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is dictated in a way that is not a biography of the director’s life, as it’s more of an examination of his productions. Though I had certainly heard of Robert Wise before reading J.R. Jordan’s book, I was fascinated to learn of all the production works which he had a hand in making into a feature.
J.R. Jordan’s novel is a perfectly fitting story for those who are truly interested in the works of production and the impacts that are made on the viewers of these collections. Though I would have liked to have more information about Mr. Wise, I was captivated by the in-depth approach to the works of such a devoted member of the production society.
I’m honored to have had the experience to learn about the creations of the untouchable Robert Wise and the influence he has left on the production world. I’m pleased to rate Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures 5 out of 5 stars. I would gladly recommend this story to anyone who has an interest in the world of film production and believe that anyone who has an interest in joining the world of film would be honored to learn by the works of Mr. Wise.
August 24, 2020
Interesting
Jordan pens an interesting and informative title in Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures. This is the first book of this author's that I've read. The book gives information that is interesting and maybe unknown to many who even watched Wise's pictures. I learned a lot about Robert Wise, who was not just a film maker and director. Many of his movies were dark and yet amazing, but also how he had fun and bright movies. He directed and had a lot of success with a multitude of film genres. Jordan did a fine job of writing about Wise's life, and success. It was filled with stories, and even interviews, and a lot of research. This book wasn't just about Wise, but also about his films. Wise started out as an editor and grew from there, and we still get to enjoy his directorial classics, anywhere from Citizen Kane, to West Side Story, and a whole lot more. Makes you want to go out and find those movies to watch again, and again. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Jordan pens an interesting and informative title in Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures. This is the first book of this author's that I've read. The book gives information that is interesting and maybe unknown to many who even watched Wise's pictures. I learned a lot about Robert Wise, who was not just a film maker and director. Many of his movies were dark and yet amazing, but also how he had fun and bright movies. He directed and had a lot of success with a multitude of film genres. Jordan did a fine job of writing about Wise's life, and success. It was filled with stories, and even interviews, and a lot of research. This book wasn't just about Wise, but also about his films. Wise started out as an editor and grew from there, and we still get to enjoy his directorial classics, anywhere from Citizen Kane, to West Side Story, and a whole lot more. Makes you want to go out and find those movies to watch again, and again. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
November 25, 2020
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures starts off with a touching forward by Gavin McLeod and a fascinating introduction penned by Wise’s nephew, which makes for a perfect segue to this well-rounded, in-depth portrait. Each chapter zeroes in on one of Wise’s movies, mixing his personal history with detailed information about his films.
It’s evident that J.R. Jordan truly did his research for this novel; the amount of factual information included in each chapter is highly impressive. Jordan tells a wonderful story while also giving plenty of historical background on early film. The entire work is extremely well put together; while it’s a lengthy book, it’s not difficult to follow in the slightest and keeps the reader’s attention easily.
Each chapter also contains several photos, ranging from Wise’s personal photos to stills from his films, which really help the reader to see Robert Wise as a full person rather than simply a famous name. Captivating and well-written, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Wise and early film.
It’s evident that J.R. Jordan truly did his research for this novel; the amount of factual information included in each chapter is highly impressive. Jordan tells a wonderful story while also giving plenty of historical background on early film. The entire work is extremely well put together; while it’s a lengthy book, it’s not difficult to follow in the slightest and keeps the reader’s attention easily.
Each chapter also contains several photos, ranging from Wise’s personal photos to stills from his films, which really help the reader to see Robert Wise as a full person rather than simply a famous name. Captivating and well-written, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about Wise and early film.
January 23, 2021
I was recommended to read this book by a friend. The book features plot synopses of famous films directed by Robert Wise. Notable films include "The Body Snatcher" and "The Curse of the Cat People". I don't want to reveal too much about the book but I will share that the author Joe Jordan starts off with a short introduction of the film, then lists the actors involved, and finally gives a short synopsis of the film. It is pretty succinct but you get a feel for the characters involved in the film. I felt engaged in the book and was eager to learn more about Robert Wise and his films. In fact, after reading this I may watch some of his films!
February 2, 2021
This is an excellent book to read for those who are interested in the film industry, the history of cinema, or anyone who loves to read about amazing people! This is the story of Robert Wise's work in the film industry and is primarily about the movies he directed, although the story of Robert Wise's life is interspersed throughout the book as well. I didn't even know that one of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music, was directed by him. J.R. Jordan is an amazing writer and his writing makes me want to read more of his books!
December 4, 2020
Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is a great addition to any film buff’s bookshelf. It’s a focused, enthusiastic, and well-researched tribute to the filmmaker that includes plenty of film recommendations. The result is a fitting tribute to a great director and decent human being he whose praise is shortchanged in film history despite his films’ lasting effect on the industry. You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/rober...
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