There’s a reason why people pay to look at paintings that are thousands of years old. There’s a reason why we still read Shakespeare plays in school. It’s because great art holds up. And though film isn’t nearly as old as some other art forms, the great ones are still appreciated decades later. However, the creative forces behind the scenes aren’t always as easily remembered. Director Robert Wise is responsible for some of the most iconic films of all time. And though film buffs know the name, he hasn’t received the attention of filmmakers with filmographies half as impressive. Author J.R. Jordan is out to remedy that with his book, Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures. Below is my review of this film book along with my interview with the author.

Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures book summary

Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is an encyclopedia of the Hollywood director’s work. Each chapter profiles each of the films he directed. It summarizes the film, quotes from interviews with cast and crew providing behind-the-scenes stories, and analyzes the film with all of its Easter eggs and overall message that it’s trying to convey.

Wise directed 40 films in his career, covering nearly every genre. He shot horror films, westerns, musicals, science fiction films, action films, and dramas. His most famous projects include West Side Story, The Sound of Music, The Andromeda Strain, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Every project was different from the next in terms of scale, tone, and story, and he hopped from one project to another in a controlled, focused, yet easygoing fashion.

As his career is profiled, readers get to know a little about the filmmaker via his working style. The consensus among those interviewed remembers Wise as a gentle, patient, and focused man. Coming from a background in editing (most notably Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane), his process was more technical than performance-based. As a result, his direction of his actors was pretty minimal, preferring them to come up with organic performances rather than ones heavily guided by himself.

After directing his 40^th film, a TV movie for Hallmark, Wise voluntarily retired. And though he has been honored at the Academy Awards and various other functions, his reputation in Hollywood history is overwhelmingly low key.

The structure of the book

Jordan’s enthusiasm for the subject matter of this book is apparent in his break down of each film. At the same time, he maintains a professional tone throughout the chapters. Each one begins with a quote from a famous person, usually not associated with the film, but relevant to its story and theme. This sets up the pages about the film to follow and the care taken to breaking down each one.

The book runs long, over 550 pages, allowing for ample space to be given to each film. However, the chapters don’t seem to run particularly long. The text is broken up with set photos and excerpts from famous scenes.

Readers don’t have to read the book chronologically. They can flip to their favorite films or explore those that catch their attention. I myself have added several of Wise’s films to my to-watch list including: The Curse of the Cat People, Three Secrets The House on Telegraph Hill, I Want to Live! and Audrey Rose.

Wise’s passion for filmmaking really comes across in his body of work when it’s comprehensively put together. His early career with RKO shows him sometimes completing two films a year, though the shooting schedules for these films often ran just a few weeks.

Also, the eclectic nature of his resume shows that he took on projects for their stories and their challenges rather than fame and paychecks. Yet, he drew in big name stars of the eras in which they were made and drew in audiences to the theaters with his polished results.

Takeaways

Jordan is good about giving an even amount of time to each picture in Wise’s decades-long career. He doesn’t skimp on the early films in order to add more details to the West Side Story chapters. However, I did find myself anxious to get to the 60’s section in order to read the chapters on the films I knew well.

What stopped me from skipping ahead was the films in between that I hadn’t heard of or had heard of but didn’t know were directed by Robert Wise. I repeatedly found myself thinking “that sounds like such a good idea for a movie” while making a mental note to track down those titles.

Perhaps one reason why these films didn’t imprint themselves on Hollywood history is because of how ahead of their time they were. I was completely surprised by how many female-driven stories he directed in the 40’s and 50’s. Even in his male-dominated movies, women often play a significant role. In others, such as Until They Sail, the film explores a traditionally masculine genre, such as war, from a female perspective.

My recommendation

Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures is a great addition to any film buff’s bookshelf. It’s a focused, enthusiastic, and well-researched tribute to the filmmaker that includes plenty of film recommendations. The result is a fitting tribute to a great director and decent human being he whose praise is shortchanged in film history despite his films’ lasting effect on the industry.

Author Interview with J.R. Jordan

About the author

Author Name: Joe Jordan / J.R. Jordan

Website 

Book Title: Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures (Revised Edition)

Genre: Historical Nonfiction

Links  to buy:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book summary

Robert Wise, the young editor of Citizen Kane, earned his directorial stripes at RKO, particularly with The Body Snatcher and The Set-Up, films of amazing quality and dark sensibility. Wise later found himself at Warner Brothers, MGM, and 20th Century Fox, consistently directing pictures of depth and versatility. He was the personification of the finest, old style “studio director” and ultimately became a two-time winner of the Academy Award for Best Director. Wise not only made films his way, he made them the right way, directing classics such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Sound of Music, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

Book excerpt

Robert Wise was a master. He was the best director I have ever worked with. I’ve worked with some great comedy directors, but they could only do comedy. Robert Wise could do everything. The interesting thing about acting in his films is that even though I couldn’t actually see him while I was performing in a scene, he was always there.

The same goes for today. Even though Mr. Wise is no longer around, he’s still here, and as long as there’s a motion picture, he’ll be here. Robert Wise will always be in the memories of those who had the great fortune to be in his presence. For me, it all started with a screen test, and later, I was finally able to tell the world that I wish Robert Wise could’ve been my father. That’s the greatest thing I could say about anybody I’ve ever worked with. – Gavin Macleod (from the book’s foreword)

J.R. Jordan, author of Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures, has written a thorough account of my uncle’s career as a film director. Throughout the course of his research, he conducted over twenty interviews with those who knew Uncle Bob and also engaged in multiple viewings of each film, forty total, so that no stone would be left unturned. I remain impressed with Joe’s enthusiasm and dedication, and I am proud to acknowledge his book as a welcome addition to my uncle’s legacy. It not only pays tribute to a true stalwart of the cinematic arts, but going forward, it will no doubt inspire generations of film aficionados for years to come. – Douglas E. Wise (from the book’s introduction)

Review excerpts

“If you’re a Robert Wise fan, this is the book for you.” – Nicholas Meyer: Author, Screenwriter, Director

“J.R. Jordan’s examination of Wise’s work and influence behind the camera is well-researched and offers a fine overview of the multi-talented Wise.” – Hometowns to Hollywood

“There are some filmmakers whose work is so surprisingly disparate, their genius gets lost in the floodlights shined on more focused artists. In crisp, clear prose, J.R. Jordan captures the complexity of the career of one of these fascinating filmmakers, Robert Wise.” – Walter C. Metz: Co-Editor of Film Criticism

“A book you will particularly enjoy once you’ve seen the films.” – Stars and Letters

“J.R. Jordan’s book avoids the gossipy as well as the memoir-driven approach typical of too many film-focused tomes these days.” – Cinebeats

“Director Robert Wise, remembered mostly for West Side Story and The Sound of Music, receives a much needed and long overdue examination with this excellent book by J.R. Jordan.” – Strictly Vintage Hollywood

“J.R. Jordan tackles each film in Wise’s impressive directorial career with an accessible, well-observed approach that will appeal to both historians and the general movie fan alike.” – Deep Focus Review

“Robert Wise is generally forgotten amongst the auteurs of his time, but J.R. Jordan rightfully places him into the conversation of the important directors of his age.” – Zach Dennis, host of the Cinematary podcast

“J.R. Jordan discusses the details of the films’ making with the perfect balance between brevity and elaboration. He is not trying to give I.A.L. Diamond any competition, nor does he think he is Bosley Crowther.” – Pure Entertainment Preservation Society

“All meat and no fat, J.R. Jordan’s book is a focused, thorough, and informative exploration of the protean director’s brilliant filmography.” – Pavel Klein, Florida Film Critics Circle

Talking Shop

What do you want readers to take away from your books?

In short, I want my readers to obtain a deeper appreciation for classic cinema as well as the Golden Age of Hollywood.

What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?

Gavin MacLeod, who penned the book’s foreword, offered praise in an email, writing, “If I had the job of giving out medals I would certainly give one to you. Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures should be required reading for everyone in a film and acting class. Your research was monumental and your stories from the various performers are unforgettable. Thank you for honoring me by allowing me to do the foreword, a highlight of my 86 years.”

How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?

I started writing the book in June of 2014. We had actually taken my son, Justin (now 14), to a birthday party. He and his friends were having a blast on the waterslide. As a parent, it was an enjoyable experience to see Justin having so much fun.

I remember the day, a Saturday, as if it occurred yesterday. Suddenly, an idea came over me. I knew then and there how I was going to begin my book. Without a pen, paper, or laptop to aid me in the process, only one option remained. I immediately took out my phone and started typing into the Notes app.

Within a few minutes, the first paragraph of the book was complete. By September of 2016, I had finished the first edition, and it was published in April of 2017.

How long have you considered yourself a writer?

Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went? I have considered myself a writer ever since I began writing my first book in 2010. No formal training took place. Instead, I had been teaching writing to young adults and decided to put my skills to further use.

What is the most fun part about writing? The most difficult?

Since I write about classic cinema and the Golden Age of Hollywood, I consider the most fun part about writing to be the research, especially when it comes to screening the films. The most difficult part is becoming stuck when attempting to express an argument or idea (aka Writer’s Block).

“What If” Scenarios

If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?

I would select Jack Lemmon. Based on the stories I’ve heard, not only was he a phenomenal actor, he was also a kind and generous human being. Considering his impact on classic cinema, I’d like to think he’d have an appreciation for my book.

A wealthy reader buys 100 copies of your book and tells you to hand them out to anyone you wish. Who do you give them to?

I would visit the campus of a university featuring a reputable film program. Students with an appreciation for the classics would be randomly selected to receive a book.

You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?

I’ve learned it’s very important to place your book into the hands of as many reviewers as possible. Physical paperback copies, in addition to shipping costs, can be expensive. Upon spending $10,000, the book will be seen be many, some perhaps living in other parts of the world.

Your book becomes a best seller. What do you do next?

I would hire an agent or publicist to help with the scheduling of a nationwide book tour. If all goes well, perhaps a world tour might be in order.

You have the means to hire a full time assistant to help you with your writing. What tasks do you give them to do?

Social media is a significant factor in this day and age. I do not consider myself to be much of a Facebook or Twitter person. An individual who edits and manages the social media accounts of any author is a true asset.

You have final say over who reads the audio book version of your story. Who do you choose?

I would select Joe Morton. He has previous experience with reading audio book versions of titles such as Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. Joe Morton performs in Eureka, one of my favorite television programs. It would therefore be an honor to have him read the audio book version of Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures.

Just For Fun

Your trademark feature.

A New York Yankees baseball cap.

A movie or a piece of music that changed your life.

The Sand Pebbles (1966) because it inspired me to write my book.

Favorite time of/part of your day.

The morning

Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.

My favorite place, one I have previously visited, is Barbados. The place I’d really like to visit is the entire New England area of the United States.

Celebrity you’d want to be friends with.

Ray Liotta

Favorite Halloween costume ever.

Batman

When time travel is achieved, do you go forward or backward?

Backward, to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Buy it!

Buy a copy of Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures (Revised Edition) here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.

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