Karel Reisz

Date of Birth: July 21, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: November 25, 2002

Biography

Karel Reisz was a Czech-born British filmmaker who played a pivotal role in the development of the British New Wave cinema movement. He was born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, and moved to England as a child to escape the Nazis. Reisz began his career in the film industry as a critic and writer for the journal “Sequence,” which he co-founded. He later transitioned to filmmaking, where he became known for his sharp social realism and keen observational style. His directorial debut, “Saturday Night and Sunday Morning” (1960), is regarded as a landmark in British cinema, reflecting the lives of working-class people with authenticity and emotional depth. Reisz continued to make significant contributions to cinema with films such as “Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment” (1966) and “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” (1981), the latter of which starred Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons and received critical acclaim. Reisz’s work is characterized by its deep humanism and commitment to portraying the complexities of everyday life. He was also an influential film theorist, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of cinema both as an art form and a social document.

5 Interesting Facts about Karel Reisz

1. Karel Reisz was one of the founders of the Free Cinema Movement in the 1950s, which aimed to present an authentic portrayal of ordinary British life.

2. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II before embarking on his career in film.

3. Reisz’s adaptation of John Fowles’ novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” received five Academy Award nominations.

4. He was married to actress Betsy Blair, who was previously married to Gene Kelly.

5. Reisz also directed several successful stage plays, including productions for the Royal National Theatre in London.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karel Reisz

1. “It’s the job of the director to ensure that the film’s message is clear and its emotions are deeply felt.”

2. “I have always been interested in the human condition, and film is a powerful medium to explore it.”

3. “A film should be a mirror to society, reflecting its truths, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.”

4. “Good cinema is about the authenticity of experience, capturing the essence of real life.”

5. “The director’s vision must be unwavering, yet flexible enough to adapt to the truths uncovered during the filmmaking process.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Karel Reisz’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Karel Reisz had three children: a son named Matthew Reisz and two other children from his marriage to Betsy Blair. Information on the other children is less publicly documented.