Cinematographic Touch of Silk
One fascinating revelation about Fiddler on the Roof is its unique cinematic touch. Cinematographer Ossie Morris employed an unusual technique: he filmed a significant portion of this renowned musical using a camera lens overlaid with silk stockings. This intriguing detail, along with many others, has been unveiled in Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, a documentary directed by Daniel Raim chronicling the making of the classic 1971 film.
In a recent appearance on the Factual America podcast (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts), Raim shed light on this. “Many scenes, particularly those with the sun casting its reflection, show the evident texture of the silk stocking,” he remarked.
Age Defying Tevye
Raim highlighted a curious fact that many might find astonishing after a quick Google search: Chaim Topol, who delivered the memorable portrayal of Tevye, was much younger than his on-screen appearance. “It’s remarkable that Topol, at 32, convincingly played Tevye, appearing much older, potentially in his 50s. To achieve the look, gray hairs were borrowed from director Jewison’s beard and added to Topol’s,” shared Raim.
Directorial Excellence
Throughout the discussion, Raim heaped praise on director Norman Jewison. A standout moment mentioned was Jewison’s patience in waiting for the perfect sunset to capture the ethereal beauty of the “Sunrise, Sunset” wedding procession. According to Raim, Jewison considered this “among his finest cinematic achievements.”
Moreover, Jewison commissioned the construction of a synagogue for the film set in Yugoslavia, ensuring its resemblance to the numerous sacred spaces lost during the Holocaust. Raim detailed, “Their comprehensive research in Eastern Europe, combined with historical photos, helped them reimagine and reconstruct the synagogue using the region’s authentic wood.”
A Serendipitous Discovery
Raim recounted an unexpected find during an interview with Michele Marsh, who portrayed Hodel. “Upon entering her home via the garage, I noticed a box labeled Fiddler on the Roof. Curiosity piqued, I inquired about its contents. Michele revealed it was her evacuation box due to the frequent fires in California. Inside, we found previously unseen Polaroids from the film’s making – a treasure trove for any documentarian,” said Raim.
Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen is currently being screened at film festivals and theaters across the U.S.
For those interested in diving deeper, here are some notable moments from the Factual America interview:
00:00 – The trailer for Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen.
03:45 – What it’s about and where you can watch the film.
05:43 – The cultural phenomenon of the movie musical Fiddler on the Roof.
07:45 – What makes the story so relatable to people.
10:20 – Who Norman Jewison was and what made his films so powerful.
13:19 – The collaboration of musicians behind Fiddler on the Roof.
16:38 – The importance of set design in the film.
18:15 – The extent of Robert Boyle’s attention to detail.
24:19 – Norman Jewison’s skill at picking actors and making them feel comfortable.
28:43 – What inspired Daniel to create a documentary about the iconic film.
31:54 – The key differences between theatrical and movie versions of Fiddler on the Roof.
36:09 – How Daniel gained access to the archival footage of Norman directing.
41:00 – Different short docs Daniel has made and the feature he is now working on.
Factual America aims to explore diverse facets of American life and universal themes through documentary filmmaking. Featuring award-winning creators, their subjects, and experts on American life, the podcast delves into history, arts, pressing social issues, and more. This initiative is spearheaded by Alamo Pictures, a production house specializing in U.S-themed documentaries crafted with a European lens for global audiences.