Frank Capra
Frank Capra
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Franklyn Johannes Capra was a master filmmaker, commonly known as Frank Capra.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 18, 1897, in Bisacino, Italy. He passed away on September 3, 1991, at the age of 94, in La Cañada Flintridge, California.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Capra was an Italian-American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. His career spanned over four decades, leaving a profound impact on American cinema.
Early Life and Background
Frank Capra immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. He grew up in Los Angeles, where he developed a passion for filmmaking. After completing high school, Capra attended California Institute of Technology (Caltech) but dropped out to pursue a career in film.
In 1918, during World War I, Capra enlisted in the United States Army Signal Corps and was assigned to the Film Division, where he produced training films. This experience not only honed his filmmaking skills but also shaped his perspective on storytelling.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Frank Capra directed over 40 films, many of which are still celebrated today for their timeless themes, memorable characters, and cinematic craftsmanship. Some of his most notable works include:
It Happened One Night (1934) - a romantic comedy that earned him his first Academy Award
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
Lost Horizon (1937)
You Can't Take It with You (1938)
Capra's commitment to socially conscious cinema led to the creation of the "Capraesque" genre, characterized by its emphasis on everyday people and their struggles.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his filmography, Capra was a vocal advocate for social justice. He served as a consultant for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, using his platform to promote economic reform and community development.
Capra's most notable contribution to American culture is perhaps his collaboration with the United States government on a series of propaganda films during World War II. Why We Fight (1942-1945) is a six-part documentary series that aimed to educate Americans about the reasons behind U.S. involvement in the war.
Impact and Legacy
Frank Capra's influence extends far beyond his own filmography. His dedication to storytelling as a force for social change has inspired generations of filmmakers, including notable directors like Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.
Capra's legacy can also be seen in the numerous awards and accolades he received throughout his career, including three Academy Awards for Best Director and six nominations for Best Picture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Frank Capra's quotes often reflect his commitment to social responsibility and the power of storytelling. His words continue to resonate with audiences today:
> "A film is a work of art that can be understood on many levels, from the literal to the symbolic, from the concrete to the abstract."
Capra's legacy serves as a reminder that filmmaking is not only an art form but also a tool for shaping public opinion and promoting positive change.
Frank Capra's remarkable life and career are a testament to the enduring power of cinema. His commitment to social justice, coupled with his technical skill and creative vision, has left an indelible mark on American culture.
Quotes by Frank Capra
Scriptwriting is the toughest part of the whole racket... the least understood and the least noticed.
There’s music in my films but you seldom hear it. Very early I got the idea that the important things in films were people – the actors. They are the intermediary between the director and the audience. They make direct contact. People to people communication.
In our film profession you may have Gable’s looks, Tracy’s art, Marlene’s legs or Liz’s violet eyes, but they don’t mean a thing without that swinging thing called courage.
Things own you. That’s the trouble with capitalism. Things own you. With communism and fascism – ideas own you. One idea and you can’t have any other.
Capitalism is supposedly free enterprise. Supposedly about the free individual. But capitalism itself is so massive that the guy on the street gets caught in paying rent, taxes, and he doesn’t own himself at all.
Most ideologies of the world are not for the individual. They’re against the individual. Communism, fascism. Any kind of an ism – almost – they’re against the individual.
All you can do is learn the skills of movies. Neither colleges nor anyone else can teach you creativity. They can teach you abilities to work with – you know how to use the gifts you’ve been born with.
One is never completely satisfied. But I can say that I’m not dissatisfied. I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve been given some gifts – to take advantage of the contemporary times when I made movies. Gifts to make audiences laugh.
I’m a living example of getting into films backwards. Merely by accident. Exposure to films and ideas is the best thing that colleges can do.
