Bo Goldman, Oscar-winning screenwriter behind ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Melvin and Howard,’ passes away at 90.
Bo Goldman, Oscar-winning screenwriter behind ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Melvin and Howard,’ passes away at 90.
A Tribute to Bo Goldman: A Master of Screenwriting, a Dramatist at Heart
On Tuesday, the world lost a true master of screenwriting with the passing of Bo Goldman in his home in Helendale, Calif. Goldman, known for his emotionally rich and humorous writing style, captivated audiences with his ability to bring characters to life on the silver screen. His remarkable career was marked by acclaimed films such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Melvin and Howard,” earning him two Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Born on September 10, 1932, in New York, Goldman grew up in the shadow of his father, an immensely successful businessman. However, the Wall Street crash of 1929 wiped out his father’s fortune, leaving him with only one store. This upbringing fueled Goldman’s determination to forge his own path and avoid following in his father’s footsteps.
Goldman’s journey to success was a long and arduous one. After serving in World War II, he wrote his first play, “First Impressions,” which unfortunately received poor reviews and was considered a flop. Determined to make a mark in the industry, Goldman spent years working on his Civil War musical “Hurrah, Boys, Hurrah,” while struggling to support his family.
It wasn’t until his forties that Goldman finally found his breakthrough in Hollywood. In 1975, he adapted Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” for the big screen, turning it into a critically acclaimed film directed by Miloš Forman and starring Jack Nicholson. The film went on to win the Best Picture at the Oscars, along with a Best Adapted Screenplay award for Goldman and Lawrence Hauben.
Five years later, Goldman won his second Academy Award for his work on Jonathan Demme’s “Melvin and Howard.” This comedy, based on the life of a Utah gas station owner who claims to be a beneficiary of Howard Hughes, solidified Goldman’s reputation as a master of screenwriting.
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Throughout his career, Goldman crafted numerous thought-provoking and emotionally resonant screenplays. Works such as “Shoot the Moon,” a family drama, and “Scent of a Woman,” starring Al Pacino, showcased his ability to delve deep into the lives of his characters and create genuine, relatable portrayals. Goldman’s unique approach to storytelling made him a revered figure in the world of screenwriting, mentioned alongside greats like Billy Wilder and Paddy Chayefsky.
For Goldman, writing screenplays was more than just a profession; it was a way to capture the essence of life and make it come alive on the screen. In a 1982 interview with The Washington Post, he expressed his deep passion for the art form, stating, “There is nothing more fulfilling in the world than to see your view of life realized in art. For me, film is unique; it has a peculiar quality for recreating life. I find life so wonderful, that to try to capture it in art is like trying to catch starlight.”
Goldman’s personal life was marked by its own share of ups and downs. He married Mabel Rathbun Ashforth in 1954, and they had six children together. However, financial hardships haunted him, and he continually struggled to support his family. It was during these challenging times that he wrote his first screenplay, “Shoot the Moon.” The script was rejected by numerous producers until Forman read it and offered Goldman the opportunity to rewrite “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Despite the acclaim and success that followed, Goldman remained modest and somewhat surprised by his achievements. In a 1993 interview with The New York Times, he said, “I’m always surprised when anything good happens to me.” This humble attitude towards his own accomplishments only adds to the charm and authenticity of his work.
Goldman’s impact on the film industry extended beyond his own screenplays. He contributed uncredited work to films like Garry Marshall’s “The Flamingo Kid,” Forman’s “Ragtime,” and Demme’s “Swing Shift.” He also received a story credit on Warren Beatty’s “Dick Tracy” and his final credit on Beatty’s 2016 film “Rules Don’t Apply.”
In 2017, fellow screenwriter Eric Roth praised Goldman’s audacious originality, understanding of social mores, and his ability to infuse his work with humor and poignant human experiences. Goldman’s talent and ability to capture the essence of the human condition set him apart as one of the greatest screenwriters of his generation.
Bo Goldman’s contribution to the world of filmmaking will continue to inspire future generations of storytellers. His legacy is one of creativity, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the human spirit. As we bid farewell to this great writer, let us celebrate his remarkable works and the lasting impact they have had on the world of cinema.