I have grown tired of sequels and explosions so I’ve gone backwards. Decade by decade, I’m traveling back in time to learn from the films of the past. If you have ever wondered where the Coen brothers screw ball comedies come from well look no further. They were influenced by the screwball comedies from the 1940’s. In particular the work of writer/director Preston Sturges was a major influences on the future of filmmaking. Preston Sturges was the first Hollywood scriptwriter to direct his own work. When you have the time take a look at The Lady Eve (1941), Sullivan’s Travels (1941) or maybe even Hail the Conquering Hero (1944).
Preston Sturges, George Cukor, William Wyler, John Ford, Orson Welles, John Huston, Frank Capra, William Wellman, Billy Wilder, Hitchcock and the list goes on and on. This may take me some time but it’s always a good idea to look back at the past before you move forward.