Franklin J. Schaffner was an American film director best known for his work in the genres of war, science fiction, and historical drama. He began his career as a production assistant on the 1949 film Twelve O'Clock High, and then worked his way up to directing his own films.
Schaffner's first feature film was The Best Man (1964), a political drama starring Henry Fonda. He followed this with the acclaimed war film The War Lord (1965), starring Charlton Heston, and the science fiction classic Planet of the Apes (1968). All three films were nominated for Academy Awards, with Planet of the Apes winning the 1968 Academy Award for Best Makeup.
In 1970, Schaffner directed the epic historical drama Patton, starring George C. Scott. The film was a huge success, winning eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Schaffner.
Schaffner continued to direct major Hollywood films throughout the 1970s and 80s, including Papillon (1973), The Boys from Brazil (1978), and Lionheart (1987). His last major feature film was the 1990 biopic The Bourne Identity, starring Richard Gere.
Schaffner also directed several television movies and miniseries, including The Wall (1982), The Last Days of Patton (1986), and War and Remembrance (1988). He received Emmy Award nominations for The Last Days of Patton and War and Remembrance.
Throughout his career, Schaffner was known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring complex stories to the screen. He was also a mentor to many younger filmmakers, including George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola.
Schaffner passed away in July 1989 at the age of 68. He is remembered for his powerful and influential films, which continue to be enjoyed by audiences today.
