Cinephile № 823 “Forman v. Forman”

Cinephile №823 “Forman v. Forman”

Recommendation: 3/5 Stars, STREAM

Plot: “A look at the life and work of director Milos Forman, from the Czech New Wave to Hollywood.” -IMDB

Review: For my 16th film of the 2019 AFI Fest, I made an effort to spend some time with a director, Milos Forman, that I didn’t know very well. Of course, I know “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Amadeus,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” and “Hair.” Beyond these foundation-shifting films, I was curious to learn the inspiration behind the direction. Like lots of other directors, Forman’s path began with a deep love affair with film and a need for truth. Raised in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe and then under the cloud of socialism, this need for truth was even more profound.

Forman eventually fled Europe for America in an effort to pursue his dream. Without a network, he would need an opportunity and someone to believe in his talent. Like so many success stories before him, that opportunity came when he least expected it and need it the most. As films and opportunities started coming at him, Milo never forgot about his homeland. He used his final years to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and build a lasting legacy.

Be good to each other,

Nathan