Joel Schumacher

Joel T. Schumacher (/ˈʃuːmɑːkər/; August 29, 1939 – June 22, 2020) was an American film director, producer and screenwriter. In his youth, he used LSD and methamphetamine and started drinking alcohol by age nine. His professional journey began with fashion designing, He first entered filmmaking as a production and costume designer before gaining writing credits on Car Wash, Sparkle, and The Wiz.

His early theatrical releases, such as The Incredible Shrinking Woman and D.C. Cab, didn't get much attention, but prominence came with the direction of St. Elmo's Fire, The Lost Boys, and The Client. Later, Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as the director of the Batman franchise and oversaw Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Following a career decline after Batman & Robin, Schumacher directed smaller-budgeted films, including Tigerland and Phone Booth. He also directed The Phantom of the Opera. His final directorial work was for two episodes of House of Cards.