BRINGING OUT THE DEAD Tributes

Over a span of some fifty years, Elmer Bernstein has proven to be one of our most prolific and versatile screen composers, producing sweeping scores and memorable themes that have become icons of the art form. Bernstein originally planned to be a concert pianist, but radio scores done during World War 11 for the Army brought him to the attention of Hollywood. Initially, Bernstein toiled on low· budget science fiction films such as ROBOT MONSTER. After studio success with producer Cecil B. DeMille’s THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, Bernstein rose to prominence with a series of landmark jazz scores for films such as SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM. He continued his success with TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, considered by many to be the quintessential Bernstein score, and a number of influential Westerns, including THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Bernstein’s versatility was highlighted in the Seventies with a wave of blockbuster comedy hits, including NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE and GHOSTBUSTERS. Embarking on a new direction at the end of the Eighties, Bernstein provided deft musical landscapes for films as varied as THE GRIFTERS, MY LEFT FOOT, THE RAINMAKER and THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, one of six collaborations with producer/director Martin Scorsese. Elmer Bernstein has been honored with thirteen Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score, winning the Oscar in 1968 for THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. His latest projects include Martin Scorsese’s BRINGING OUT THE DEAD and Al Pacino’s CHINESE COFFEE. AFI is proud to honor Elmer Bernstein with a live on-stage tribute hosted by respected film critic Richard Schickel that will include film and music excerpts and a candid interview. We applaud Mr. Bernstein for his remarkable body of work, and we eagerly await his musical contributions in the 21st century.