Norman Jewison
Biography
Norman Jewison (1926–2024) was a Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter, celebrated for his exceptional versatility across genres and his unwavering commitment to exploring social and political issues with both intelligence and heart. His films often tackled complex subjects, making them accessible and impactful for mainstream audiences, and he earned numerous accolades throughout his extensive career.
Early Life and Television Roots:
Born Norman Frederick Jewison on July 21, 1926, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he grew up in a family that owned a dry-goods store. His early life was marked by an early interest in performing and theater. After a brief stint in the Canadian Royal Navy, he attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts in 1949.
Jewison's career began in television in the early 1950s, first in London with the BBC, then returning to Canada to help launch CBC Television. He quickly became a prolific director and producer of various musical, comedy, and drama programs. In 1958, he moved to the United States to work for NBC, directing live television shows and specials, including those featuring stars like Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. His television work earned him three Emmy Awards, honing his ability to manage complex productions and elicit strong performances.
From Comedies to Socially Conscious Cinema:
Jewison made his feature film debut with the comedy 40 Pounds of Trouble (1962). He directed a series of popular comedies in the early 1960s, including two with Doris Day (The Thrill of It All (1963) and Send Me No Flowers (1964)). However, it was his shift towards more politically charged and socially relevant material that defined his most impactful work.
His breakthrough came with:
The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966): A pre-Glasnost political satire that humorously tackled Cold War paranoia, earning him his first Oscar nomination as a producer.
In the Heat of the Night (1967): This groundbreaking civil rights-era drama, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, powerfully confronted racial prejudice in the American South. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and earned Jewison a Best Director nomination. It remains a landmark film for its bold exploration of racial tensions.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968): A stylish and sophisticated caper flick starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, showcasing Jewison's versatility.
Continuing Success and Diverse Genres:
Jewison continued to deliver critically acclaimed and commercially successful films across a broad spectrum of genres:
Fiddler on the Roof (1971): A beloved musical adaptation that earned him another Best Director Oscar nomination.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): A controversial and innovative rock opera.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975): While not directed by him, he produced this Oscar-winning film, further demonstrating his impact.
Rollerball (1975): A prescient futuristic dystopia.
...And Justice for All (1979): A powerful legal drama starring Al Pacino.
A Soldier's Story (1984): Another potent examination of racial injustice, earning a Best Picture nomination.
Moonstruck (1987): A heartwarming and critically adored romantic comedy starring Cher, which earned Jewison his third Best Director Oscar nomination.
The Hurricane (1999): Starring Denzel Washington as wrongly accused boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, completing what Jewison considered a trilogy of films addressing racial injustice, alongside In the Heat of the Night and A Soldier's Story.
Directorial Style and Legacy:
Norman Jewison's directorial style was marked by:
Humanism: A deep empathy for his characters and a focus on human dignity and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
Social Conscience: A consistent thread of addressing social justice, equality, and systemic issues, often wrapped in entertaining narratives.
Versatility: His ability to seamlessly transition between intense dramas, musicals, romantic comedies, and thrillers.
Strong Performances: Known for drawing exceptional performances from his actors, often leading to award recognition for his cast members.
Meticulous Craftsmanship: A keen eye for visual storytelling, utilizing lighting, color, and composition to enhance the narrative.
Beyond his films, Jewison was a strong advocate for Canadian cinema. In 1986, he founded the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), a charitable cultural organization dedicated to fostering new generations of Canadian storytellers.
Jewison received numerous honors, including the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1999 for his prolific and impactful career. He was also a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honor.
Norman Jewison passed away on January 20, 2024, at the age of 97, leaving behind a remarkable filmography that continues to entertain, provoke, and resonate with audiences worldwide. His legacy as a master storyteller with a profound social conscience is secure.
