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The Straight Story
Production Information
"Theres no one knows your life better than a brother
thats near your age.
He knows who you are and what you are better than anyone on Earth.
My brother and I said some unforgivable things the last time
we met,
but Im trying to put that behind me.
And this trip is a hard swallow of my pride.
I just hope Im not too late."
Alvin Straight
Alvin Straight (RICHARD FARNSWORTH) was 73 when he got the call
about his brother.
Alvin couldnt see well enough to hold a drivers license.
He walked only with the support of two canes. He didnt much
care for anybody else helping him out. But when he got the call
that his brother Lyle (HARRY DEAN STANTON)separated from
him by hundreds of miles and a decade of proud silencehad
suffered a stroke, Alvin knew he had to reach him.
So, with little money but abundant determination, he climbed
on his lawnmower and set out.
From two-time Oscar®-nominated director David Lynch ("Blue
Velvet," "The Elephant Man") comes a lyrical portrait
of this real mans journey across Americas Heartland.
Filmed along the route that the actual Alvin Straight traversed
in 1994 from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin, "The Straight
Story" chronicles Alvins patient odyssey and those
he meets along the way. When not rolling along at five miles an
hour aboard his 66 John Deere, Alvin encounters a number
of strangers, from a teenage runaway to a fellow World War II
veteran. By sharing his lifes earned wisdom with simple
stories, Alvin has a profound impact on the characters that color
his pilgrimage.
Menaced by enormous, rumbling 18-wheelers, lapped by bicycle
marathoners and sheltered by abandoned barns, Alvin proceeds steadfastly
along on the shoulders of snaking roads toward a hopeful and long-deferred
reunion with a brother whose fate he doesnt know.
Alvin is portrayed by Richard Farnsworth in a poignant, delicate
performance that caps a long and prolific career in Hollywood,
from decades serving as a stuntman for directors like Cecil B.
DeMille, Stanley Kubrick, John Ford, Howard Hawks and Sam Peckinpah,
through his later years as an actor, including his Oscar®-nominated
role in "Comes a Horseman" and acclaimed work in "The
Grey Fox." The film also stars Academy Award®-winner
Sissy Spacek as Alvins daughter, Rose, and Harry Dean Stanton.
Walt Disney Pictures presents "The Straight Story,"
directed by David Lynch from a screenplay written by John Roach
& Mary Sweeney. The producers are Mary Sweeney and Neal Edelstein.
Executive producers are Pierre Edelman and Michael Polaire. The
film is distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
The films sweeping, evocative images of Americas
autumnal Midwest are captured by Academy Award®-winning director
of photography Freddie Francis ("Sons and Lovers," "Glory").
"The Straight Story" features an elegiac score, rooted
in the tradition of bluegrass and propelled by resonant strings,
penned by frequent Lynch collaborator, composer Angelo Badalamenti.
"The Straight Story" was screened to much acclaim at
the 1999 Cannes Film Festival and is rated "G."
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
It was Mary Sweeney who discovered the story of Alvin Straight
from reading The New York Times in 1994. "The story struck
me as very American," Sweeney recalls. "Alvin was someone
who was very willful and determined. There was something very
charming and heartwarming about his story."
Sweeney clipped the story, squiggled a big question mark on the
top of it, and faxed it to her longtime friend, John Roach. Roach
remembers that he first found the story to be "heartwarming,
interesting and a little crazy."
Captivated by this true tale of a man who rode his lawnmower
to see his brother, Sweeney began to research the story. As she
delved deeper, she found herself sharing the tale with others.
"Every time I told someone about it, no one could put their
finger on what charmed them, but everyone found it really interesting
and kind of inspiring in an odd way."
Several years passed before Sweeney managed to obtain the story
rights. She then reintroduced the idea to John Roach and at point
they got in a car and retraced Alvin Straights route from
Laurens to Mt. Zion. As they traveled, they found their respect
for the man and his determination intensifying. Roach says, "At
first, it seemed like just a funny thing, that a man would travel
this route on his lawnmower. But we discovered as we went that
it was not always safe; it was very challenging at times; and,
if you take into consideration Alvins age and physical condition,
it was an adventure."
The road trip also brought Sweeney and Roach into contact with
a number or people who encountered Alvin on his journey and were
eager to share their stories of the unexpected traveler and his
even more unexpected vehicle. The two then met with the Straight
children, whose remembrances, family pictures and shared insight
was invaluable in shaping the character of Alvin, who died in
1996.
Alvins story as presented in the film is the tale of a
single lifetime as it approaches its end, and the screenplay,
while it follows a straightforward narrative, resonates with metaphor
and meaning. Sweeney describes it as "a very simple story
about the human condition. Alvin comes across a lot of different
people, and what he takes from them and what he leaves with them
is very simple."
When they had completed their screenplay, Roach and Sweeney gave
it to David Lynch, who is Sweeneys professional partner
in The Picture Factory, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company.
Needless to say, Sweeney had informed Lynch about the idea before
the script was completed, and he admits that he "wasnt
interested in it. I never thought I would make this story, but
the screenplay turned me around. I loved it."
Lynch, known not only for the compassion and empathy of a film
like "The Elephant Man" but for unflinching essays into
the darker recesses of human relationships in signature films
like "Blue Velvet" and "Wild at Heart," admits
that "The Straight Story is an unusual film for
me. But I was so moved by the screenplay, that soon enough, I
found myself in Iowa.
"It doesnt matter if the story is true or not,"
he continues. "Its a story. Everything is a story.
This is a different world than Ive been inone in which
nature plays a big part. And, although it appears to be calm,
there are many things going on."
It was Lynchs idea to pursue Richard Farnsworth to inhabit
the role of Alvin Straight. Farnsworth, who has spent his career
in Hollywood from his early days as a daring stuntman in the sprawling
epics and Westerns of the 40s and 50s through his
work as a character actor and then leading man, considered himself
uniquely suited for the part of Alvin when he received the script
for "The Straight Story."
Farnsworth had weak hips, which turned out to be a promising
omen rather than an impediment. When he learned that Alvin walked
with the help of two canes, Farnsworth believed it was meant for
him to play him. Furthermore, as the actor explains, "The
minute I read the script, I identified with this old character,
and I fell in love with the story. Alvin is an example in fortitude
and a lot of guts." He called an end to his two-year retirement
and took the role.
Farnsworth met with Alvins family, who all loved the idea
of the silver-screen favorite portraying their father. For his
part, Farnsworth calls the film "a wonderful experience."
Lynch remarks on the star and his performance: "Richard
Farnsworth is one of the most special people Ive ever met.
So much comes through from deep inside. Ive never seen anything
like it. He gives layers upon layers of meaning to every word,
every sentence. His face says so much."
Farnsworths performance was greeted with a rousing ovation
when the film was screened at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Among those in attendance were Janet Maslin of The New York Times,
who wrote that "The travelers role is played with immense
dignity by Richard Farnsworth. The unassuming 79-year-old star
gives the best leading performance to be seen here." Anne
Thompson of Premiere commented that "The heart and soul of
this warm picture is Richard Farnsworth."
Sissy Spacek, a longtime friend of Lynchs, was selected
to portray Rose. The character is based upon Alvins daughter,
Dian.
Lynch reconvened some of the creative team with whom he has established
long relationships to work on "The Straight Story."
The director of photography is Freddie Francis, who previously
shot the dreamy, black-and-white imagery of "The Elephant
Man" and the operatic imagined worlds of "Dune"
with Lynch.
Also returning is Lynchs frequent musical partner, Angelo
Badalamenti, whose score Lynch describes as "very emotional."
Badalamentis unmistakable touch has been featured in every
Lynch film since "Blue Velvet" and unforgettably in
Lynchs landmark television series, "Twin Peaks."
The production designer is Jack Fisk, another longtime associate
of Lynch, who appeared as The Man in the Planet in Lynchs
early "Eraserhead." The costumes were designed by Patricia
Norris, who also designed for "Lost Highway" and "Twin
Peaks: Fire Walk With Me."
On Location
Principal photography began in the Iowa cornfields in mid-September
of last year. The production moved east along Alvins route
through northern Iowa during the harvest season, and later crossed
the Mississippi into Wisconsin. The filming also closely matched
the length of time that Alvin spent on the road (so the gradual
changes in scenery)as well as Farnsworths growing
beardwere largely organic rather than created by the production.
Lynch and his crew shot chronologically, and the director is
thankful that "nature cooperated." He hoped to capture
the encroaching autumn that Alvin experienced on his own fall
odyssey, and the production was blessed with appropriate weather.
Lynch recalls being covered with ladybugs and buffalo fleas along
the way, which only seemed to underscore the verisimilitude of
the journey. The film crew lived and worked among the residents
of each small town that was used as a location: Laurens, New Hampton,
West Bend, West Union, Clermont, Prairie du Chien and Mt. Zion.
The locals along the route welcomed the production, which evoked
fond memories of the real Alvin, whom many of them had encountered
during his journey. Many shared their memories of the day they
saw Alvin ride by on his mower.
In the end, Lynch notes that "This is a story about old
age, and its a story about a mans life. Alvin Straight
is a man who, in 1994, made a trip to visit his brother on a riding
lawnmower. Hes a lot more than that, but thats the
story we told. You learn a lot about a regular mans life,
and what hes gone through is similar to a lot of people.
He had a problem, and he solved it."
ABOUT THE CAST
RICHARD FARNSWORTH (Alvin Straight) has been in movies since 1937
when he answered a casting call for 500 Mongolian horsemen and
made his film debut as a stunt rider in "The Adventures of
Marco Polo." He has enjoyed years on the rodeo circuit and
as a stuntman, working with Cecil B. DeMille driving chariots
in "The Ten Commandments," and in the films of such
notable directors as John Ford, Howard Hawks and Sam Peckinpah.
Farnsworth wielded a sword for Kirk Douglas in "Spartacus,"
an experience he still regards with amusement. "For 16 months
I wore this short little skirt with my bony knees knockin
on the back lot of Universal. I looked about as much like a gladiator
as my granddaughter, but I held my own."
Farnsworth the actor had his first speaking role in "The
Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox" with Goldie Hawn and George
Segal. He subsequently appeared in "The Stalking Moon,"
opposite Gregory Peck, and was nominated for an Academy Award®
in his first major film role in 1977 in Alan J. Pakulas
"Comes A Horseman" with Jane Fonda. He followed those
with "Tom Horn," starring Steve McQueen and "Resurrection"
with Ellen Burstyn. For his portrayal of the legendary gentleman
bandit Bill Miner in "The Grey Fox," Farnsworth won
Canadas 1983 equivalent to the Oscar®.
More recently, Farnsworth has appeared with Robert Redford in
"The Natural" and with Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone
in "Rhinestone Cowboy," opposite Colleen Dewhurst in
"Anne of Green Gables," and in "Misery."
SISSY SPACEK (Rose Straight) has created a diverse repertoire
of characters throughout her career and has received five Academy
Award® nominations for Best Actress. In 1980, her portrayal
of Loretta Lynn in "Coal Miners Daughter" won
her the Oscar® for Best Actress. She first came to the attention
of audiences and critics alike in "Badlands," in which
she played a disturbed 15-year-old on an interstate crime spree
with her psychotic boyfriend, played by Martin Sheen.
In 1976, she was nominated for an Academy Award® as Best
Actress for her role in "Carrie." Following that film
she starred in Robert Altmans "Three Women," for
which she won the New York Drama Critics Award.
Spacek was directed by her husband, Jack Fisk, in her next film,
the poignant drama, "Raggedy Man," with Sam Shepard.
She received her third Academy Award® nomination for her role
in director Costa-Gravas "Missing," in which she
starred with Jack Lemmon. She then starred with Mel Gibson in
"The River," which earned her yet another Oscar®
nomination as Best Actress. In 1986, Spacek starred opposite Anne
Bancroft in "night Mother," and with Diane Keaton
and Jessica Lange in "Crimes of the Heart" Spacek played
Babe, for which she received her fourth Academy Award® nomination,
the New York Film Critics Award and a Golden Globe. She also co-starred
with Tommy Lee Jones in his directorial debut "The Good Old
Boys." In 1996 Spacek appeared in HBOs critically acclaimed
"If These Walls Could Talk," with Demi Moore and Cher.
In 1997 she was in Truman Capotes "The Grass Harp"
and she recently co-starred with Nick Nolte in "Affliction,"
directed by Paul Schrader. In 1998 Spacek co-starred in "Blast
From the Past" with Christopher Walken and Brendan Fraser.
"The Straight Story" is HARRY DEAN STANTONs (Lyle
Straight) third film for director David Lynch.
Stanton grew up near Lexington, Kentucky. Following service with
the Navy during WW II, he attended the University of Kentucky,
where he initially pursued acting. He moved to Los Angeles, where
he continued his acting studies at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse,
making his stage debut there in the 1950s.
Stanton has appeared in over eighty feature films dating back
to 1957. In his four decades on screen, he has worked for some
of the industrys most acclaimed directors, including Wim
Wenders ("Paris, Texas," winner of the 1984 Palme DOr
at the Cannes Film Festival), John Huston ("Wise Blood"),
Ridley Scott ("Alien"), Arthur Penn ("The Missouri
Breaks"), John Frankenheimer ("The Fourth War,"
HBOs "Against the Wall"), John Carpenter ("Escape
from New York," "Christine"), David Lynch ("Wild
at Heart," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me"), Francis
Ford Coppola ("The Godfather, Part II," "One from
the Heart"), Robert Altman ("Fool for Love"), Martin
Scorsese ("The Last Temptation of Christ"), Sam Peckinpah
("Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid") and Lewis Milestone
("Pork Chop Hill"). He also appeared on the TV anthology
series, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
He appears this winter opposite Tom Hanks and Gary Sinise in
Warner Bros. "The Green Mile," and next year in
"The Man Who Cried" with Cate Blanchett and Johnny Depp.
He recently co-starred opposite Sean Penn and John Travolta in
Nick Cassavettes "Shes So Lovely," and with
Sharon Stone and Gena Rowlands in "The Mighty." Other
notable film credits include "Repo Man," "Mr. North,"
"Stars & Bars," "Red Dawn," "Private
Benjamin," "The Black Marble," Walt Disney Pictures
"One Magic Christmas," "Renaldo and Clara,"
"Straight Time," "92 in the Shade," and "Farewell,
My Lovely."
JOHN FARLEY (Thorvald) has enjoyed success in motion pictures,
television and theatre. Among his feature film credits are Touchstone
Pictures blockbuster "The Waterboy" starring Adam
Sandler, "Almost Heroes," "Beverly Hills Ninja,"
"Black Sheep" and "Tommy Boy,"
Television audiences are familiar with Farley for his guest starring
roles on such hit sitcoms as "Roseanne" and "Tom,"
as well as "Sportmart" and "Sportsbar." He
was also an ensemble player on the perennial NBC variety showcase
"Saturday Night Live," on which he played opposite Bill
Murray, Charles Barkley and Heather Locklear.
His training at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, followed
by work with ARK Repertory Theatre, Improv Olympics and Second
City Conservatory, led to roles on stage in such productions as
"Victor Laslo," "Un-American Activities,"
"Greenco," "Computerchips and Salsa," "ARK
Comedy Collective," "Funny Business" and "Fox
Run."
KEVIN FARLEY (Harald) has appeared in a number of successful
feature films including, most recently, Touchstone Pictures
"The Waterboy" starring with Adam Sandler. He also worked
with director Christopher Guest on "Almost Heroes,"
Bob Saget on "Dirty Work," Dennis Dugan ("Beverly
Hills Ninja"), Penelope Spheeris ("Black Sheep")
and Peter Segal ("Tommy Boy").
On television, Farley was a series regular on the Fox Family
Channels "Misguided Angel." In addition he guest
starred on "3rd Rock from the Sun," "Chicago Sons,"
and "Saturday Night Live."
Farleys theatre credits include "The Second City Touring
Company," "Second City Communications," "Improv
Olympics," "Night of the Mutant Herald," "Snow
White and the Seven Dysfunctional Dwarfs," "Mixed Nuts
Comedy Revue," "The ARK Theatre" and "Fist
Soup."
He honed his comedy skills training at Second City Conservatory,
Improv Olympic, Audition Studio and The ARK Theater.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
DAVID LYNCH (Director) was born in Missoula, Montana. His feature
filmography includes:
1976 "Eraserhead"
1980 "The Elephant Man"
1984 "Dune"
1986 "Blue Velvet"
1990 "Wild At Heart"
1992 "Twin Peaks -- Fire Walk With Me"
1996 "Lost Highway"
1999 "The Straight Story"
JOHN ROACH (Written by) has been a broadcast producer in Chicago
for fifteen years. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin. "The Straight
Story," which he co-wrote with Mary Sweeney, is his first
feature script.
MARY SWEENEY (Written by/Producer/Editor) includes among her
editing credits, Warren Beattys "Reds," "Tender
Mercies" directed by Bruce Beresford, "Places in the
Heart" directed by Robert Benton and "Blue Velvet,"
"Wild At Heart," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,"
and "Lost Highway" all directed by David Lynch. She
was also an editor on the television series "Twin Peaks,"
"On the Air" and "Hotel Room," and is editing
Lynchs television pilot "Mulholland Drive."
In addition to "The Straight Story" she has produced
"Nadja" (1995) directed by Michael Almereyda and "Lost
Highway" (1997) directed by Lynch.
She is currently producing "Mulholland Drive" for ABC.
"The Straight Story" is her first as a feature screenwriter
sharing credit with John Roach.
NEAL EDELSTEIN (Producer) has collaborated with David Lynch on
commercial and film projects. He was producer of Lynchs
short film in the French production "Lumiere" celebrating
100 years of cinema.
Lynch, Sweeney and Edelstein have formed a new film production
company, The Picture Factory. Edelstein has most recently produced
David Lynchs television pilot "Mulholland Drive"
for ABC. Edelstein will also produce "Amnesia Moon,"
"Lighthouse at the End of the World," "The Big
Blow," and other upcoming projects for The Picture Factory.
Also in new media, Edelstein and Lynch are designing a web site
that will be a place for Lynch to create new content specifically
for the Internet and its emerging entertainment technology.
PIERRE EDELMAN (Executive Producer) made his first 16mm short
film, "Lamour Petrifie," when he was 15 years
old. A few years later, after completing his studies at the School
of Decorative Arts, he worked with Spanish producer Alberto Oliveras,
on major news stories for Spains TVE, as an associate of
Frances well known TV program "Cinq Colonnes a la Une."
He later worked with Salvador Dali as scribe for the only screenplay
this surrealistic painter ever produced. During his eclectic cinematic
career, Pierre Edelman has collaborated with the likes of Wim
Wenders, Bernardo Bertolucci, Andrei Konchalovsky and Roland Joffe,
to name but a few.
From 1990 to 1993 he was named director of international production
for CIBY 2000, signing long-term contracts with Pedro Almodovar,
Emir Kusturica and participated in the elaborate productions of
Jane Campions "The Piano" and Bernardo Bertoluccis
"Little Buddha."
MICHAEL POLAIRE (Executive Producer) most recently co-produced
David Lynchs new television pilot "Mulholland Drive."
His recent feature film work was to co-produce "A Simple
Plan" with Billy Bob Thornton, Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda
directed by Sam Raimi for Paramount Pictures.
Polaire has previously collaborated with such directors as John
Schlesinger, Costa-Gravas, Arthur Hiller and Tim Burton. He recently
co-produced Robin Williams Disney hit re-make "Flubber"
and Schlesingers "Eye For An Eye" with Sally Field,
Ed Harris and Joe Mantegna for Paramount.
As a unit production manager, Polaires credits include
"The Saint" with Val Kilmer and Elizabeth Shue, "Ed
Wood" with Johnny Depp, Martin Landau and Bill Murray, "Tank
Girl" with Malcolm McDowell, "The Babe" with John
Goodman, "Guilty by Suspicion" with Robert De Niro,
"Music Box" with Jessica Lange and Armin Mueller-Stahl,
"Betrayed" with Deborah Winger and Tom Berenger and
the acclaimed 9-hour NBC miniseries "Mussolini" with
George C. Scott, Gabriel Byrne, Raul Julia and Mary Elizabeth
Mastrantonio.
In addition, Polaires previous production experience includes
work on such films as "The Right Stuff" and "Raging
Bull."
ANGELO BADALAMENTI (Music Composed and Conducted by) is a Grammy
Award winner for his haunting music for the immensely popular
David Lynch TV series "Twin Peaks." Mr. Badalamenti
has created scores for productions ranging from David Lynchs
feature films, "Lost Highway" and "Blue Velvet,"
to his current project, "The Beach."
Mr. Badalamenti recently arranged, orchestrated and conducted
David Bowies version of "A Foggy Day (In London Town)"
(written by George Gershwin) for the AIDS benefit album Red, Hot
and Rhapsody. His songs have also been recorded and released internationally
by many artists, among them Marianne Faithful, Julee Cruise, Anthrax,
Patti Austin, George Benson, Mel Tillis, Nancy Wilson, Melba Moore,
Nina Simone and Roberta Flack. He has also arranged and orchestrated
music for such performers as Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney and
The Pet Shop Boys, and has written and recorded music for Michael
Jacksons "Black and White" video.
Badalamenti is the recipient of eight ASCAP awards as well as
the Anthony Asquith Award given by the British Film Institute
for the best music score of all of 1991s feature films,
the BPI best album 1991 winner and Grammy Award Winner for his
"Twin Peaks" theme. His Twin Peaks album has achieved
gold status in 15 countries.
Mr. Badalamenti studied at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester,
NY, and the Manhattan School of Music where he received master
degrees in composition, French horn and piano. The composer then
began a continuing professional association with David Lynch when
he wrote the music for "Blue Velvet" in 1986. Mr. Badalamenti
then went on to compose the score for David Lynchs "Wild
at Heart," Winner of the Palme dOr at the Cannes Film
Festival in 1990. He also composed and produced, with Mr. Lynch
as co-producer and lyricist, music for the Julee Cruise album,
Floating into the Night, and co-wrote and co-produced with Mr.
Lynch the Brooklyn Academy of Music theatrical production of "Industrial
Symphony No. 1," which received the American Music Video
Entertainment Award.
Mr. Badalamenti was chosen to be the composer and conductor of
the Torch Theme, "The Flaming Arrow," for the Summer
1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
A New Jerseyan, Mr. Badalamenti works at his own studio in Manhattan.
Mr. Badalamenti recently completed work on the upcoming romantic
thriller, "Forever Mine" starring Joseph Fiennes and
directed by Paul Schrader.
Other recent films include the thriller "Arlington Road"
for director Mark Pellington and "Holy Smoke" for director
Jane Campion and Miramax Films starring Kate Winslet and Harvey
Keitel. He has also contributed his musical artistry to Paul Schraders
"The Comfort of Strangers," "Wait Until Spring,
Bandini" starring Faye Dunaway, Jean Pierre Jeunets
"City of Lost Children," "Weeds" with Nick
Nolte and Joel Schumachers "Cousins."
PATRICIA NORRIS (Costume Designer) is a five-time Academy Award®-nominee
for costume design on the films "Sunset," "2010,"
"Victor/Victoria," "The Elephant Man" and
"Days of Heaven," Norris recent credits as a production
designer and costume designer include "Hi-Lo Country,"
"Lost Highway," "End of Violence," "The
Journey of August King," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With
Me," "Leaving Normal," "Wild At Heart,"
"Tap" and "Blue Velvet."
JACK FISK (Production Designer) began designing for films in
the early 1970s for Roger and Gene Corman. In 1972 Fisk art directed
"Badlands" for Terence Malick. This led to films with
Brian DePalma, "Carrie and "Phantom of the Paradise,"
and "Movie, Movie" with Stanley Donen. More recently
he collaborated with Malick on "The Thin Red Line."
Fisk began his friendship with David Lynch in high school. They
attended art school together. Fisk played the Man in the Planet
in Lynchs film "Eraserhead." He directed two episodes
of Lynchs "On the Air." "The Straight Story"
is his first partnership with Lynch as a designer.
FREDDIE FRANCIS, B.S.C. (Director of Photography) has collaborated
with David Lynch on two previous films, "The Elephant Man"
and "Dune." Francis received the Oscar® for Best
Cinematography for "Glory" by director Ed Zwick, starring
Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington. He also won an Oscar®
for Best Cinematography for "Sons and Lovers" starring
Trevor Howard, Dean Stockwell and Wendy Hiller.
His early career included "Night Must Fall," "The
Innocents," "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning"
and "Room at the Top" with Laurence Harvey and Simone
Signoret.
Between 1962 and 1975 Francis took time out from being a director
of photography and directed more than twenty features and television
films.
Francis feature credits include "Princess Caraboo,"
"School Ties," "Cape Fear," "The Man
in the Moon," "Glory," "Her Alibi," "Claras
Heart," "Dune," and "The French Lieutenants
Woman" for which he won a B.S.C. Award for Best Cinematographer
and a BAFTA nomination for Best Cinematography. His other credits
include "The Executioners Song," and "The
Elephant Man" for which he won B.S.A. Award and Best Cinematography
and BAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography.
(9/8/99)
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