October 29th 2024.
Sad news has struck the film industry as it was announced that renowned filmmaker Paul Morrissey has passed away at the age of 86. He was widely known for his collaborations with iconic artist Andy Warhol and his involvement with the influential band The Velvet Underground. According to his archivist Michael Chaiken, Morrissey had been battling pneumonia and unfortunately passed away on Monday at a hospital in New York.
Morrissey's name became synonymous with cult cinema, as he directed a number of low-budget films such as Flesh, Trash, and Women in Revolt, two of which featured Warhol himself. The two artists first crossed paths in 1965, and Morrissey quickly became a key figure in Warhol's Factory studio. Together, they worked on groundbreaking films such as Chelsea Girls and Lonesome Cowboys. In addition to film, Morrissey also took on the role of manager for The Velvet Underground and Nico, and even directed a film about the band titled Symphony of Sound.
Despite his close working relationship with Warhol, their partnership eventually came to an end in 1974. Morrissey was vocal about feeling that Warhol received too much credit for their collaborations, stating in a 2012 interview with Bright Lights Film Journal, "[Warhol] never did a thing in his entire life...He sort of walked through it as a zombie and that paid off in the long run."
Morrissey is often praised for bringing a narrative structure to Warhol's experimental films. However, he once revealed to the New York Times that he and Warhol purposely tried not to direct their actors, instead allowing them to be the focal point of the films. Despite any creative differences, Morrissey and Warhol's partnership left a lasting impact on the film world.
Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late director. Jonathan Lees shared on Twitter, "Paul Morrissey was an underrated provocateur often overshadowed by his most famed financier, Andy Warhol. His films are essential viewing: unabashedly raw, comical and a mix of avant-garde eroticism and improvised chaos." Filmmaker Bruce LaBruce also shared his memories of Morrissey, writing, "Flamboyant conservative underground film auteur Paul Morrissey has died at 86. I only met him once at an Xmas party at his fancy Upper East Side apt. When I was introduced to him as 'Bruce LaBruce,' he replied gamely, 'Bruce LaBruce. Why not?', turned on his heel & sashayed away!"
Even after his split from Warhol, Morrissey continued to make his mark in the film industry. He directed Dudley Moore and Peter Cook in the satirical film The Hound of the Baskervilles, as well as working with actor Kevin Bacon on Forty Deuce, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 1982. Morrissey officially retired from filmmaking in 2010 after his final film, News From Nowhere. He is survived by his brother Kenneth and eight nieces and nephews.
As the news of Morrissey's passing spreads, many are sharing their memories and condolences. If you have a story or tribute to share, please reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency. You can email us, call us, or visit our Submit Stuff page – we would be honored to hear from you. Rest in peace, Paul Morrissey. Your legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
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