# Brian De Palma

> American film director and screenwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q189526](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189526)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_De_Palma)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brian-de-palma

## Summary
Brian De Palma is an American film director and screenwriter known for his influential work in thriller, horror, and crime genres. Born in 1940 in New York City, he is recognized for directing iconic films such as *Carrie* (1976), *The Untouchables* (1987), and *Scarface* (1983), which have left a lasting impact on cinema. His contributions to filmmaking have earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated following.

## Biography
- Born: September 11, 1940, in New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College
- Known for: Directing influential films in thriller, horror, and crime genres
- Employer(s): Columbia University, Sarah Lawrence College
- Field(s): Film direction, screenwriting

## Contributions
Brian De Palma has directed and contributed to numerous films, including:
- *Carrie* (1976), a horror film based on Stephen King’s novel, which became a cultural phenomenon.
- *The Untouchables* (1987), a crime film starring Kevin Costner and Sean Connery, based on the real-life story of Eliot Ness.
- *Scarface* (1983), a crime epic that influenced later gangster films and is considered a classic of the genre.
- *Dressed to Kill* (1980), a neo-noir thriller that showcased his signature stylistic approach.
- *Body Double* (1984), a psychological thriller that explored themes of identity and obsession.
- *Mission: Impossible* (1996), an action film that revitalized the spy genre.
- *The Black Dahlia* (2006), a crime drama based on the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short.
- *Passion* (2012), a romantic drama that marked his return to filmmaking after a hiatus.

## FAQs
**What are Brian De Palma’s most famous films?**
Brian De Palma is best known for directing *Carrie* (1976), *The Untouchables* (1987), and *Scarface* (1983). These films have become iconic in their respective genres and have had a lasting influence on cinema.

**What genres does Brian De Palma specialize in?**
Brian De Palma is primarily known for his work in thriller, horror, and crime genres. His films often explore themes of obsession, violence, and psychological tension.

**Where did Brian De Palma study?**
Brian De Palma attended Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College, where he developed his interest in filmmaking.

**Has Brian De Palma won any awards?**
Brian De Palma has received the John Jay Award for his contributions to film. He has also been recognized for his influential work in the industry.

**What is Brian De Palma’s signature style?**
Brian De Palma is known for his distinctive visual style, which often includes surreal imagery, psychological depth, and a focus on themes of obsession and violence.

## Why They Matter
Brian De Palma’s work has had a profound impact on the film industry, particularly in the thriller, horror, and crime genres. His films have influenced countless directors and have become cultural touchstones. *Carrie* (1976) redefined the horror genre, while *Scarface* (1983) set a new standard for gangster films. His ability to blend psychological tension with stylish cinematography has made him a pioneer in modern cinema. De Palma’s contributions have shaped the way films are made and perceived, ensuring his legacy as one of the most influential directors of his time.

## Notable For
- Directing *Carrie* (1976), a groundbreaking horror film that redefined the genre.
- Creating *The Untouchables* (1987), a crime film based on the real-life story of Eliot Ness.
- Producing *Scarface* (1983), a crime epic that influenced later gangster films.
- Winning the John Jay Award for his contributions to film.
- Known for his distinctive visual style and psychological depth in his films.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Brian De Palma was born on September 11, 1940, in New York City, United States. He attended Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College, where he developed his passion for filmmaking. His early exposure to cinema and his academic background laid the foundation for his future career in film direction.

### Career Beginnings
Brian De Palma began his career in the late 1960s, directing several low-budget films that showcased his emerging style. His early works, such as *Greetings* (1968) and *Murder a la Mod* (1968), demonstrated his ability to blend psychological tension with stylish cinematography. These films helped establish his reputation as a director to watch.

### Breakthrough Films
Brian De Palma’s breakthrough came with *Carrie* (1976), a horror film based on Stephen King’s novel. The film became a cultural phenomenon, redefining the horror genre and earning widespread acclaim. His subsequent films, such as *Dressed to Kill* (1980) and *Body Double* (1984), further solidified his status as a master of psychological thrillers.

### Iconic Crime Films
Brian De Palma’s directorial career reached new heights with *Scarface* (1983), a crime epic that became a classic of the genre. The film’s stylish cinematography and gripping narrative influenced countless gangster films that followed. His other notable crime films include *The Untouchables* (1987) and *Carlito’s Way* (1993), which further cemented his reputation as a director of crime dramas.

### Later Career and Influence
In the 1990s and 2000s, Brian De Palma continued to direct influential films, including *Mission: Impossible* (1996) and *The Black Dahlia* (2006). His later works, such as *Passion* (2012), demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing cinematic trends while maintaining his signature style. Throughout his career, Brian De Palma has remained a pivotal figure in the film industry, inspiring generations of directors with his innovative approach to storytelling.

### Awards and Recognition
Brian De Palma has received numerous accolades for his contributions to film, including the John Jay Award. His work has been recognized for its innovative storytelling, psychological depth, and stylish cinematography. These awards and recognitions have further solidified his legacy as one of the most influential directors of his time.

### Legacy and Impact
Brian De Palma’s legacy as a director is marked by his ability to blend psychological tension with stylish cinematography. His films have had a profound impact on the film industry, influencing countless directors and becoming cultural touchstones. From *Carrie* (1976) to *Passion* (2012), his work has left an indelible mark on cinema, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated directors of all time.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. SNAC
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. filmportal.de
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
10. Roglo
11. Babelio
12. Proleksis Encyclopedia
13. Munzinger Personen
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/film/depalma.html)
17. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=20)
18. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=23)
19. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=24)
20. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=30)
21. CONOR.SI
22. The Movie Database
23. [Source](https://movie.douban.com/subject_search?search_text=Brian%20De%20Palma)
24. LIBRIS. 2016
25. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
26. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/brian-de-palma-107aDwCUZV/appearances)
27. performing-arts.ch
28. [Source](https://www.filmfestival.nl/persoon/brian-de-palma)