Television series "Urgencies" produced by Jonathan Kaplan
Jonathan Kaplan: A Pioneer in Socially Conscious Cinema
Jonathan Kaplan, a renowned filmmaker who made a significant impact on Hollywood, passed away at his Los Angeles home on August 1st, at the age of 77. Kaplan is notably recognized for directing films like "The Accused" (1988) and "Over the Edge" (1979), among other significant works.
Born in Paris in 1947 to a composer father and actress mother, Kaplan grew up in Los Angeles and New York, where he appeared on Broadway at a young age in a play by Elia Kazan. His film career began with Roger Corman, the prolific producer of B-movies, whom Martin Scorsese recommended to Kaplan.
Kaplan's directorial style is marked by a focus on social justice issues and character depth, often bringing powerful performances from actors. His early work, such as "Over the Edge" (1979) and "Truck Turner" (1974), a blaxploitation classic starring Isaac Hayes and Yaphet Kotto, laid the groundwork for his future success.
"Over the Edge" is a cult classic that explores suburban youth rebellion, influencing later films that tackle teenage angst and rebellion with a realistic, gritty approach. On the other hand, "Truck Turner" is celebrated for its action-packed narrative and memorable performances.
In 1983, Kaplan directed "Heart Like a Wheel", a biopic about drag racing pioneer Shirley Muldowney, highlighting Kaplan’s interest in complex character-driven stories. This was followed by films like White Line Fever (1975), Project X (1987) starring Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt, Unlawful Entry (1992) with Kurt Russell and Ray Liotta, Love Field (1992) earning Michelle Pfeiffer an Oscar nomination, and Bad Girls (1994) featuring Drew Barrymore.
However, it was "The Accused" (1988) that truly solidified Kaplan's place in Hollywood. The film, which earned Jodie Foster her first Oscar in 1989, is a landmark courtroom drama that confronted difficult social issues like rape and victim shaming head-on, setting a new standard for films dealing with sexual assault.
Kaplan's television work on the medical drama "ER" earned him five Emmy nominations, underscoring his influence beyond film. His work has had a considerable impact on Hollywood, especially with "The Accused," which has been praised for its unflinching and socially conscious examination of sexual violence.
Throughout his career, Kaplan worked alongside influential filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Monte Hellman, Peter Bogdanovich, and Jonathan Demme. Despite his significant contributions, Kaplan is considered one of the most unjustly overlooked filmmakers.
Kaplan had been battling liver cancer for several months before his passing. His films, especially "The Accused" and "Over the Edge," have been influential in shaping socially conscious narratives in Hollywood, inspiring future filmmakers to tackle challenging subjects with nuance and honesty. Kaplan's legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come.
References:
- IMDb: Jonathan Kaplan
- AllMovie: Jonathan Kaplan
- BFI: Jonathan Kaplan
- The Hollywood Reporter: Jonathan Kaplan Dead: 'ER' Director Was 77
- Variety: 'ER' Director Jonathan Kaplan Dies at 77
Movies-and-tv featuring Kaplan's socially conscious narratives have influenced Hollywood, with "The Accused" (1988) and "Over the Edge" (1979) setting new standards for addressing challenging subjects like rape and suburban youth rebellion, respectively. Kaplan's contributions to entertainment, spanning both film and television, have left an enduring impact, inspiring future filmmakers to continue exploring socially relevant themes with nuance and honesty.
