Peter Bogdanovich was a celebrated filmmaker in the 1970s, with films such as The Last Picture Show, What’s Up, Doc?, and Paper Moon to his credit. But by the mid-1980s, he had fallen from grace, both professionally and personally.
His early career and success
Bogdanovich was born in Kingston, New York, in 1939. He developed a love of cinema at a young age, and after graduating from high school, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in film. He began as a film critic and programmer, and in 1968, he made his directorial debut with Targets, a horror film starring Boris Karloff.
His breakthrough came in 1971 with The Last Picture Show, a black-and-white film about the coming of age of two teenagers in a small Texas town. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.
His relationship with Dorothy Stratten
In 1978, He began dating Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy Playmate and aspiring actress. Stratten was 13 years younger than Bogdanovich, but they quickly fell in love. He helped her to develop her acting career, and she appeared in several of his films, including They All Laughed and Mask.
Stratten’s murder
In 1980, Stratten was murdered by her estranged husband, Paul Snider. Snider then killed himself. Bogdanovich was devastated by Stratten’s death, and he fell into a deep depression.
Bogdanovich’s marriage to Louise Stratten
In 1981, He married Louise Stratten, Dorothy’s younger sister. Louise was only 14 years old at the time, and the marriage sparked a public outcry. He was accused of grooming Louise for marriage, and he was ostracized by the Hollywood community.
His professional downfall
Bogdanovich’s professional career also suffered in the wake of Stratten’s death and his marriage to Louise. His films were poorly received by critics and audiences alike, and he had difficulty finding work.
His lawsuit against Universal Pictures
In 1985, Bogdanovich filed a lawsuit against Universal Pictures, alleging that the studio had interfered with his creative control of the film Mask. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, but it further damaged Bogdanovich’s reputation.
His critical and commercial failures
Bogdanovich continued to make films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but none of them were successful. He also began working as a television actor and director.
His ostracism from Hollywood
Bogdanovich’s ostracism from Hollywood was due to a number of factors, including his relationship with Dorothy Stratten, his marriage to Louise Stratten, and his professional failures. He was seen as a liability by the Hollywood establishment, and he was difficult to work with.
The allegations against him
Bogdanovich was accused of grooming Louise Stratten for marriage, and some people believe that he may have even been having sex with her before she turned the age of consent. However, there is no evidence to support these allegations.
He and Louise Stratten met in 1980, after Dorothy Stratten’s death. Louise was 14 years old at the time, and Bogdanovich was 41. They began dating in 1981, and they were married in 1988, when Louise was 20 years old.
Bogdanovich has denied any wrongdoing. He has said that he loved Louise and that their marriage was a loving one. He has also said that he never had sex with Louise before she turned the age of consent.
The allegations against Bogdanovich have never been proven. However, they have cast a shadow over his career and his personal life.
His public image
Bogdanovich’s public image was severely damaged by the allegations against him and his marriage to Louise Stratten. He was seen as a predator and a creep. He was also seen as a liability by the Hollywood establishment.
The impact on his career
The allegations against Bogdanovich had a devastating impact on his career. He was unable to find work in Hollywood for many years. He also lost his reputation as a respected filmmaker.
His later years and comeback
In the late 1990s, Bogdanovich began to make a comeback. He began working as a television actor and director. He also wrote books and articles about film.
In 2001, Bogdanovich directed the film The Cat’s Meow, which was a critical success. He continued to make films throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
His personal life
Bogdanovich’s personal life has been turbulent. He has been married five times and has six children. He has also struggled with addiction and depression.
His professional work
Bogdanovich has made a significant contribution to film. He is considered to be one of the most important filmmakers of the 1970s. His films are known for their realism, their emotional depth, and their strong performances.
Conclusion
Peter Bogdanovich was a celebrated filmmaker in the 1970s, but he fell from grace in the 1980s. He was ostracized from Hollywood due to a number of factors, including his relationship with Dorothy Stratten, his marriage to Louise Stratten, and his professional failures.
