FRED Watch News Update
Curtis Hanson (1945-2016)
More tragic than Brangelina’s separation this week was the news that Hollywood writer/director/producer Curtis Hanson had died on Tuesday, aged 71.
Hanson dropped out of high school to pursue a lifetime career in the arts, cutting his teeth in the film industry co-writing the film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror (1970). Box office success followed with thrillers The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) and The River Wild (1994).
His most critically acclaimed films varied in style and content, and not all reaped big box office returns, notably FRED favourite Wonder Boys (2000). But L.A. Confidential (1997) immortalised Hanson’s legacy amongst his peers; the instant classic noir won Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Kim Basinger) and Best Adapted Screenplay (Hanson and Brian Helgeland), and was nominated for seven others, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film also launched the Hollywood careers of Australian actors Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, and marked the debut of Simon Baker.
Hanson had also helmed audience favourites 8 Mile (2002) and In Her Shoes (2005). His final film, co-directed by Michael Apted, was Chasing Mavericks (2012).
Curtis Hanson’s Hollywood legacy includes The Dunwich Horror (1970), The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), The River Wild (1994), L.A. Confidential (1997), Wonder Boys (2000), 8 Mile (2002), In Her Shoes (2005), and Chasing Mavericks (2012).
FRED the ALIEN Productions 