Paul Schrader

Paul Joseph Schrader, an accomplished American screenwriter, film director, and critic, is known for his intense and often existential approach to storytelling. Born on July 22, 1946, he first received widespread recognition for scripting Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film, Taxi Driver (1976). His other collaborations with Scorsese include notable works like Raging Bull (1980), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), and Bringing Out the Dead (1999). As a director, Schrader boasts an impressive array of films, including Blue Collar (1978), American Gigolo (1980), and First Reformed (2017), the latter earning him his first Academy Award nomination. His storytelling often focuses on isolated, complex male characters burdened by existential crises.

Schrader's strict Calvinist upbringing influenced his artistic direction. He graduated from Calvin College and pursued film studies at UCLA under the guidance of critic Pauline Kael. Before venturing into screenwriting in 1974, Schrader had an established career as a film scholar and critic, which included publishing a seminal book entitled Transcendental Style in Film: Ozu, Bresson, Dreyer (1972). The groundbreaking success of Taxi Driver in 1976 brought heightened attention to his work, and he began directing his films, which have a distinct, nuanced character that reflects his philosophies and life experiences.