Bart Phillips is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He is best known for his critically acclaimed films such as The Savages (2007), The Skeleton Twins (2014), The Edge of Seventeen (2016), and the Netflix original film, The 40-Year-Old Version (2020).
Phillips was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1978. He attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in film and television. After college, Phillips moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in the entertainment industry. He worked on various television shows as a production assistant and editor before he made the move to directing.
Phillips made his feature film debut with the critically acclaimed The Savages, a dark comedy-drama about two siblings caring for their elderly father. His second feature film, The Skeleton Twins, starring Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, earned him widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. He followed up with the teen comedy-drama The Edge of Seventeen, which starred Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson.
Phillips then directed the Netflix original film, The 40-Year-Old Version. The film, which stars Radha Blank as a struggling playwright, was released in October 2020 to critical acclaim. Phillips was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay for the film.
Phillips’ style of direction is notable for its emphasis on character development and humanistic themes, as well as its nuanced visuals and focus on the mundane moments of life. His films have also been praised for their frank approach to difficult subjects, such as aging, grief, and mental health.
Phillips is currently in pre-production for his next feature film, which is set to star Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. He is also in talks to direct a feature adaptation of the novel, This Is How You Lose Her, which is set to star Daniel Kaluuya.
Phillips is a highly sought after filmmaker, and his distinct style and storytelling have earned him widespread acclaim. His films have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Golden Globe nominations. Phillips continues to push boundaries and create daring films that challenge audiences to think more deeply about the world around them.
