Michael Ashley Cooper
- Born:
- November 21, 1955, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born to theatrical parents in Los Angeles.
- Attended the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, graduating in 1977.
- Early student films focused on experimental narrative techniques.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began career as a production assistant on several low-budget films.
- Directed his first feature film, The City's Shadow, in 1982, which won critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Established himself as a director known for his visually striking and thematically complex films.
- Won the Academy Award for Best Director for his film Crimson Tide (1998).
- Founded his own production company, Cooper Films, in 2005.
- Served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 2010 to 2013.
Notable Works
Filmography (as Director)
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | The City's Shadow | Sundance Film Festival Award |
| 1990 | Silent Echoes | Nominated for Palme d'Or at Cannes |
| 1998 | Crimson Tide | Academy Award for Best Director |
| 2003 | The Serpent's Kiss | Box office success |
| 2010 | Solitude | Independent film, critically acclaimed |
Legacy and Impact
Michael Ashley Cooper is recognized as a significant figure in contemporary American cinema. His films are known for their innovative use of cinematography, complex characters, and exploration of moral ambiguities. Many film students study Cooper's techniques, often found while researching texts where one may find references to 'lord anthony ashley cooper biography of michael'.