64. John Alcott and Stanley Kubrick with Stuart Cooper
Stuart Cooper has made significant contributions to the film industry as an accomplished actor, writer and director.
His early acting career in the 1960s showcased his talent through various film and TV appearances, including his notable role as Roscoe Lever in the 1967 classic war film "The Dirty Dozen" In which young Stuart held his own among such heavyweight actors as Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, and Donald Sutherland.
However, Stuart’s passion always lay in directing, and he eventually pursued this path wholeheartedly. He directed his first feature film, "Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs,” in 1974. The film was very well-received film. It starred John Hurt and David Warner, and was based on a play by David Halliwell. Little Malcolm And His Struggle Against The Eunuchs established Stuart’s directorial skills, winning him the Berlin Silver Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival that year.
Yet, it was his second film, "Overlord," released in 1975, that truly solidified his position as a notable director. "Overlord" is a remarkable fusion of documentary and fiction, recounting the story of a young soldier killed during the D-Day landings in Normandy. Combining meticulously upgraded images of archival war footage with impeccably crafted scenes by Stuart, the film created a haunting and impactful experience that garnered international acclaim and again won him the Berlin Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Today, Overlord remains a hallmark of cinema preserved by the Criterion Collection. And we can't recommend it highly enough.
Through his unique storytelling approach and innovative visual aesthetics, Stuart continues to inspire and influence filmmakers and cinephiles worldwide. Today, Cooper remains an esteemed figure in the entertainment industry, and his work continues to captivate audiences.
Now, Stuart Cooper and Stanley Kubrick had an interesting career parallel throughout the 1970s. Both men had the distinction of using cinematography legend John Alcott on three films, for Stuart, the films were Little Malcolm, Overlord and The Disappearance. Stanley utilized the brilliance of Alcott as cinematographer on A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon and The Shining.
Oh, and we also have for you a very rare recording that Stuart personally asked Stanley Kubrick to make as a tribute to John Alcott following Alcott’s death in 1986. You will hear that in this episode.
So get ready to hear Stuart speak with us about working with Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Orson Welles, George Harrison and John Hurt. We of course discuss 2001, ACO, Barry Lyndon, The Shining, and how Stuart got to know Kubrick.
Recorded: 4th March 2023
Hosted by Jason Furlong / Written by Stephen Rigg and Jason Furlong / Theme and original music written and performed by Jason Furlong / Produced and edited by Stephen Rigg
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