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Mary Lambert (director)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mary Lambert
Born (1951-10-13) October 13, 1951 (age 73)
Helena, Arkansas, U.S.
OccupationFilm director
SpouseJerome Gary
ChildrenJordan Gary
RelativesBlanche Lincoln (sister)

Mary Lambert Gary (born October 13, 1951) is an American director. She has directed music videos, television episodes and feature films, mainly in the horror genre.[1]

Life and career

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Lambert was born in Helena, Arkansas, the daughter of Martha Kelly and Jordan Bennett Lambert III, a rice and cotton farmer.[2] Her younger sister is former U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Lambert graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a B.F.A.

Music Videos

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Chris Isaak Music Video & MTV Award Nominations

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Lambert directed Chris Isaak‘s first music video, “Dancin’,” which earned two nominations at the 1985 MTV Music Video Awards for Most Experimental Video and Best Direction. That same year, she received a third nomination for directing Lone Justice‘s “Ways to Be Wicked,” also in the Most Experimental Video category. Lambert was the only woman nominated at the ceremony and accounted for half of the nominations in that category.

Music Videos for Madonna

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Mary Lambert directed several of Madonna's most iconic music videos during the 1980s, contributing significantly to the singer's visual identity and artistic evolution.

Lambert's collaboration with Madonna began by directing the video for "Borderline" (1984), which depicted Madonna torn between love and ambition in Los Angeles. "Borderline," filmed on location in Los Angeles, California, from January 30 to February 2, 1984.[3] The video, which juxtaposed colorful scenes in the barrio with black-and-white shots in a photography studio, tells the story of a young woman torn between her Hispanic boyfriend and a British photographer.[4]

Lambert described the process as highly improvisational, stating there was "no formula" and that they were "inventing it as we went along”. In describing the video's narrative, Lambert told Rolling Stone: "[A] boy and [a] girl enjoy simple pleasures of barrio love; girl is tempted by fame, boy gets huffy, girl gets famous, but her new beau's out-of-line reaction to a behavioral trifle (all she did was spray-paint his expensive sports car) drives her back to her true love".[5]

"Borderline" premiered on MTV in March 1984 and became one of the videos that helped establish Madonna's early image. Years later, it was included in Madonna's video compilations The Immaculate Collection (1990) and Celebration: The Video Collection (2009).[6][7]

Lambert went on to direct "Like a Virgin" (1984), filmed in Venice, Italy, and New York. The video, featuring Madonna in a gondola and wearing a wedding dress, incorporated symbolic imagery such as a lion, reflecting Lambert's vision of combining fantasy and reality.

In 1985, Lambert directed the "Material Girl" video, paying homage to Marilyn Monroe's performance of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from *Gentlemen Prefer Blondes*. The video blended commentary on fame and materialism, becoming one of Madonna's most recognizable works.

Lambert's direction of "La Isla Bonita" (1987) featured Madonna portraying both a devout Catholic woman and a vibrant Flamenco dancer, exploring Latin influences and religious symbolism.

In 1989, Lambert directed "Like a Prayer," which became one of Madonna's most controversial videos due to its use of religious imagery, including burning crosses and references to stigmata. Lambert aimed to explore themes of sexual and religious ecstasy, sparking widespread debate and cementing Madonna's reputation as a provocative artist.

Through these videos, Lambert played a key role in shaping the visual narratives during a time that Madonna was being propelled to global stardom.

Music Videos for Janet Jackson

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Mary Lambert directed Janet Jackson‘s iconic music videos for “Nasty” and “Control.” The “Control” video, known for its storyline of Jackson asserting independence from her parents, was filmed at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles – but behind the scenes, the production was fraught with challenges.[8]

Both Lambert and producer Sharon Oreck recall it as a difficult and trying experience; Oreck said in 2011 that it was her "worst nightmare" of the many videos she had produced. The crowd, which had been told that they would see Janet Jackson perform, had expected a free concert. The audience, expecting a free Janet Jackson concert, instead endured 50 takes of Jackson lip-syncing “Control.”[8]

At the time, Jackson was in the process of firing her father, Joe Jackson, as her manager. His presence loomed over the set, with Lambert and Oreck recalling how he angrily demanded $1 million in liability insurance before allowing Janet to sit on a trapeze used in the video. When Lambert and Oreck threatened to walk off the project unless the issue was addressed, the record label reluctantly stepped in, telling them, “We don't say no to Joe Jackson.”[8]

Tensions escalated further when the label requested more white audience members to be visible on camera. Lambert quietly rearranged the crowd, but when they realized what was happening, the crowd grew angry. Lambert told the record company representative that she absolutely could not go on due to the potential for violence, and he went out and explained things to the crowd, which calmed down enough to complete the video.[8]

Despite the difficulties, Lambert successfully directed the video to completion. In 1988, the song won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video, beating out her brother Michael, Whitney Houston, and Jody Watley.

Additional Collaborations

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Annie Lennox: Mary Lambert directed the music video for "Walking on Broken Glass," showcasing Lennox in a period setting inspired by the film Dangerous Liaisons.[9]

Mick Jagger: Lambert directed the video for "Just Another Night," featuring Jagger performing in a nightclub setting, reflecting the song's energetic rock style.[10]

The Go-Go's: She directed the video for "Turn to You," which presents a 1960s prom scenario, aligning with the band's upbeat pop-rock sound.[11]

Whitney Houston: Lambert directed the video for "So Emotional," capturing Houston's dynamic stage performance and behind-the-scenes moments, highlighting her vocal prowess.[12]

Alison Krauss: She directed the video for "When You Say Nothing at All," emphasizing Krauss's emotive performance in a simple, elegant setting.[13]

Live: Lambert directed the video for "I Alone," featuring the band's intense performance, mirroring the song's passionate lyrics.[14]

Mötley Crüe: She directed the video for "Smokin' in the Boys Room," depicting a rebellious high school scenario, aligning with the band's hard rock image.[15]

Queensrÿche: Lambert directed the video for "The Lady Wore Black," featuring the band's performance interspersed with thematic imagery, complementing the song's dark tones.[16]

Sting: She directed the video for "Russians," utilizing stark imagery to underscore the song's commentary on Cold War tensions.[17]

Debbie Harry: Lambert directed the video for "I Want That Man," showcasing Harry in a stylized, futuristic setting, reflecting the song's pop sensibilities.[18]

Tom Tom Club: She directed the video for "Genius of Love," featuring vibrant, animated sequences that match the song's eclectic style.[19]

Films

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In 1987, she released her first feature film, the stylish and controversial Siesta, starring Ellen Barkin and Jodie Foster. It was nominated for the IFP Spirit Award for Best First Feature, losing to Dirty Dancing.

She is known to horror fans for directing the 1989 adaptation of Stephen King's novel Pet Sematary and its sequel, Pet Sematary Two.[20]

More recently, Lambert directed 2005's Urban Legends: Bloody Mary and the 2011 Syfy horror film Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.[21] She also directed the 1993 Digital Pictures FMV video game Double Switch.

Pet Sematary (1989)

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In 1989, Mary Lambert directed Pet Sematary, a supernatural horror film based on Stephen King's 1983 novel of the same name. The project marked the first film adaptation of King's work, with King himself penning the screenplay. Starring Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Blaze Berdahl, Fred Gwynne, and Miko Hughes as Gage Creed, the film's title uses a sensational spelling of "pet cemetery".[3]

The film premiered on April 21, 1989, and achieved significant box office success, grossing $57.5 million on an $11.5 million budget. The popularity of the film led to a sequel, Pet Sematary Two, which was released in 1992 with Lambert returning as director.[22]

Development for the film began in 1984 when the rights were initially sold to George A. Romero for $10,000. However, Romero was unable to proceed with the project due to scheduling conflicts with Monkey Shines.[23] The project languished until the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike, when Paramount Pictures faced a potential shortage of films for 1989. King's screenplay for Pet Sematary was complete, prompting Paramount to greenlight the project.[24]

When it came to selecting a director, King retained creative control and personally chose Mary Lambert. She won him over with her passion for his work and her dedication to staying true to the novel's tone and themes.[25]

Filming took place on location in Maine, honoring King's stipulation that the film be shot in the same state where the novel is set. Locations included Ellsworth, Bangor, and Mount Hope Cemetery, with King actively involved throughout production. He regularly consulted with Lambert, offering input and collaborating on key decisions to ensure the adaptation preserved the essence of his novel.[24]

During the casting process, Lambert faced resistance from studio executives. She insisted on casting two-year-old Miko Hughes as Gage Creed, despite the studio's preference for using twins, which was the standard cost-effective practice for child roles. Lambert felt Hughes had a natural talent that could not be duplicated.[26] She also fought to cast Fred Gwynne as Jud Crandall, despite concerns that his previous role as Herman Munster would prevent audiences from taking him seriously.[24]

Another creative decision by Lambert involved the character of Zelda, Rachel Creed's sister. Initially, young actresses auditioned for the role, but Lambert ultimately cast Andrew Hubatsek in order to heighten the unsettling nature of the character.[27]

The film's conclusion was changed at Paramount's request. Lambert originally filmed a more ambiguous ending, in which Rachel Creed returns as an undead figure, leaving her husband's fate uncertain. However, the studio wanted a more graphic climax, resulting in reshoots to depict Rachel attacking Louis Creed.[28]

The film's soundtrack included music by the Ramones, one of King's favorite bands. Lambert, having a personal friendship with the band through her work directing music videos, requested they write and perform the track "Pet Sematary," which plays over the closing credits.[27]

Personal life

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She is married to Jerome Gary and has a son named Jordan.[29]

Filmography

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Short film

Year Title Director Writer Producer
1977 Rapid Eye Movements[30] Yes No No
2012 Pearl Yes Yes Yes

Film

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Year Title Notes
1986 Under the Cherry Moon Uncredited,[31] listed as Creative Consultant
1987 Siesta
1989 Pet Sematary [32]
1991 Grand Isle
1992 Pet Sematary Two
1999 Clubland
2000 The In Crowd
2001 Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge
Strange Frequency
2005 Urban Legends: Bloody Mary
2007 The Attic
2014 Presumed Dead in Paradise
Fishing Pono: Living in Harmony with the Sea Also writer
2021 A Castle for Christmas
2023 Best. Christmas. Ever!

Television

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Year Title Director Writer Episode Notes
2021 The Goldbergs Yes No "Daddy Daughter Day 2"
2019 Step Up: High Water Yes No "Splits"
2017 Arrow Yes No "The Sin-Eater"
2016 The Blacklist Yes No "The Director"
2010 On the Road in America Yes No "Cowboys and Indians"
2008 The Dark Path Chronicles Yes Yes "Lost in the Dark Path"
"Searching for Solace"
"Entering the Dark Path"
"Trapped"
"Vampire Temptations"
"A Father's Warning"
"Friday Evening: The Awakening"
2007 On the Road in America Yes Yes "Mississippi Delta"
2001 Strange Frequency Yes Yes "More Than a Feeling"
Yes Yes "Disco Inferno"
1994 Rebel Highway Yes Yes "Dragstrip Girl"
1992 Red Shoe Diaries Yes Yes "Accidents Happen" Credited as Alan Smithee
1989 Tales from the Crypt Yes Yes "Collection Completed"

TV movie

TV special

Documentary works

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  • Bobby Brown: His Prerogative (1989) (Video)

Short films

Year Title Director Writer Herself
2006 Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary': The Characters No No Yes
Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary': Stephen King Territory No No Yes
Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary': Filming the Horror No No Yes
2011 Miss South Pacific: Beauty and the Sea Yes Yes No

Film

Year Title Director Producer Herself
2007 14 Women Yes Yes No
2014 Sex & Music No No Yes
2017 Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary No No Yes

TV series appearances

Year Title Episode
2017 Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History "Out, Loud & Proud"
2016 Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music "Sound and Vision"
2012 Celebrity Ghost Stories "Bill Bellamy/Dawn Wells/Jack Blades/Mary Lambert"
Inside Horror "Dead Kids Walking"
2004 The 100 Scariest Movie Moments Part I: 100-81

TV movies

Year Title Director Herself
1984 The Go-Go's: Wild at the Greek Yes No
1998 When You Believe: Music from "The Prince of Egypt" Yes No
2004 X-Rated: The Pop Videos They Tried to Ban Yes Yes
2005 The 100 Greatest Pop Videos No Yes
2008 Dark Path Chronicles: Making Of No Yes
Dark Path Chronicles: Behind the Characters Yes Yes
2009 Pretty Bloody: The Women of Horror No Yes
2011 Chiller 13: Horror's Creepiest Kids No Yes

Music videos

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Year Title Artist Director Writer Producer Ref.
1998 "When You Believe" (alternate version) Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey Yes No No
1997 "Turn My Head" Live Yes No No
1992 "My Destiny" Lionel Richie Yes No No
1992 "Empire" Queensrÿche Yes No No
"Another Rainy Night (Without You)" (version 2) Yes No No
1990 "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)" Mötley Crüe Yes No No
"Without You" Yes No No
1989 "Rock Wit'cha" Bobby Brown Yes No No
"Jelly Roll" Blue Murder Yes No No
"Valley of the Kings" Yes No No
"Like a Prayer" Madonna Yes Yes No [33][34]
1987 "La Isla Bonita" Yes No No
"We'll Be Together" Sting Yes No No
1986 "Nasty" Janet Jackson Yes No No
"Control" Yes No No
"Feel the Heat" Jean Beauvoir Yes No No
"Love Touch" Rod Stewart Yes No No
1985 "Dancin'" Chris Isaak Yes No No
"Would I Lie to You?" Eurythmics Yes No No
"Ways to Be Wicked" Lone Justice Yes No No
"Material Girl" Madonna Yes Yes No [34]
1984 "The Glamorous Life" Sheila E. Yes No No
"Like a Virgin" Madonna Yes Yes No [34]
"Borderline" Yes No Yes
"Turn to You" The Go-Go's Yes No No
"Monster" Fred Schneider Yes No No

Video game

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Director

References

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  1. ^ "Mary Lambert - Credits". TV Guide.
  2. ^ "Arkansas Congressional Directory". Govnotes.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Yamato, Jen (April 4, 2019). "Original 'Pet Sematary' director Mary Lambert on her horror classic, Madonna videos and meetings with Stephen King at Denny's". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  4. ^ Tannenbaum & Marks 2011, p. 15
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference fouz was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Madonna (1990). The Immaculate Collection (VHS). Warner Music Vision. 0-7599-38195-2.
  7. ^ "'Celebration' – Track listing for CD & DVD announced". Icon: Official Madonna website. August 25, 2009. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d Marks, Craig; Tannenbaum, Rob (2011). I want my MTV: the uncensored story of the music video revolution. New York: Dutton. ISBN 978-0-525-95230-5.
  9. ^ "Annie Lennox: Walking on Broken Glass (Video 1992)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  10. ^ "Mick Jagger: Just Another Night (Video 1985)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  11. ^ "The Go-Go's: Turn to You (Video 1984)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  12. ^ "Whitney Houston: So Emotional (Video 1987)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  13. ^ "Alison Krauss & Union Station: When You Say Nothing at All (Video 1995)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  14. ^ "Live: I Alone (Video 1994)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  15. ^ "Mötley Crüe: Smokin' in the Boys Room (Video 1985)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  16. ^ "Queensrÿche: The Lady Wore Black (Video 1983)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  17. ^ "Sting: Russians (Video 1985)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  18. ^ "Debbie Harry: I Want That Man (Video 1989)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  19. ^ "Tom Tom Club: Genius of Love (Video 1981)". IMDb. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  20. ^ Mary Lambert directed the film's sequel, Pet Sematary 2, followed by Urban Legends: Bloody Mary.
  21. ^ "Mega Python vs. Gatoroid Adds a Monkee". October 16, 2012.
  22. ^ "Pet Sematary". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  23. ^ Wixson, Heather (August 15, 2013). "Flashback Weekend 2013: George A. Romero Panel Highlights – Part One". Dread Central. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  24. ^ a b c John Campopiano, Justin White (2014). Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary. Amazon Prime.
  25. ^ David Weiner (March 29, 2019). "How Original 'Pet Sematary' Director Won Over Stephen King". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  26. ^ Mary Lambert Interview (screamography). Youtube.com. May 26, 2016. Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  27. ^ a b "Pet Sematary Panel with Mary Lambert & Denise Crosby". Youtube.com. May 7, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  28. ^ Patrick Cavanaugh (March 28, 2019). "'Pet Sematary' Director Explains "More Spooky and Sad" Original Ending". comicbook.com. Retrieved March 31, 2019.
  29. ^ "Mary Lambert Wed to Jerome Gary". The New York Times. September 29, 1991. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  30. ^ "Cartoons Considered For An Academy Award – 1977 -". cartoonresearch.com.
  31. ^ Clark, Ted (November 6, 1985). "Lambert Takes Hike As 'Moon' Director; Prince Now At Helm". Variety. p. 4.
  32. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (October 16, 2020). "'Pet Sematary' Director Mary Lambert on Using Old-Fashioned Effects for Scares in Pre-CGI Stephen King Adaptation". Variety. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  33. ^ Abramovitch, Seth (April 8, 2021). "Hollywood Flashback: Mary Lambert Reflects on Directing Madonna's Controversial "Like a Prayer" Music Video". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  34. ^ a b c Weingarten, Christopher R.; Johnston, Maura; Newman, Jason; Ebiri, Bilge (February 25, 2015). "The Making of Madonna's 20 Greatest Videos". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
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