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Howard S. Berger

@hsberger.bsky.social

158 followers 230 following 4 posts

filmmaker/editor/documentarian/film historian/cinema discombobulist/blu-ray audio commentarist/visual essayist/funster. (Arrow, Kino Lorber, Cinématographe, Imprint, Radiance, Severin, Vinegar Syndrome, Umbrella, Celluloid Dreams, Film Masters, etc.)

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Howard S. Berger @hsberger.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

R.I.P. Sam Neill (Click photo for text)

It’s rare that an actor has the ability, let alone the opportunity, to test the elasticity of range - the psychological, emotional, physical, stylistic… protean fortitude to be… Sam Neil was one such creature. A human English muffin of a talent, whose nooks and crannies could absorb and conform and respond with unique resonance - flavor - tonality - nuance - charm - wit - dignity and indignity. I’ve always thought of him as the natural, fluid incarnation of James Mason, another beast who could channel the rage, pain, culture, forward thinking ingenuity and epiphany of a Captain Nemo or negotiate the irrational irradiation of chemical distress of the mind as in BIGGER THAN LIFE or the subtle, warmth, humor and humility of a Bradley Morahan in AGE OF CONSENT. Or… the delusional, vulnerable, expressionist, surrealist fragile shell of morality like a Humbert Humbert. Neill, very much like Mason, had not only the opportunities, but the ability.

Many thanks, sir, for putting your mind and body to the continual test for your art with discipline and distinction - to realize and exemplify the unreal. Whether out of sacrifice or ambition, your achievements, impact and imprint are appreciated and admirable. You will be missed.

R.I.P. Sam Neill

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Howard S. Berger @hsberger.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

3 Love Stories

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