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Robert TowneAmerican screenwriter and director
Date of Birth: 23.11.1934
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Robert Towne
Robert Bert Towne was born on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an American screenwriter and director known for his work on various acclaimed films. Towne attended Pomona College in Claremont, California.
Screenwriting Career
Towne gained recognition as a renowned screenwriter, contributing to numerous successful Hollywood films, including "Chinatown" (1974), for which he won an Academy Award, and its sequel, "The Two Jakes" (1990). He also wrote the nominated screenplays for films like "The Last Detail," "Shampoo," and the first two "Mission: Impossible" action films.
Directing and Filmography
Despite his success as a screenwriter, Towne faced a setback in his directing career. After his directorial debut, the sports drama "Personal Best" (1982), received negative reviews, he was removed from directing the film "Grey Stoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" (1984). Frustrated with the experience, he demanded that his dog, P.H. Vazak, be credited as the screenplay writer. Ironically, P.H. Vazak became the first dog to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
In addition to his involvement in directing "Personal Best," Towne wrote the screenplay for the biographical film "Without Limits" (1998), based on the story of sprinter Steve Prefontaine. He also wrote and directed the crime film "Tequila Sunrise" (1988), which starred Mel Gibson as a cocaine dealer, Kurt Russell as a detective, and Michelle Pfeiffer as a woman involved in a romantic relationship with both characters.
Towne had a long-standing desire to bring the novel "Ask the Dust" to the screen. After years of struggling to find financial support, the film was eventually made in 2006. Starring Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek, it received mixed reviews and performed poorly at the box office.
Other Works
Besides his directing and screenwriting endeavors, Towne appeared on screen in various films, including "The Last Woman on Earth" (1960), a science fiction horror film directed by Roger Corman, for which he also wrote the screenplay. He also had acting roles in films such as "They All Laughed," "The Zodiac Killer," "Shampoo," "The Brinks Job," and "Hunters Are for Killing."
Throughout his career, Robert Towne has left a significant impact on the film industry through his screenwriting and directing contributions. He continues to be recognized for his talent and creativity in storytelling.
