We lost one of the greats this past week. Sidney Lumet, a national treasure and the quintessential New York filmmaker (sorry, Woody Allen) died last week at the age of 86. In a career that spanned over 50 years in both live television and the big screen, Lumet was nominated for the Best Director Oscar four times and has left an indelible filmography of titles that are distinguished by their social relevancy and strong caliber of acting. Lumet’s most famous films were shot in and were about New York, including such milestones as TWELVE ANGRY MEN, THE PAWNBROKER, SERPICO, DOG DAY AFTERNOON and PRINCE OF THE CITY.
During his long movie career, Lumet directed more than 40 films, including such early successes d’estimes as THE FUGITIVE KIND (with Marlon Brando), A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (from Arthur Miller’s play), LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (adapted from the Eugene O’Neill stage drama), the Cold War thriller FAIL SAFE and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (an all-star romp based on an Agatha Christie novel). He also had his share of flops, including the big screen, big budget THE WIZ, based on a hit Broadway musical, with a cast that included Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
Even after launching his film career in 1957, he continued to direct dramas for television, including the politically charged THE SACCO-VANZETTI STORY and the adaptation of another Eugene O’Neill play THE ICEMAN COMETH. In 2001, he returned to television as the creator, executive producer and principal director of the short-lived Manhattan-set legal drama 100 CENTRE STREET. Lumet’s 1995 book, “Making Movies,” a professional memoir and guide to filmmaking, has been called essential reading for would-be filmmakers. His personal life was equally intriguing, having been married four times: to British actress Rita Gam, heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, journalist and author Gail Jones (the daughter of singer Lena Horne and with whom he had two daughters, Amy and Jenny), and Mary Gimbel.
The film business is not always kind to its geniuses and Lumet’s name has largely faded from public view since his golden period over 30 years ago. This is a terrible shame since he has one of the most consistent and powerful resumes of modern-day film artists. His works are certainly worth a revisit and most, thankfully, are available on DVD. His was a true genius for dynamic storytelling and for bringing out the best qualities in his actors. He will be sorely missed, but his great legacy continues to live on in the films he made.