Posted on 07/05/2021 6:42:42 PM PDT by Borges
Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978’s “Superman” and mastered the buddy comedy with the “Lethal Weapon” franchise, has died. He was 91.
Donner died Monday in Los Angeles, his family said through a spokesperson.
Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976’s “The Omen.” A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978’s “Superman.” Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the title role, Donner cast Christopher Reeve, who was associated with “Superman” for the rest of his life.
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Sorry about the mishap. Put in a request to fix.
I liked some of his work...RIP
(I know nothing of his personal life, but I did find some of his movies entertaining)
Which part of the Superman original film did he direct? I think it had 2 or 3 directors which is why the beginning is so completely different from the rest.
Clicked on it for the title.
He dies at age 91. I guess that means that as a director, he was not affected by the “Superman Curse”. Many of the lead actors who played Superman, ended up dying young, some in violent ways.
The Omen was an effective thriller.
RIP.
I’m pretty sure he was responsible for most of The Movie and II. IIRC Donner was heavy on the origin beginning of The Movie.
But I do get mixed up and it’s not my obsession to understand about directors and such.
Superman was just great. Sorry, none of this modern stuff compares.
Was the “Donner Cut” better? Thoughts?
I did some work for Richard Donner a long time ago. He had a really deep resonant voice. That probably contributed to his success as a director.
The pool scene in Lethal Weapon was filmed at his house in the Hollywood hills. Great view. He was a really nice guy.
RIP.
I think LETHAL WEAPON 1 was the best...There have been sequels...
I have the DVD of “The Omen,” and Richard Donner’s commentary tracks and the “making of” features are very interesting.
RIP.
Not at all. I love Superman 2 and that stems from how it works as a Lester film.
On the Omen track, when a character said “we haven’t much time”, Donner he made the amusing point that it’s a phrase you only hear in movies. No one ever says that in real life.
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