Watch Hollywood Collection: Anthony Quinn - An Original

Hollywood Collection: Anthony Quinn - An Original is a biographical documentary that chronicles the life and career of the legendary actor Anthony Quinn. Released in 1990, the film offers a comprehensive look into the fascinating journey of one of Hollywood's most versatile performers, featuring interviews with Quinn himself, as well as with several leading figures from the film industry.

Born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1915, Quinn faced a difficult childhood, marked by poverty and a father who was an alcoholic. However, he found solace in acting, and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. After a series of small roles in films and theater productions, Quinn caught his big break in Elia Kazan's 1952 film Viva Zapata!, in which he played the revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. This launched him into stardom, and he went on to appear in many other notable films, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Lust for Life, and Zorba the Greek.

The documentary delves into the many facets of Quinn's life, including his family background, his relationships with women, his political activism, and his passion for art. The film features interviews with several of Quinn's close friends and colleagues, including the esteemed director Federico Fellini, who describes Quinn as "a force of nature". Other interviewees include the actor Anthony Franciosa, who speaks candidly about his friendship and occasional rivalry with Quinn, and the actress and singer Rita Moreno, who reflects on their brief but intense romance in the late 1950s.

Throughout the film, Quinn himself is the main narrator, offering his own reflections on his life and career. He shares his thoughts on his acting style, his political views, and his personal struggles, such as his battle with alcoholism. Viewers get a sense of Quinn's deep passion for his craft, as well as his unwavering commitment to his principles.

One of the key themes of the film is the role of ethnicity in Hollywood. Quinn, who was of Mexican-American descent, faced significant challenges in the predominantly white, male-dominated film industry. He often played roles that perpetuated harmful stereotypes, such as the "exotic" foreigner or the savage Indian. However, he also used his platform to advocate for greater inclusion and representation in Hollywood. For example, he was a vocal supporter of the United Farm Workers union, and he helped to fund several Latin American arts organizations.

The documentary also showcases Quinn's lifelong love of art. In addition to acting, he was a skilled painter and sculptor, and he often spoke about the connection between these different forms of expression. The film features several of Quinn's artworks, including a striking sculpture of a bull that he created in the 1950s. We see how Quinn's artistic sensibility influenced his approach to acting, as he sought to infuse his performances with a sense of physicality and emotional intensity.

Overall, Hollywood Collection: Anthony Quinn - An Original is a rich and engaging portrait of one of Hollywood's most legendary performers. Even those who are not familiar with Quinn's work can appreciate his remarkable life story and the impact that he had on the film industry. The film's honest and insightful approach to its subject matter is a testament to Quinn's enduring legacy, both as an actor and as a person.

Hollywood Collection: Anthony Quinn - An Original is a 1990 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.