Monday, April 6, 2020

April 6 - Barry Levinson


Happy 78th Birthday, Barry Levinson! Born today in 1942, this American actor, screenwriter, producer and director is best known works are mid-budget comedy-drama and drama films. He is of Jewish background. 
  
Levinson worked as a comedy writer for Carol Burnett and Mel Brooks in the 1970s.  
  
During that time he also co-wrote the screenplay for Canadian former film director, producer, actor Norman Jewison's ('In the Heat of the Night', 'Moonstruck') 1979 American courtroom neo noir drama/satire film '…And Justice for All' 
  
The following year, this earned Levinson an Oscar nomination at the 52nd Academy Awards in April 1980. 
  
Two years later, Levinson began his career as a director with his debut feature, being 1982 American drama/comedy-drama film 'Diner'.  
  
For this, for which he had also written the screenplay. the following year, Levinson earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen at the 55th Academy Awards in April 1983. 
  
Among his other credits during the 1980s, Levinson is best known for directing the 1984 American sports/drama film 'The Natural' and the 1987 American comedy-drama/war film 'Good Morning, Vietnam'. 
  
The following year, Levinson directed the 1988 American drama/comedy-drama film 'Rain Man'. Starring Tom Cruise as selfish yuppie Charlie Babbitt, his world changes when he discovers that he has an autistic brother named Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). 

The film had been based off of real life American autistic "megasavant" Kim Peek. 
  
The following year, 'Rain Man' won Best Picture at the 61st Academy Awards in late March 1989. The film also received awards for Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Best Original Screenplay (Ronald Bass, Barry Morrow) and Best Director. 
  
Throughout his career, Levinson has crafted an enviable reputation as a filmmaker who blends literate and intelligent visions into memorable films.  
  
Levinson has been active from 1970–present. 
  
#borntodirect 
@LevinsonBarry 
@tcm 
@HuffPost 
@Britannica

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