He was one of the emblematic figures of the “New Hollywood” movement. Oscar-winning director Peter Bogdanovich died Thursday, January 6 at the age of 82. The causes of his death have not been specified.
Entering the world of cinema as a critic, Peter Bogdanovich made his directorial debut with Target, before devoting himself to writing his ode to America in the 1950s, The last session (1971). The film, set in a small town in Texas going through hard times, garnered eight Oscar nominations, winning two statuettes. Some observers have compared it to Orson Welles’ masterpiece, Citizen Kane.
After further success in the early 1970s, like Shall we pack our bags, doctor? with Barbra Streisand and Cotton candy, Peter Bogdanovich’s career began to decline, with a series of flops.
The director was also linked with model Dorothy Stratten, killed by her husband shortly before the release of And everyone was laughing, where she appeared on screen alongside Audrey Hepburn. After marrying Dorothy Stratten’s half-sister and then ruining himself, Peter Bogdanovich left Los Angeles for New York, where he became a film critic again.
Towards the end of his career, he had played in cinema and television, notably playing the shrink of Tony Soprano’s shrink in the series The Sopranos, or a DJ in Kill bill by Quentin Tarantino
“I am devastated. He was a great and wonderful artist. I will never forget the premiere of The last session“ reacted star director Francis Ford Coppola.“I remember the end (of the screening), the audience stood up all around me to applaud for at least 15 minutes … May they rest in joy for all eternity, savoring the uplifting moment. of our forever applause, “ added the filmmaker in a statement.
“He was a dear friend and a herald of the cinema”, tweeted Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, greeting someone who “made masterpieces” and was in addition “very pleasant”.
Peter Bogdanovich passed away. He was a dear friend and a champion of Cinema. He birthed masterpieces as a director and was a most genial human. He single-handedly interviewed and enshrined the lives and work of more classic filmmakers than almost anyone else in his generation. pic.twitter.com/hL08ORCilN
– Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) January 6, 2022