- published: 21 Jan 2014
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Robert Elmer "Bob" Balaban (born August 16, 1945) is an American actor, author, producer, and director. He was one of the producers nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture for Gosford Park (2001), in which he also appeared.
Balaban was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Eleanor (née Pottasch) and Elmer Balaban, who owned several movie theatres and later was a pioneer in cable television. His mother acted under the name Eleanor Barry.
His uncles were dominant forces in the theatre business; they founded the Balaban and Katz Theatre circuit in Chicago, a chain which included the Chicago and Uptown Theatres. Balaban's father, Elmer, and uncle, Harry, founded the H & E Balaban Corporation in Chicago, which operated its own movie palaces including the Esquire Theatre in Chicago. They later owned a powerful group of television stations and cable television franchises. His uncle Barney Balaban was president of Paramount Pictures for nearly 30 years from 1936-64. His maternal grandmother's second husband, Sam Katz, was a vice president at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer beginning in 1936. Sam had been early partners with Bob's uncles Abe, Barney, John, and Max in forming Balaban and Katz. Sam served as President of the Publix theatre division of Paramount Pictures.
Balaban may refer to:
Christopher Haden-Guest, 5th Baron Haden-Guest (born February 5, 1948), better known as Christopher Guest, is an English-American screenwriter, composer, musician, director, actor, and comedian who holds dual British and American citizenship. He is most widely known in Hollywood for having written, directed and starred in a series of comedy films shot in mock-documentary (mockumentary) style. Scenes and character backgrounds are written, but actors have no rehearsal time and the ensemble improvise scenes while filming them. This series of films began with This Is Spinal Tap (directed by Rob Reiner), and continued with Waiting for Guffman, Best In Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration. Guest also had a featured role as the evil six-fingered Count Rugen in the film The Princess Bride.
He holds a hereditary British peerage as the 5th Baron Haden-Guest, and has publicly expressed a desire to see the House of Lords reformed as a democratically elected chamber. Though he was initially active in the Lords, his career there was cut short by the House of Lords Act 1999, which removed the right of most hereditary peers to a seat in the parliament. When using his title, he is normally styled as Lord Haden-Guest. Guest is married to the actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis.
A Mighty Wind is a 2003 American mockumentary comedy-drama film about a folk music reunion concert in which three folk bands reunite for a television performance for the first time in decades. The film was directed, co-written and composed by Christopher Guest. The film is thought to reference the 2003 tribute concert to folk music producer Harold Leventhal that reunited several of the folk groups that Leventhal had managed. More broadly, the film is a parody of the American folk music revival of the early 1960s and its personalities.
Guest co-stars and reunites many of his company of actors from This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, and Best in Show for this film. They include Eugene Levy (who also co-wrote the screenplay), Catherine O'Hara, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Fred Willard, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Jennifer Coolidge, John Michael Higgins, Jane Lynch and Parker Posey.
Several characters in the film originated in a sketch written by Guest for Saturday Night Live in 1984. Shearer, Guest, and McKean appeared as "The Folksmen" on Saturday Night Live, in the movie The Return of Spinal Tap (which similarly featured the trio as a parody of an aging heavy metal band), and occasionally on concert stages. The original conception for A Mighty Wind was as a longer narrative vehicle for the fictional group.
Midnight Cowboy is a 1969 American drama film based on the 1965 novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. The film was written by Waldo Salt, directed by John Schlesinger, and stars Jon Voight in the title role alongside Dustin Hoffman. Notable smaller roles are filled by Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, Brenda Vaccaro, Bob Balaban, Jennifer Salt and Barnard Hughes; M. Emmet Walsh appears in an uncredited cameo.
The film won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. It is the only X-rated film ever to win Best Picture, though its rating has since been changed to R. It has since been placed 36th on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films of all time, and 43rd on its 2007 updated version.
As the film opens, Joe Buck (Jon Voight), a young Texan working as a dishwasher, dresses in new cowboy clothing, packs a suitcase, and quits his job. He heads to New York City hoping to succeed as a male prostitute for women. Initially unsuccessful, he succeeds in bedding a well-to-do middle-aged New Yorker (Sylvia Miles), but Joe ends up giving her money.
Actors: Peter Murfet (editor), Peter Murfet (producer), Peter Murfet (writer), Peter Murfet (composer), Peter Murfet (director), Peter Murfet (actor), Peter Murfet (actor), Sharif Elboushi (actor), Sharif Elboushi (actor), Sharif Elboushi (writer), Sharif Elboushi (producer),
Genres: Comedy, Horror, Short,Bob Balaban has been nominated for awards as an actor, a screenwriter, a director of both film and television, and took home a BAFTA for Gosford Park. Early memories of him in Midnight Cowboy and Catch 22 led to being one of those faces everyone knows, but can't quite name. Many will recognize him instantly from his work with Christopher Guest. He's often cast as an uptight authority figure, but in this interview with David Poland, you'll find a modest, very smart man who's interests and accomplishments are almost as expansive as his phonebook. Shot in Los Angeles, January 2014 Subscribe to DP/30 for more interviews: http://bit.ly/17Xg4Y1 DP/30 #14014
A Mighty Wind movie clips: http://j.mp/1BcUJak BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/QXN3jr Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: Jonathan (Bob Balaban) harasses Lawrence (Michael Hitchcock) about some minor details before the concert. FILM DESCRIPTION: The writing and directing team who created Waiting For Guffman and Best In Show turn their satiric eye toward the world of folk music in this sly mockumentary. Irving Steinbloom was one of the great behind-the-scenes figures of the folk music boom of the late '50s and early '60s, and helped to nurture the careers of three of the best known acts of the era. The Folksmen -- Mark Shubb (Harry Shearer), Alan Barrows (Christopher Guest), and Jerry Palter (Michael McKean) -- were an earnest folk trio who sang of Amer...
THE CREATURE FROM THE SEVENTH GRADE: BOY OR BEAST is on sale September 13, 2012! Bob Balaban Interviews Bob Balaban about his new book, THE CREATURE FROM THE SEVENTH GRADE. "Bob Balaban does it all (really he does). He directs, acts and writes funny (really he does). In my opinion, this book is a monsterpiece." (Henry Winkler ) "Bob Balaban knows this world so well, you might think this actually happened to him. Read it and you'll see!" (Whoopi Goldberg ) "A very funny and insightful exploration of what it means to be the REAL you." (Julianne Moore ) "With occasional comic drawings and lots of humor regarding life as a dinosaur among humans (such as the scale of reptile farts), this romp is a balm for anyone who's ever felt awkward in their own scales err, skin. . . . A wacky story of...
In episode seven of TCM's Moguls and Movie Stars, Bob Balaban recalls the reaction of his uncle, longtime Paramount executive Barney Balaban, to his performance in Midnight Cowboy.
Director Adam McKay discusses the making of The Big Short with Director Bob Balaban
http://www.joblo.com - John Goodman and Bob Balaban Interview - "The Monuments Men" (HD) JoBlo.com Exclusive In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renowned works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Director: George Clooney Writers: George Clooney (screenplay), Robert M. Edsel (book) Stars: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett In Theaters: February 7, 2014
Bob Balaban provides a behind-the-scene look at Bruce Willis and his character Captain Sharp in this charming featurette for MOONRISE KINGDOM. Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Wes Anderson’s MOONRISE KINGDOM tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing offshore –– and the peaceful island community is turned upside down. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl's parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl. Official Site: http://www....
I tour the hamlet of Bridgehampton, New York with acclaimed actor/writer/director/producer/chocolatier Bob Balaban.
IAR's Managing Editor Jami Philbrick speaks exclusively with distinguished actor Bob Balaban about his role in the new Wes Anderson film 'Moonrise Kingdom,' which is currently playing in theaters in limited release. Interviewer: Jami Philbrick Editor: Damon O'Steen Titles: Jami Philbrick IAR Managing Editor: Jami Philbrick Twitter: @iamROGUE Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamrogue URL: www.iamrogue.com
Ep. 15: GLOBALIZATION... WHO CARES? ...YOU DO | Bob Balaban CHECK US OUT: http://www.wetheeconomy.com What is the global trade system? What does it mean to have a globalized economy? And is it good for us? Bob Balaban wrangles seven experts to break it all down as a troupe of comedic actors enliven the commentary. GUEST ACTORS: Susie Essman, Jimmy Palumbo, Brooke Bloome, Ben Rameeka, Marylouise Burke DIRECTOR: Bob Balaban WRITERS: Gary Levy, Suzy Elmiger SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/WeTheEconomy FACEBOOOK: https://www.facebook.com/WeTheEconomy TWITTER: https://twitter.com/WeTheEconomy INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/wetheeconomy/
Bob Balaban has been nominated for awards as an actor, a screenwriter, a director of both film and television, and took home a BAFTA for Gosford Park. Early memories of him in Midnight Cowboy and Catch 22 led to being one of those faces everyone knows, but can't quite name. Many will recognize him instantly from his work with Christopher Guest. He's often cast as an uptight authority figure, but in this interview with David Poland, you'll find a modest, very smart man who's interests and accomplishments are almost as expansive as his phonebook. Shot in Los Angeles, January 2014 Subscribe to DP/30 for more interviews: http://bit.ly/17Xg4Y1 DP/30 #14014
Director Adam McKay discusses the making of The Big Short with Director Bob Balaban
American actor Bob Balaban talks with Mike White of The Projection Booth about his 1980 film Altered States.
When a prosecutor leaks a false story that a liquor warehouse owner is involved in the murder of an union head, the man's life begins to unravel.
As supremely black as a comedy can be, Bob Balaban’s brilliantly subversive feature directorial debut is deranged in all the right ways. Ten-year-old Michael, a socially awkward only child living in 1950s suburbia with his doting mom and emotionally abusive dad (Mary Beth Hurt and Randy Quaid, both great), is plagued by bizarre nightmares—which are about as terrifying as his reality: he suspects his picture-perfect parents to be cannibalistic, while not having a taste for meat himself. Recently relocated to a new town, Michael finds comfort in school through an equally oddball friend, who claims she’s from the moon, while figuring out how to survive his home life, and more specifically mealtime. You’ll never think of “leftovers” in the same way. During Scary Movies X, Bob Balaban joined us...
Actor/Director Bob Balaban sits down to discuss his career.
Actor, director and author Bob Balaban appears at the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival. For captions, transcript, and more information visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=5754.
This talk conatins SPOILERS if you are not caught up with Season 5A. The Film Society of Lincoln Center recently hosted free screenings of every currently available episode of the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad. Along with these marathon screenings, the Film Society held panels during which the show's cast chose two favorite episodes, discussed their experience with the show, and answered audience questions. Here, Anna Gunn and RJ Mitte who play Walter White's wife Skyler and son Walt Jr., and Bob Odenkirk, who plays the morally uncentered criminal lawyer Saul Goodman, speak with New York Magazine's Matt Zoller Seitz about joining the show, their characters' morality, and saying goodbye to the show.
Actor and filmmaker Bob Balaban on directing the play The Exonerated, working on the film Gosford Park, and doing unscripted films. »»﴿───▻ See more
Bob Balaban has been nominated for awards as an actor, a screenwriter, a director of both film and television, and took home a BAFTA for Gosford Park. Early memories of him in Midnight Cowboy and Catch 22 led to being one of those faces everyone knows, but can't quite name. Many will recognize him instantly from his work with Christopher Guest. He's often cast as an uptight authority figure, but in this interview with David Poland, you'll find a modest, very smart man who's interests and accomplishments are almost as expansive as his phonebook. Shot in Los Angeles, January 2014 Subscribe to DP/30 for more interviews: http://bit.ly/17Xg4Y1 DP/30 #14014
THE CREATURE FROM THE SEVENTH GRADE: BOY OR BEAST is on sale September 13, 2012! Bob Balaban Interviews Bob Balaban about his new book, THE CREATURE FROM THE SEVENTH GRADE. "Bob Balaban does it all (really he does). He directs, acts and writes funny (really he does). In my opinion, this book is a monsterpiece." (Henry Winkler ) "Bob Balaban knows this world so well, you might think this actually happened to him. Read it and you'll see!" (Whoopi Goldberg ) "A very funny and insightful exploration of what it means to be the REAL you." (Julianne Moore ) "With occasional comic drawings and lots of humor regarding life as a dinosaur among humans (such as the scale of reptile farts), this romp is a balm for anyone who's ever felt awkward in their own scales err, skin. . . . A wacky story of...
http://www.joblo.com - John Goodman and Bob Balaban Interview - "The Monuments Men" (HD) JoBlo.com Exclusive In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renowned works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Director: George Clooney Writers: George Clooney (screenplay), Robert M. Edsel (book) Stars: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Cate Blanchett In Theaters: February 7, 2014
American actor Bob Balaban talks with Mike White of The Projection Booth about his 1980 film Altered States.
Matt Damon and Bob Balaban Interview - George Clooney Director
MovieZines Gunnar Rehlin har träffat skådespelarna ur "The Monuments Men" på filmfestivalen i Berlin. Bland annat får vi veta vad som egentligen hände när Bill Murray körde runt i en golfbil i Stockholm. http://www.moviezine.se
Colin Hart from HeyUGuys interviews actor Bob Balaban at the UK Premiere of The Monuments Men. Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. It would be an impossible mission: with the art trapped behind enemy lines, and with the German army under orders to destroy everything as the Reich fell, how could these guys - seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the M-1 - possibly hope to succeed? But as the Monuments Men, as they were called, found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction o...
Actor and filmmaker Bob Balaban on directing the play The Exonerated, working on the film Gosford Park, and doing unscripted films. »»﴿───▻ See more
Subscribe to TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/sxaw6h Subscribe to COMING SOON: http://bit.ly/H2vZUn Like us on FACEBOOK: http://goo.gl/dHs73 Follow us on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1ghOWmt The Grand Budapest Hotel Interview - Bob Balaban (2014) - Wes Anderson Comedy Movie HD The Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.
Bob Balaban Interview at the Premiere of Coriolanus in New York PLOT: A banished hero of Rome allies with a sworn enemy to take his revenge on the city. In theaters January 20, 2012