Paul Thomas Anderson :: Essays Papers

Paul Thomas AndersonPaul Thomas Anderson is one of right aways most acclaimed and essential young filmmakers. He has swept the motion picture industry with a powerhouse trio of films that have breathed life history and exuberance into an industry that is all too often ladened with films exhibiting massive deficiencies of originality and thought. PTAs genuine love of filmmaking sets him apart from so many others.PTA tends to keep himself step to the fore of the spotlight. Rarely will he pose for magazine covers or photo shoots. Details involving future projects and his personal life are often kept shrouded in secrecy. Informational pieces regarding his personal life and family history are few and far between. Ive researched his background and unearthed a few brief factoids that are consistent amongst many sources. include is information obtained from Cigarettes and Coffee, PTAs unofficial website, which he often praises and contributes to.Paul Thomas Anderson was born in Stud io City, CA on January 1, 1970 to Bonnie and Ernie Anderson. His father was a well-known voice actor who can be recognized for his work on Americas Funniest Home Videos and The Love Boat. He as well as created a character, Ghoulardi, who was a popular B Movie/ horror film host in the sixties. Unfortunately, Paul suffered a devastating blow when his father passed away in 1997 at the age of 73. Incidentally, he has since named his production company after his late fathers famous character Ghoulardi. PTA also has two brothers and four sisters. He is reputed to be estranged from his mother.Academics never appealed to Paul. Being expelled from his elementary school for fighting and bad grades and his quick departure from Emerson College after two semesters demonstrated this. He also attended New York University postulate School for two days before dropping out.PTA moved on to begin his career by working as a production assistant on various television movies and game shows. Af ter performing similar work for numerous low budget and separate films, PTA went on to write and shoot a short film titled, Cigarettes and Coffee. This 24-minute excursion into the world of film shorts made its premier at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival. As a result of the buzz that Cigarettes and Coffee generated, he was afforded the opportunity to develop his first full-length motion picture, Hard Eight.