Michael Valentine is a renowned director who has been making films since the mid-1970s. He is known for his ability to create powerful and thought-provoking stories that explore a range of social and political issues. His work has been recognized by international festivals and critics around the world, and he has won numerous awards for his films.
Valentine was born in Los Angeles, California in 1953. He developed a passion for film at an early age, and was determined to pursue a career in filmmaking. After graduating from high school, Valentine attended the San Francisco Art Institute, where he studied film and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975.
Valentine's career began with short experimental films, which were screened at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. His first feature-length film, "The Night of the Living Dead," was released in 1979. It was a low-budget horror film that became an international hit and established Valentine as a major film director.
In the 1980s, Valentine continued to make successful films, such as the 1987 drama "Platoon." He also ventured into television, directing episodes of the popular series "Miami Vice" and "Hill Street Blues."
In the 1990s, Valentine's work shifted to more character-driven stories. He directed the critically acclaimed "The Apostle," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. He also directed the science-fiction drama "Contact," which was a huge box-office success.
Valentine has continued to make films in the 2000s, including the award-winning drama "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford." He also directed the critically acclaimed documentary "The Fog of War," which won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2004.
Valentine is also an accomplished writer, having written several screenplays for his films. He has also published a memoir titled "My Life in Movies."
Michael Valentine is an acclaimed director who has made a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking. His work has been recognized by critics and audiences alike, and he continues to make thought-provoking films that explore a range of social and political issues. He is a true master of the craft who has earned his place among the greats.