So, I happened to log onto Twitter I mean "X" and saw a post from John Carpenter giving a brief eulogy of B movie filmmaker and King of Cult films, Roger Corman who have been one of the few influential figures who have pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and left an indelible mark on the industry. The visionary director, producer,and prolific filmmaker whose impact on cinema cannot be overstated.
Corman established himself with very low budgeted productions for Machine-Gun Kelly (1958),
House of Usher (1960), The Pit and the Pendulum (1961). X: The Man with the X-ray Eyes (1963) and plenty of films inspired by Edgar Allan Poe.
In the 1950s and 60s, he directed and produced a series of genre-defying films that defied traditional conventions. From sci-fi and horror to exploitation and rebellion, it was Corman's films that challenged societal norms, when making bold statements about taboo topics and politics.
Some of his most notable productions include "The Little Shop of Horrors," "The Masque of the Red Death," and "The Wild Angels." By discovering and nurturing young talents like Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and James Cameron, Corman's impact went far beyond his own productions.
It was Corman who popularized the outlaw biker genre beginning with The Wild Angels, however it was The Born Losers featuring a then unknown Tom Laughlin who starred as the vigilante Anti Hero Billy Jack that spawned sequels from Losers.
Not gonna lie, I don't recall watching most of his directed or produced films, save for Fantastic Four, Suburbia, Rock and Roll High School, Born Losers or the embarrassing Escape from New York rip-off, that was "New Crime City" however, Corman was a pioneer when it came to modern cinema who was one of the very firsts to have this DIY approach to filmmaking. That I am more than appreciative of his past contributions. So, say what you will about Corman, but without him, there wouldn't be up and coming or iconic directors such as Joe Dante, Jonathan Demme, James Cameron nor John Carpenter just to name a few and those were just the "J's!"
Roger Corman's work helped to maintain American International Pictures' momentum which the company would crank out Blaxploitation films, he served as a major influence to various independent production studios be it Avco Embassy, Cannon Pictures or New Line Cinema.
Also, had it not been for New World, there would not have been Hellraiser or especially Marvel when they were bought by the studio during the late 80's !
Corman's contributions are cemented in popular culture where his b movie filmography inspired the seminal favorite Punk Band, The Misfits to loosely base their songs from sci fi horror b movies such as "Braineaters," which the filmmaker helped to codify.
Thank you, Mr. Corman.