Oskar Werner and Ship of Fools
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pamhw — 19 years ago(November 10, 2006 07:13 AM)
Stanley Kramer never said Oskar was difficult. He said he'd asked to reconstruct the set for a certain scene and that he was probably right. He also paid homage to Werner; The greatest actor from pathos to complete rage that I have ever seen.
Oskar and Simone were, in reality, very good friends. Signoret was a German Jew by birth. She wrote a book on the rise of anti-semitism in Europe. In her own autobiography she makes absolutely no mention of any friction between Oskar and herself or any other cast members. He was shy and did not feel comfortable around people with whom he had nothing in common intellectually which might very well have led to the idea that he didn't get along with some other lesser members of the cast. Simone, however, was a frequent companion of Oskar and his wife's off set as well. And, there are many photos of Simone and Oskar discussing scenes together, some serious, some laughing together.
Kramer introduced Oskar to Spencer Tracy for whom Oskar developed great respect and they enjoyed each other so much they hoped to work together on a future film. There are several reports of Tracy's telegrams to Oskar as the publicity started for the film. They have been photographed, I have read them. Unfortunately, Tracy's health declined seriously and they never realized their mutual desire.
Kramer got the best work out of Oskar of any other director. They respected each other completely and expected to make another film together. According to Oskar's son and daughter, their father felt his work in Ship of Fools was his best, certainly his best in English language film.
I would suggest you check some other reading matter covering this film. -
angelofvic — 19 years ago(January 19, 2007 02:07 AM)
Excellent info, Pam. Ship of Fools is one of my favorite films certainly my favorite romance in spite of its numerous flaws; and the reason it's my favorite is Oskar's performance (combined with his storyline).
I've watched the movie dozens of times, always skipping past every scene that does not include Oskar.
I have to say he was well-matched with Signoret, but he steals and makes the movie, without question! -
kcor1953 — 19 years ago(February 04, 2007 09:07 AM)
Where you been, two years? I just read your wonderful help to me on this same board, after forgetting to check it since 2004!
And angelofvic, fancy meeting you here.
kcor1953
That's the beauty of it:
http://kcor1953beauty.tripod.com/blog/ -
Julia-Caesaris — 14 years ago(November 07, 2011 05:22 AM)
It was probably because Lee Marvin was already a big star and Werner was not yet known for his best work. (SOF ofc)
I loved the way Lee Marvin played that character, it was hilarious.
I totally fell in love with Dr. Schumann though..sigh..
These are for you McNulty -
AnnChovie — 14 years ago(October 24, 2011 12:30 PM)
Werner completely inhabited the role of the ship's doctor - what an incredible casting choice!
More generally, I adore Werner's beguiling screen image. He had a fragile male beauty and idealism that was, and still is, seldom seen, in American cinema, at least, if not world cinema as a whole. Truly one of a kind.
To be paired with another actor of such depth and intellectual passion - Simone Signoret - how Werner must have relished the opportunity judging from the chemistry they exuded onscreen. -
gurneyrt — 13 years ago(December 04, 2012 06:09 PM)
I completely agree with you and share your adoration for this incretible talent.It is very sad that he is practically unknown. I love good movies but I discovered him only month ago in "Ship of Fools" just becouse I wanted to see the last movie Vivien Leigh was in and all of a sudden I found myself being glued to the human face and eyes of such inner beauty that took my breath away. Now I am inslaved fan of his and all I want is to get another film where he is and read about him and talk about him. I recomend everyone to see "Interlude" Oh , what a beautiful romance of impecable taste, not a false note not a phony jesture. And his Mozart where he is singing very well too. I am delighted that I am not alone and I ordered several DVDs one fot myself and another for my friends and co-workers.
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EjioforBond — 11 years ago(August 12, 2014 10:17 PM)
I don't know if he got along with Signoret but does it really matter?
They were
ELECTRIC
together!
Greatest couple in the history of cinema as far as I'm concerned, not by virtue of the middling script, but through the sheer charismatic force of their personalities.
Anyway, I'm gratified that you love his character so much!