Meet the Makers: John Sayles

[A bright child, he begins reading novels before age 9. Williams grad, in 1972 shuns corporate career to work various blue collar jobs. Goes to East Boston to take a factory job. Writes stories submitted to magazines for publication. “Atlantic Monthly” replies with idea of making one into a novel — “Pride of the Bimbos” is published 1975. In late 70s, works for Roger Corman as screenwriter. Takes part of writing wages, hires friends, shoots Return of the Secaucus Seven, in 25 days. Then has trouble financing films, for he won’t trade right of final cut for funding. Baby, It’s You (1983), Sayles’ only film made under studio control. Tax-free income of $32,000/year for 5 years starts 1983 from MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Stipend and money from writing scripts like The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986), Enormous Changes at the Last Minute (1983), Breaking In (1989), are put into the films he writes, directs, and edits.] — IMDB.com

Brother From Another Planet (1984) … in this parable of the American immigrant experience, Joe Morton plays “The Brother,” an escaped alien slave who crash lands in New York City. He’s a humanoid being that resembles an African-American man, but with strange feet, he’s mute but can understand what people are saying and has a special ability to fix anything. As he attempts to fit into the neighborhood of Harlem, he makes some friends, but is also being tracked by alien bounty hunters. The film is original and also offers some social commentary while telling a thoughtful story.

Matewan (1987) … very possibly could make my list of favorite films, this period piece takes place in 1920 West Virginia. Mingo County coal miners are trying to form a union, but find themselves in a heated battle with the giant company, who hire gun-toting muscle men to influence them to drop their efforts. When the company brings in African-American and Italian-American workers to off-set the strike, they find themselves caught in the middle. Union activist Joe Kenehan, played by Chris Cooper, decides to bring together the three different groups of workers to force the formation of a union. The cast also includes James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell and David Strathaim.

Eight Men Out (1988) … in my opinion, one of the top five baseball movies of all time. The film tells the story of the Chicago Black Sox and the infamous 1919 World Series, thrown by the team for bribes. As a teenager, I fell in love with the concept that “Shoeless” Joe Jackson represented in the game. Jackson and “Buck” Weaver were the only two teammates that refused the bribes. While it is a fictionalized interpretation, the movie does still hold valuable historical insight for the sport. The cast includes John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, Charlie Sheen, John Mahoney and D.B. Sweeney.

Lone Star (1996) … this murder-mystery is set in Rio County, Texas and once again stars Chris Cooper as Sheriff Sam Deeds, who must investigate a 40-year old skeleton found in the desert. As Deeds slowly uncovers bits and pieces of this mystery, he begins to also discover some deeper, darker secrets hidden within the town. The film’s smart, engaging plot and well-developed characters is accompanied by Sayle’s exploration of human interactions.

Other Great Films from John Sayles: