Brooks Mel is an actor known for his bright comedy roles, director, screenwriter. This person is often compared with Woody Allen, trying to determine his place in American cinema. The lack of an attractive appearance did not prevent him from rising to the rank of a star of the first magnitude. Comedies, to the creation of which he has a hand, surprise with a variety of topics. What was the creative path of this extraordinary person?
Brooks Mel: biography of the star
The hometown for this man was New York, where he was born back in 1926. The parents of the future famous comedian were emigrants who arrived in the States from Poland. Interestingly, Brooks Mel learned several foreign languages as a child, among which Yiddish is also present. Later, his knowledge of this language will prove useful to him in the film "Shining Saddles", in which he will create the image of a charismatic Indian leader.
Even in the early years of his life, Brooks Mel discoveredfor yourself the wonderful world of cinemas. The boy's idol in those years was Charlie Chaplin, he literally memorized all the tapes with his participation. It is possible that it was silent comedies that first awakened in him the desire to become an actor.
First steps to success
Brooks Chalk is a person who can easily be classified as a favorite of fortune. The young man acquired his first experience in the role of a comedian by chance. After serving in the army, the future actor and director was forced to find a job, as he did not have the means to continue his education. He got a job as a casino janitor, but he worked in this capacity for a short time.
One day, a stand-up performer who performed at a casino was unable to go to work as a result of illness. The manager, who had probably already received evidence of the young janitor's comedian talent, approached him with a proposal to replace the artist. So the first show with the participation of the future star took place.
Interestingly, the actor's real name is Melvin Kaminsky. But the guy chose to achieve fame, using his mother's surname Brukman, cutting it down in the future.
First films
The Producers is a film released in 1968, with the help of which Mel Brooks quickly burst into the world of cinema. The filmography of the man, who by that time was already 42 years old, began with a successful tape, during the creation of which he took on the functions of director and screenwriter. It was then that the comedic shade inherent in most of his creations appeared. In the center of the plot were two swindlers,trying to conquer theatrical circles.
It was not easy to keep the popularity that the comedy "Producers" gave the master. His next project, shooting a film based on the work of Ilf and Petrov, was not liked by the public and critics. Failure does not bother Brooks, who already in 1974 made his debut as an actor-comedian in the film project "Shining Saddles", which gave him many fans. The parody "Young Frankenstein" was also successful, in which he also played a bright role, finally establishing himself as a comedian.
Best parodies
Mel Brooks' World History, directed in 1981, was a huge success, remaining in the memory of the audience among the funniest comedies. Its creator also took part in the filming as an actor, depicting five characters at once, among which were King Louis, Moses. Among the most memorable scenes is the action in the torture chamber, equipped with a swimming pool, in which beauties and monks were relaxing.
Of course, "World History" is not limited to the list of successful parodies that Mel Brooks made. The director's films that have gained fame: "Spaceballs", "Fear of Heights". The first picture comes out in 1987, making fun of the iconic Star Wars. The second was demonstrated in 1977, with its help the master "dissects" Hitchcock's thrillers.
The masters and paintings, the heroes of which are vampires, did not go unnoticed. His film Dracula: Dead and Happy, released in 1995, parodies everything at once.film projects dedicated to the life of blood-sucking creatures of the night. The legendary Robin Hood also got it, over whose personality the director laughed with the help of the work "Robin Hood: Men in Tights".
What else to see
Of course, comedy parodies are not all genres that Mel Brooks works with. Films that touch on serious issues are also among the director's best creations. For example, you can pay attention to the drama "Money Doesn't Smell", which he presents to the public in 1991. The main character of the picture becomes a multimillionaire, forced by the terms of a crazy bet to exist as a homeless man for 30 days.
Also interesting is the Silent Movie film he created, released in 1976. This piece is Brooks's tribute to the Charlie Chaplin paintings he admired in the early years of his life. In this film, he also took on one of the roles, playing Mel Phan.
The 89-year-old actor is not yet thinking of completely giving up his favorite work. For example, in 2015, the Comedians series was released, in which he happened to portray himself.
