Ellen Burstyn, Toronto, Sept. 12, 2007
Back in 2002 Ellen Burstyn asked me to write a movie for her. She had found the property and was serving as star and coproducer. I said yes without hesitation because I was a huge fan of Ellen’s work. The film, produced for ShowTime, is called Within These Walls and also stars Laura Dern. Both women deliver outstanding performances. The funny thing about this movie, at least for me, is that dogs play a major role in the narrative. I am not a dog person. But the truth is that the dogs in the film are just a way to dramatize and amplify human emotion. It’s a genuinely effective film about crime, guilt, punishment, prison, and some measure of redemption. It was a distinct honor and joy to work with Ellen.
Woman With Umbrella
1893
oil on canvas
Height: 81 cm (31.8 in); Width: 65 cm (25.5 in)
Musée d’Orsay
14 x 11 in.
A Jewish Wedding
1903
oil on canvas
53 15/16 x 58 1/4 in. (137 x 148 cm)
Current location
Rijksmuseum
I’d have to say seeing in Giant and East of Eden I couldn’t see anything special. I think getting killed can put one into iconic status. Or am I too cynical?
Robert – I’m always glad when you have a story to go with one of my portraits of “Hollywood people.” My encounters with them are usually very – very – brief.
Rick – Great portrait of Ellen. We worked together for close to a year on Within These Walls. Ellen is one of the most talented and hard working actors in Hollywood. My respect and affection for her is limitless. It would mean a great deal to me if you could send me a hard copy of this portrait — to join your Sidney Lumet picture.
I’ll try to get something together – hopefully I can deliver it in person again.
Bravo, Robert, bravo…
I think my favorite is the photo of James Dean and Ursula Andress. He looks like a boy and she looks like a woman… a woman to be reckoned with.
I confess: I’m not a James Dean fan. I His acting is just awful, and he sounds like a terrible person from everything I’ve read about him.
I agree about Dean. Did I read that Ursula was also dating Brando at the same time as Dean?
Yes, Ursula first dated Brando. Dean probably asked her out because he was obsessed with Brando and imitated him in every manner right down to playing the recorder and bongos. Dean annoyed the hell out of Brando. Rock Hudson absolutely loathed Dean. But Sal Mineo worshipped Dean as did Dennis Hopper.