Darren Aronofsky
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Darren Aronofsky (born February 12, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American film director, screenwriter and producer. He is engaged to Rachel Weisz with whom he has a son, Henry Chance born May 31.
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Early life
The child of schoolteacher parents, Aronofsky was born in Brooklyn, New York. A self-described "Brooklyn hip-hop kid," Aronofsky's upbringing was marked by his Jewish heritage (although in an interview he once disparagingly referred to himself as a "classically hypocritical high holiday Jew"), painting graffiti art on subway cars, and filmgoing in Times Square. He graduated from high school early so he could travel to Israel and live on a kibbutz. Once there, however, he found things were not what he expected. Instead of farming avocados, the work was in a plastics factory. After two days, Aronofsky left, traveled to Jerusalem and encountered Hasidism who offered food and shelter in return for his taking classes on the Torah.Returning to the US, Darren went to Harvard University and studied anthropology, live action film and animation. His senior thesis film, Supermarket Sweep (1990), starring Sean Gullette (the star of π), later became a National Student Academy Award Finalist.
He then attended the AFI Conservatory and graduated with an M.F.A. degree in 1993. His student film, Protozoa (1993) starred Lucy Liu. Protozoa also marks the beginning of the partnership between Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique.
Features
π
Aronofsky first began work on a feature film in February 1996, when he created the concept for π, a psychological sci-fi thriller. After the π script received great reactions from friends, he began production. The film re-teamed Aronofsky with Sean Gullette, who played the lead. During production, Aronofsky and crew realized they didn't have enough money to complete the film. Associate Producer Scott Franklin came up with the idea to raise completion funds by asking every person they knew for $100. Later in production certain individuals put in more cash, which let Aronofsky complete the film. After π was completed (with a budget somewhere around $60,000), Aronofsky received praise from critics and film-buffs alike, and won an award at the Sundance Film Festival. In 1998 the film was picked up by distributor Artisan Entertainment and released in selected cities. $100 investors were subsequently re-paid with $150. Use of the SnorriCam is one of Darren Aronofsky's trade marks which he first experimented with in π.Requiem for a Dream
One of Aronofsky's favorite books is Hubert Selby Jr.'s Last Exit to Brooklyn. While editing π, producer Eric Watson convinced Aronofsky to read another Selby book, Requiem For A Dream, which Aronofsky had actually started reading years before but never finished. He was moved by the novel and wanted to film an adaptation, quickly beginning work on the script with Selby. Aronofsky pulled no punches in delivering a relentless and disturbing movie of hopes and dreams shattered and lives laid waste by drug addiction. The film was a clinical depiction of the depths to which some people will sink to in the hope of attaining their dreams. The film was critically acclaimed and developed a cult following, further cementing Aronofsky's reputation.The Fountain
The Fountain is Aronofsky's latest feature and is based on an original script that he wrote. The story was written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel. The film began production in early 2005 for a 2006 release.Future projects
Flicker
An adaptation of Theodore Roszak's novel Flicker. Most likely to be his next film.Song of Kali
An adaptation of Dan Simmons' novel of the same name, it is unclear whether Aronofsky will direct.Lone Wolf and Cub
Aronofsky has been attached to an adaptation of the manga, Lone Wolf and Cub. The film will be made as a western. The status of this film is unknown.Black Flies
Aronofsky is also in negotiations to direct Shannon Burke's novel Black Flies.Personal life
Aronofsky is engaged to English actress Rachel Weisz. They have a son, Henry Chance, born on May 31, 2006.[link]Trademarks
- Frequently uses a technique known as the hip-hop montage, which is a sequence of images or actions shown in fast-motion with accompanying sound effects, usually shown to simulate a certain action, such as taking drugs.
- Fade to white for emphasis, a break in the story, or an end of an Act/Section in the story.
- Use of sounds to objects that are not always seen on screen (i.e., a train horn, or slurping liquid).
- Uses a string instrument and techno beat combination for the soundtrack to his films.
- Use of the Snorricam (a camera device that is rigged to the body of the actor).
- Use of Jump cuts.
List of works directed
- Flicker (2006) (announced - in development [link])
- Lone Wolf and Cub (2005) (announced - status unknown)
- The Fountain (2006) (completed-relase october 2006)
- Requiem for a Dream (2000) (aka Delusion Over Addiction)
- π (1998)
- Protozoa (1993) (student film - never distributed)
- Supermarket Sweep (1990) (student film - never distributed)
External links
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