Sorry to read that Steven Bach passed away at his home in Arlington, last Wednesday. Bach was a studio exec at United Artists during the HEAVEN'S GATE debacle, and his book - "Final Cut" - is an exhaustive account of the trials and tribulations behind the making of this film. This is easily the best book on film I've read to date, and while I don't agree with Bach's opinion of this film, one can only admire his documentation of the events before, during and after.
Bach was also involved as producer on a number of plays and films, including THE PARALLAX VIEW and was involved in the promotion of classic titles such as RAGING BULL, ANNIE HALL and THE FRENCH LIEUTENANTS WOMAN.
He was also responsible for three well-received biographies (one on Marlene Dietrich), and taught film and literature during his final years.
Whether or not you're an admirer of HEAVEN'S GATE, I do urge you to read Steven's account. For my money, Cimino's movie is a misunderstood masterpiece, and "Final Cut" really does deliver a warts and all account from someone who was there.
I'm sorry to hear that too. R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteThnaks, Keith. He did a lot for film. Sad to see he's gone.
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