Curtis Hanson
Full Name and Common Aliases
Curtis Lee Hanson was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 24, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan; passed away on September 20, 2016, at the age of 71.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hanson held dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. His professional background consisted of film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family with strong artistic influences, Hanson's early life laid the groundwork for his future career in filmmaking. He began his journey as an artist at a young age, honing his skills in various mediums before shifting focus to film. The 1960s counterculture movement also had a profound impact on him.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Hanson showcased his versatility and talent by working across various genres, from mystery to drama and comedy. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
Directing the crime dramas _L.A. Confidential_ (1997) and _Wonder Boys_ (2000), both critically acclaimed for their nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
Creating the popular television series _Loving_, which explored themes of love, social justice, and personal freedom.
Notable Works or Actions
Hanson's most notable works include:
Feature Films
L.A. Confidential (1997): Hanson brought to life a neo-noir crime drama that paid homage to classic Hollywood films while tackling mature themes with sensitivity.
Wonder Boys (2000): This comedy-drama showcased the director's ability to balance humor and poignancy, following the lives of troubled writers struggling with their creative process.
Television
Loving (1987-1995): Hanson co-created this groundbreaking drama that tackled issues like racism, sexism, and social inequality in a fictional small town.
8 Simple Rules... for Dating My Teenage Daughter (2002-2005): He directed several episodes of the show's first season.
Impact and Legacy
Curtis Hanson left an indelible mark on the film industry with his distinct voice, nuanced storytelling, and commitment to exploring complex themes. His contributions have inspired a new generation of filmmakers who strive to push boundaries and challenge social norms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hanson's impact extends beyond his body of work. He embodied the spirit of an artist unafraid to take risks and tackle tough subjects with empathy and understanding.
Quotes by Curtis Hanson
Curtis Hanson's insights on:
I read this script and it struck a chord with me, and I thought, why does this story affect me so much? And I realized that it reminded me a lot of my relationship with my brother - two people who took very different routes to get to a very similar place.
I prefer stories about people who are, in a sense, trying to find better versions of themselves.
A persona like Slim Shady is artificial, you hide behind it. It takes great courage to tear yourself open, to give the sort of performance I wanted. He found it wearing.
A theme that has always interested me is the difference between how thing appear and how they are. Image versus reality, etc.
This girl, I can't tell you how much ... well, just how proud I am of her. She is going to surprise so many people with this.
defined by the outward differences in the appearances, we tried to extend this duality to the two geographic worlds in which the story takes place.