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Abraham Polonsky: A Masterful Conversationist and Filmmaker

Edwin Cox

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Published in Abraham Polonsky: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)

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Abraham Polonsky was a prolific filmmaker and screenwriter whose work left an enduring mark on the history of cinema. His films, known for their complex characters, social commentary, and realistic portrayal of human experience, earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following.

Abraham Polonsky: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series)

by Andrew Dickos

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	639 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	230 pages

Beyond his filmmaking, Polonsky was also a gifted conversationalist. His insightful interviews, collected in the Conversations with Filmmakers series, offer a glimpse into his creative process, his thoughts on the art of filmmaking, and his passionate engagement with the world around him.

The Early Years

Abraham Polonsky was born in New York City in 1910. His early life was marked by both privilege and adversity. His father, a successful businessman, provided him with a comfortable upbringing. However, Polonsky's parents divorced when he was young, and his relationship with his father became strained.

Polonsky attended Columbia University but dropped out after two years. He then worked as a journalist and labor organizer before finding his calling in filmmaking. In the 1930s, he joined the Federal Theatre Project, where he directed several productions.

Hollywood Success and Blacklist

Polonsky's breakout film was Body and Soul (1947),a boxing drama starring John Garfield. The film was a critical and commercial success, establishing Polonsky as a rising star in Hollywood.

However, Polonsky's career was cut short when he was blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1951. Accused of being a communist, Polonsky was unable to work in Hollywood for nearly a decade.

Reemergence and Later Films

In the early 1960s, Polonsky's career began to revive. He wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed thriller Force of Evil (1948),which was finally released after being shelved for years.

Polonsky's later films included Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here (1969),a powerful drama about Native American rights, and Romance of a Horsethief (1971),a lyrical Western starring Eli Wallach.

Conversations with Filmmakers

In addition to his filmmaking, Polonsky was also a gifted communicator. His interviews with other filmmakers, published in the Conversations with Filmmakers series, are a valuable resource for students and scholars of film.

Polonsky's interviews are characterized by their depth, candor, and wit. He probes his subjects on a wide range of topics, from the creative process to the social and political responsibilities of filmmakers.

Legacy and Impact

Abraham Polonsky died in 1999, but his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. His films, marked by their psychological realism and social consciousness, remain powerful and relevant.

Polonsky's interviews, collected in Conversations with Filmmakers, offer a unique glimpse into the mind of a master filmmaker and his passionate engagement with the art of filmmaking.

Abraham Polonsky was a true visionary, a filmmaker who used his art to explore the complexities of human nature and the challenges of the modern world. His films and his conversations continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the power of cinema to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and inspire change.

Abraham Polonsky: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series)

by Andrew Dickos

5 out of 5