Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sandensea

(22,850 posts)
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 01:56 PM Aug 2020

Alan Parker dies: Towering UK director of 'Midnight Express' 'Mississippi Burning' & 'Fame' was 76

Filmmaker Alan Parker, a towering figure in the UK industry, died Friday morning following a lengthy illness, the British Film Institute has confirmed. He was 76.

Two-time Oscar nominee Parker was best known for directing classic films including Bugsy Malone (1976), Midnight Express (1978), Fame (1980), Mississippi Burning (1988), The Commitments (1991), and Evita (1996) - as well as the musical film Pink Floyd – The Wall (1982).

Across a glittering career, his feature films combined to win 19 BAFTA awards, 10 Golden Globes and 10 Oscars.

Parker was a passionate supporter of the UK industry and a founding member of the Directors Guild of Great Britain. He was the founding Chairman of the UK Film Council in 2000, a position he held for five years, and prior to that he was Chairman of the BFI. He received a CBE in 1995 and a knighthood in 2002. He was also an Officier des Arts et Letters (France).

At: https://deadline.com/2020/07/alan-parker-dies-director-of-bugsy-malone-midnight-express-evita-was-76-1203000762/



British filmmaker Alan Parker descends from a vintage bus during the 1996 filming of Evita. He was 76.
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Alan Parker dies: Towering UK director of 'Midnight Express' 'Mississippi Burning' & 'Fame' was 76 (Original Post) sandensea Aug 2020 OP
Wow, this is a huge loss. Mike 03 Aug 2020 #1
Agreed ... I at least liked every movie of his I saw ... mr_lebowski Aug 2020 #2
Powerful work, I saw several of his films. appalachiablue Aug 2020 #3

Mike 03

(16,911 posts)
1. Wow, this is a huge loss.
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 02:00 PM
Aug 2020

Alan Parker also directed Angel Heart (my personal favorite). Rock solid career, enormous successes both artistically and commercially, and very few duds in the mix. Stupendous body of work, fearless of controversy, and a risk-taker who was attracted to offbeat projects.

 

mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)
2. Agreed ... I at least liked every movie of his I saw ...
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 02:34 PM
Aug 2020

Last edited Sat Aug 1, 2020, 03:08 PM - Edit history (1)

Some were better than others of course, but they were all solid.

And Pink Floyd The Wall ... was a landmark of my youth. I freaking LOVED that movie (and of course the soundtrack) when I'z in high school.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Movies»Alan Parker dies: Towerin...