Wolfgang Petersen (AIR FORCE ONE, DAS BOOT)---RIP (1 Viewer)
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Terp152
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Watched Das Boot when first released in 1984. Viewing time was about 2.5 hrs. Just learned there is a 4 hr version that aired as a mini-series and ordered that. Excellent movie although the author, a navy journalist who went on a U Boat patrol in 1941, disapproved.
Grey Heron
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RIP Wolfgang. I loved Never Ending Story the movie and Das Boot.
Wolfgang_UK
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Another genius gone. I think to most people he will be remembered for his work on DAS BOOT. A film that is still discussed and remembered in Germany´s pop culture today. The 1971 novel by Lothar-Günther Buchheim was rated to be "Impossible to produce for the silver screen". Some 80% of the story take place inside a tube. Wolfgang did it! Buchheim started his life as a Wunderkind of the arts at the age of 7. He was a master in observing and explaining things in his novels. He allways remained in touch with the art scene throughout his life. His private collection of paintings and other artifacts was estimated to have a value of over 100 Million Deutsche Mark in 1986.
Many german artists made their debut in Das Boot. Albeit of being a fan of Hollywood myself, I am happy that the film was produced by a purely german filmcrew. Tom Cruise just would not have worked.
Buchheim was known for being a bit "difficult" (actually nicknamed The Poltergeist of Feldafing - his bavarian hometown after WW2) he had many arguments about the Film with Petersen. Especially the Josephine Baker scene made his blood boil. Even though some of the dialouges in the movie where taken straight from the book - some scenes reflect Wolfgang Peters artistic sense of finetuneing scenes for the screen. BTW did you notice that the commander of the boat (like most other crew members) did not have a name? He was refered to as "Der Alte" or Herr Kaleu (brief for LtCdr). Doing so Petersen focused the actors on acting deed and character, stripped off antything formal - rather smart IMO.
However, great Book, great movie, great acting, remarkable author and producer.
Read the book and explore the genius of Wolfgang Petersen.
Great loss - Rest in Peace
Many german artists made their debut in Das Boot. Albeit of being a fan of Hollywood myself, I am happy that the film was produced by a purely german filmcrew. Tom Cruise just would not have worked.
Buchheim was known for being a bit "difficult" (actually nicknamed The Poltergeist of Feldafing - his bavarian hometown after WW2) he had many arguments about the Film with Petersen. Especially the Josephine Baker scene made his blood boil. Even though some of the dialouges in the movie where taken straight from the book - some scenes reflect Wolfgang Peters artistic sense of finetuneing scenes for the screen. BTW did you notice that the commander of the boat (like most other crew members) did not have a name? He was refered to as "Der Alte" or Herr Kaleu (brief for LtCdr). Doing so Petersen focused the actors on acting deed and character, stripped off antything formal - rather smart IMO.
However, great Book, great movie, great acting, remarkable author and producer.
Read the book and explore the genius of Wolfgang Petersen.
Great loss - Rest in Peace