  Film Director (b. 1932) The Critics say: '...the chief chronicler of "swinging London" in the 60s, but also as a film stylist whose work has had a profound effect on contemporary film language.' (Baseline Biography) The Mind says: Director of the Beatles films, Lester drew on (and influenced) the romantic view of 60's London - not bad for an American. His musicial training was reflected in his projects and visual style, and ingratiated him into the higher echelons of contempory music culture. His TV-influenced style and wacky sense of humour were much imitated, pre-dating Monty Python by almost a decade, and his enhanced colour work and zany visual were nothing to do with drugs whatsoever, honest. Many of his techniques defined the modern pop video (witness the performance of 'You've Got to Hide Your Love Away' in Help!). Recommended Viewing: The Knack (1965) Perhaps the best title sequence in history - a mass of stylised 60's dolly-birds queue on stairs to enter Ray Brooks room, accompanied by a typically smooth John Barry soundtrack - beat that, Citizen Kane. A Hard Day's Night (1965) The Beatles run around, play tunes and talk nonsense. seminal at the time, still energetic though a little dated now. Help (1965) Second Beatles film, a Bond spoof, with great visuals and fantastic colour work. another great intro - the leader of a bizarre religious cult throws darts at a large screen showing the Beatles. the 'intermission' section is very Monty Python. Petulia (1968) Excellent film, and a return to America for Lester, although the swine took Julie Christie with him (I think she's come back since). Christie is fantastic, as usual, playing the kooky lead in a film that carries Roegian qualities in it's plot, camera work, editing, pace and colour work. Cinematography by Nicolas Roeg. Funny, that. Useless Fact: Superman 2 & 3 - not Lester at his best...  Feel free to email any Lester stuff to The Mind. Updated 18/3/2000 |
