View source for Curtis Hanson

{{short description|American filmmaker (1945–2016)}}
{{other people}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Curtis Hanson
| image              = Curtis Hanson.JPG
| caption            = Hanson at the 2007 [[Tribeca Festival]]
| birth_name         = Curtis Lee Hanson
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|1945|3|24}}
| birth_place        = [[Reno, Nevada]], U.S.
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|mf=yes|2016|09|20|1945|03|24}}
| death_place        = [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| notable_works      = {{hlist|''[[The Dunwich Horror (film)|The Dunwich Horror]]''|''[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|The Hand That Rocks the Cradle]]''|''[[The River Wild]]''|''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]''|''[[Wonder Boys (film)|Wonder Boys]]''|''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]''|''[[In Her Shoes (film)|In Her Shoes]]''}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Director|producer|screenwriter}}
| years_active       = 1970–2012
}}
'''Curtis Lee Hanson''' (March 24, 1945 – September 20, 2016) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. Born in [[Reno, Nevada]], Hanson grew up in [[Los Angeles]]. After dropping out of high school, Hanson worked as photographer and editor for ''Cinema'' magazine. In the 1970s, Hanson participated as a writer for the horror film ''[[The Dunwich Horror (film)|The Dunwich Horror]]'' (1970) and made his directorial debut the [[B-Movie]] ''[[Sweet Kill]]'' (1973), where he lacked creative control to fulfill his vision. While Hanson continued directing, he rose to prominence screenwriting critically acclaimed films such as ''[[The Silent Partner (1978 film)|The Silent Partner]]'' (1978), [[White Dog (1982 film)|''White Dog'']] (1982), and [[Never Cry Wolf (film)|''Never Cry Wolf'']] (1983).

After working on projects that kept him unsatisfied, he decided that he should write and direct thriller films based on the success of ''The Silent Partner.'' Hence, he followed up with [[The Bedroom Window (1987 film)|''The Bedroom Window'']] (1987) where his writing and directing finally came to merge. By this point, his body of work made an impression on screenwriter [[David Koepp]], who was convinced that he could handle the directorial duties for his script, which led to [[Bad Influence (1990 film)|''Bad Influence'']] (1990). Finally he directed ''[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|The Hand That Rocks the Cradle]]'' (1992), which was both a critical and commercial success.

Moving forward he directed the thriller ''[[The River Wild]]'' (1994), which grossed $94.2 million. Afterwards, he directed the acclaimed [[neo-noir]] crime film ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]'' (1997) earning him the [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay]] as well as nominations for [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] and [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]]. The film was also nominated for the [[Palme d'Or]] at the [[1997 Cannes Film Festival]] and is preserved by the [[Library of Congress]] in the [[National Film Registry]] as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

His next directorial effort was the critically acclaimed comedy-drama ''[[Wonder Boys (film)|Wonder Boys]]'' (2000). Then came the hip-hop drama ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]'' (2002), starring rapper [[Eminem]] and based on his life experiences. The film was a triumph with critics and at the box-office grossing $242.9 million. Finally the romantic comedy ''[[In Her Shoes (film)|In Her Shoes]]'' (2005), was also critically acclaimed and a financial success.

Prior to his 2014 retirement, due to poor health, Hanson directed ''[[Lucky You (film)|Lucky You]]'' (2007), and ''[[Chasing Mavericks]]'' (2012), both had troubled productions and the final results did not come near his previous critical and financial accomplishments. Hanson's last significant directorial effort was the [[HBO]] television film ''[[Too Big to Fail (film)|Too Big to Fail]]'' (2011) receiving nominations for the [[Primetime Emmy Award]] for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series|Outstanding Limited Series or Movie]] and [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie]]. Hanson died of natural causes in 2016.

== Early life ==
Hanson was born in [[Reno, Nevada]], and grew up in [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Curtis Hanson, Oscar-winning director of LA Confidential, dies aged 71|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/sep/21/curtis-hanson-director-of-la-confidential-and-8-mile-dies-aged-71|access-date=September 21, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=September 21, 2016}}</ref> He was the son of Beverly June Curtis, a real estate agent, and Wilbur Hale "Bill" Hanson, a teacher.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-02-16-me-23419-story.html|title=* Wilbur (Bill) Hanson; Educator|date=February 16, 1994|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/05/movies/survival-lesson-for-river-director.html|title=Survival Lesson For 'River' Director|date=October 5, 1994|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="google2">{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8R_PAAAAMAAJ|title=Angelos|date=1941|issn=1064-5837|author=Kappa Delta Sorority|journal=Angelos of Kappa Delta|issue=v. 37, no. 2|access-date=October 25, 2014}}</ref> Hanson dropped out of high school, finding work as a freelance photographer and editor for ''Cinema'' magazine.<ref name="latobit2">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-curtis-hanson-snap-story.html|title=Curtis Hanson dead at 71|date=September 20, 2016|last2=Vankin|first2=Deborah|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first1=Dennis|last1=McLellan}}</ref>

== Film career ==
=== 1970 to 1982: early writing and directing efforts ===
In 1970, Hanson is listed among the writers of [[Daniel Haller]]'s ''[[The Dunwich Horror (film)|The Dunwich Horror]]'', a film adaptation of [[H.P. Lovecraft]]'s [[The Dunwich Horror|short story]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/23476-THE-DUNWICH-HORROR?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>

In 1973, Hanson wrote and directed his first feature, ''[[Sweet Kill]]'' starring [[Tab Hunter]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54736-SWEET-KILL?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> The film came about when Hanson approached the executive producer [[Roger Corman]] about the possibility of writing and directing a film for him. Corman replied he might also be interested in a modern horror film along the lines of ''[[Psycho (1960 film)|Psycho]]'' (1960).<ref>Chris Nashawaty, ''Crab Monsters, Teenage Cavemen and Candy Stripe Nurses – Roger Corman: King of the B Movie'', Abrams, 2013 p 102</ref><ref name="guardian4">{{cite web |date=16 November 2002 |title=Curtis Hanson at the NFT |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/16/features1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223181407/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/16/features1 |archive-date=December 23, 2024 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>  Hanson wrote the script originally with the killer as a female. Corman liked it but felt it was "a little too different" for the killer to be female so asked she be turned male.<ref name="New World2">Christopher T Koetting, ''Mind Warp!: The Fantastic True Story of Roger Corman's New World Pictures'', Hemlock Books. 2009 p 36</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=January 21, 2001 |title=Seaman Quint Interviews CURTIS HANSON about, well all things Curtis Hanson + Tonight's GOLDEN |url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/7967 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223194840/https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/7967 |archive-date=December 23, 2024 |website=Ain't it cool news}}</ref> According to Hanson, the film cost $130,000 and Corman was supposed to put up two-thirds of the money. After Corman decided to only put up a third, Hanson said "I went to my parents and persuaded them to put a mortgage on their home in order to finance this film."<ref name="guardian4"/> After creative interference from Corman, Hanson later described the experience as a "very unhappy" one.<ref name="New World2"/>

That same year, Hanson, with the pseudonym Edward Collins, shot a film called ''And God Bless Grandma and Grandpa''. Producer Peter S. Traynor wanted to shoot new scenes. Which he did with actor [[Dean Jagger]], in 1974, who played a character named "Dr. Shagetz." It was renamed ''God Bless Dr. Shagetz.'' In 1975, a litigation started between Traynor and the film's financial investors. It is rumored that with the name ''God Bless Dr. Shagetz,'' it had limited released in 1977. In 1983, a producer named [[Mardi Rustam]], bought the films rights and shot new footage. In 1985, Rusham's version was released as a direct to video title name ''[[Evil Town]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/55928 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>

In 1978, Hanson wrote and was an associate producer for [[Daryl Duke]]'s Canadian film ''[[The Silent Partner (1978 film)|The Silent Partner]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Silent Partner |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-silent-partner/cast/2000277865/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> The film came about when Hanson was being asked to direct b-level picture and decided to write something more ambitious. He said that "''The Silent Partner'' was a film I wrote on spec. I was hoping to direct it but I didn't get the opportunity. But I ended up finishing the movie. I was brought back by the producers to do a week of pick-up shots and all of the post-production.<ref name="guardian4"/> ''The Silent Partner'' did well in Canada both critically and financially, winning several [[Canadian Film Award|Canadian Film Academy Awards]] including Best Picture and Best Director.<ref>{{cite web |title=29th Canadian Film Awards |url=http://www.academy.ca/hist/history.cfm?shownum=29&winonly=0&awards=4&rtype=3&curstep=4&submit.x=61&submit.y=8 |accessdate=2008-07-01}}</ref><ref name="Rist">Rist, 1995. pp.211</ref> The film was a [[Sleeper hit|sleeper]] upon its US release, with Brendon Hanley of the film database [[Allmovie]] noting that the film"...stands out as one of the best sleepers of the late '70s".<ref>{{cite web |author=Hanley, Brendon |title=The Silent Partner > Review |url=http://www.allrovi.com/movies/movie/the-silent-partner-v44699 |publisher=Allmovie}}</ref>

In 1980, Hanson directed ''[[The Little Dragons]]'' starring [[Chris Petersen (actor)|Chris]] and [[Patrick Petersen|Pat Petersen]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Variety international film guide 2002 |date=2001 |publisher=Faber |location=London UK |isbn=0571209629 |url=https://archive.org/details/varietyinternati0000unse_d1v7/page/22/mode/1up?q=%22the+little+dragons%22+Sothern |format=Internet Archive}}</ref>

In 1982, Hanson was among the screenwriters of [[Samuel Fuller]]'s [[White Dog (1982 film)|''White Dog'']]. The film depicts the struggle of a dog trainer named Keys, who is black, trying to retrain a stray dog trained to make vicious attacks upon, and to kill, any black person.<ref>{{Cite web |title=White Dog |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/white-dog/cast/2030115182/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> ''White Dog'' was a 1970 novel,<ref name="Chicago Tribune2">{{cite journal |last=Kehr |first=Dave |date=November 29, 1991 |title=Fuller's fable 'White Dog' has its day at last |journal=[[Chicago Tribune]] |page=C |issn=1085-6706}}</ref> whose story was purchased for use by Paramount in 1975, with Hanson selected to write the screenplay and [[Roman Polanski]] hired to direct. Before shooting commenced, Polanski had [[Roman Polanski sexual abuse case|legal problems]], leaving the production in limbo.<ref name="Every Dog3">{{cite journal |last=Dombrowski |first=Lisa |date=Nov–Dec 2008 |title=Every Dog Has Its Day: The Muzzling of Samuel Fuller's White Dog |journal=[[Film Comment]] |volume=44 |issue=6 |pages=46–49}}</ref> Over a span of six years, the project was given to various writers and producers.<ref name="Every Dog3"/><ref name="Hoberman2">{{cite web |last=Hoberman |first=J |date=November 28, 2008 |title=White Dog: Sam Fuller Unmuzzled |url=http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/847 |access-date=January 26, 2009 |publisher=[[The Criterion Collection]]}}</ref> By 1981, Hanson, back on board as the film's screenwriter, suggested that [[Samuel Fuller]] be named the film's director as he felt Fuller was the only one available with the experience needed to complete the film on short notice, while still doing so responsibly with regard to the sensitive material.<ref name="Every Dog3"/><ref name="Hoberman2"/> The film was praised by critics, particularly for its treatment of racism and Fuller's directorial talents.<ref name="Chicago Tribune2"/><ref name="Entertainment Weekly2">{{cite magazine |last=Moran |first=Kim |date=December 12, 2008 |title=Movies on DVD: White Dog |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |issue=1025 |page=56 |issn=1049-0434}}</ref><ref name="Video Business">{{cite journal |last=Pearl |first=Cyril |date=November 10, 2008 |title=Tipsheet Reviews: White Dog |journal=Video Business |volume=28 |issue=45 |page=11}}</ref>

=== 1982 to 1994: rise to prominence and breakthrough ===
In 1982, Hanson directed ''[[Losin' It]]'', a teen-comedy starring [[Tom Cruise]], about teenagers going to Tijuana to visit a brothel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Losin' It |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/losin-it/2000004764/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref>  Hanson explains that it was "not a happy experience. A picture I'm proud of the work we all did, but it was again taken away, retitled, re-edited and music was stuck in I didn't like."<ref name=":0" /> The film received negative reviews from critics. It has an 18% score on [[Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 11 reviews.<ref name="Losin' It">{{Cite web |title=Losin' It |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2623636993/weekend/ |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> It opened in 180 theaters in New York and Los Angeles, opening with $437,257 for the weekend; it grossed $1,246,141 domestically.<ref name="Losin' It"/>

That same year he was credited among the writers of [[Carroll Ballard]]'s [[Never Cry Wolf (film)|''Never Cry Wolf'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/58024-NEVER-CRY-WOLF?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> The review aggregation website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] gives the film a score of 100% based on reviews from eighteen critics, with an average rating of 7.7 out of 10.<ref>[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/never_cry_wolf/ "Never Cry Wolf ."]  ''[[Rotten Tomatoes]]''. Retrieved: November 4, 2014.</ref>  The film grossed in the US $27,668,764.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C06E1D7123BF937A25753C1A965948260 "Never Cry Wolf (1983); Arctic tale."] ''The Numbers (Nash Information Services)''. Retrieved: November 4, 2014.</ref>

In 1986, Hanson directed the [[Television film|made-for-television]] [[Crime film|crime]] [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] ''[[The Children of Times Square]]''.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/9270/The-Children-of-Times-Square/overview The New York Times] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208032314/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/9270/The-Children-of-Times-Square/overview|date=December 8, 2015}}</ref>

In 1987, Hanson directed [[The Bedroom Window (1987 film)|''The Bedroom Window'']] starring [[Steve Guttenberg]], [[Isabelle Huppert]], and [[Elizabeth McGovern]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bedroom Window |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-bedroom-window/2000115555/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> The film came about, while Hanson was only offered teen-comedies after ''Losin' It'' and wanted to accomplish something like ''The Silent Partners''.<ref name="guardian4"/> He explains that, when he read the novel ''The Witness'' by [[Anne Makemie Holden|Anne Holden]] and tried to get the film rights. Already bought by Paramount, Hanson made a deal with them. Hanson says McGovern was his "only choice" for the part of Denise. Hanson decided to cast French actress Huppert for a part of an American character, who felt she added sophistication to the role. Hanson says Guttenberg was not his first choice for the lead but rather a suggestion by producer [[Dino De Laurentiis]], due to his popularity in comedies. Hanson agreed to cast Guttenberg, when he saw the actor's enthusiasm, and his eagerness to escape typecast.<ref>{{Cite web |title='BEDROOM WINDOW' DIRECTOR INSPIRED BY NOVEL, HITCHCOCK |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1987-03-08-8701150213-story.html |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Sun Sentinel|date=March 8, 1987 }}</ref> Upon its original release, the film received mixed reviews from other film critics.<ref>{{cite web |author=James Berardinelli |author-link=James Berardinelli |year=2001 |title=Review: The Bedroom Window |url=http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/b/bedroom_window.html |accessdate=2008-12-21 |publisher=reelviews.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Jack Sommersby |date=2002-12-27 |title=Movie Review - Bedroom Window, The - eFilmCritic |url=http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=3732 |accessdate=2017-08-19 |publisher=www.efilmcritic.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Derek Armstrong |title=The Bedroom Window (1987) - Curtis Hanson |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-bedroom-window-v4571/review |accessdate=2017-08-19 |work=[[AllMovie]] |publisher=www.allmovie.com}}</ref> As of April 2021, the film holds a 70% rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]] with the consensus: "A likable cast and mostly solid story..."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bedroom Window |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bedroom_window |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date=November 14, 2006 }}</ref> Of the film Hanson concluded "that was the one where my writing and directing finally merged."<ref name="guardian4"/>

In 1990, Hanson directed [[Bad Influence (1990 film)|''Bad Influence'']], starring [[Rob Lowe]] and [[James Spader]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bad Influence |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/bad-influence/2030009324/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> Hanson stated that the film bears similarities to his earlier movies, ''The Silent Partner'' and ''The Bedroom Window''. He said all are about a "character who takes a step out of line. In these pictures the guy is very guilty ... and his guilt gets him in deeper and deeper. Because he's guilty he pays a terrible price, but we feel better because he paid that price and he ends up with a strict moral code he didn't have at the start of the picture."<ref>Director uses temptation theme Dudek, Duane. Milwaukee Journal; Milwaukee, Wis. [Milwaukee, Wis]09 Mar 1990: NO PG CIT.</ref> He explained that he got the directing duties because screenwriter [[David Koepp]] "was a big fan of a picture I had written called ''The Silent Partner''. When he wrote ''Bad Influence'', which actually had elements in it that were kind of inspired by ''The Silent Partner'', I think this is something David would be the first to say himself, the people who financed the movie were going, "Who should we get to direct this?" As it happened, one of them was a big fan of ''The Bedroom Window'' and said, "Well, what about that guy?" and David went, "That's a great idea!"<ref name=":0" /> During rehearsals, a sex scandal story broke about Lowe. "I don't believe in the theory that any publicity is good," said Hanson. "For Rob's sake and the picture's sake, I wish it had never happened. The story broke shortly before rehearsals and my reaction was completely selfish. I kept wondering, 'How does this affect the movie? How does it affect his performance?' It was like a carnival atmosphere around him."<ref>SCANDAL GOOD FOR ROB LOWE: [1* Edition] Persico, Joyce J. The Province 6 Mar 1990: 39.</ref>  Hanson said of the final result that "''Bad Influence'' is a movie that I'm very proud of, actually. It was the first movie where I was pretty much, within the confines of budget and obvious considerations like that, I was pretty much able to follow through with this all the way to the end including the choice of music, right down to the end."<ref name=":0" /> ''Bad Influence'' received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It holds a 65% rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 20 reviews.<ref name="tomatoes2">{{cite web |title=Bad Influence (1990) |date=March 9, 1990 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bad_influence/ |access-date=26 October 2022 |publisher=rottentomatoes.com}}</ref>

In 1992 Hanson directed ''[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|The Hand That Rocks the Cradle]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hand that Rocks the Cradle |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-hand-that-rocks-the-cradle/cast/2000273301/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> starring [[Rebecca De Mornay]] and [[Annabella Sciorra]]. The film opened on January 10, 1992, and grossed $7.7 million in its opening weekend.<ref>{{cite news |date=1992-01-17 |title=Nanny-from-hell Thriller 'Cradle' Surpasses 'hook' |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/17/nanny-from-hell-thriller-cradle-surpasses-hook/ |url-status=live |access-date=2010-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731043857/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-01-17/entertainment/9201050666_1_million-last-weekend-grossed-million-in-box-office |archive-date=2012-07-31}}</ref> The film lasted at #1 for four consecutive weeks and by the end of its run earned $88 million in the United States and Canada<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hand that Rocks the Cradle |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl777422337/weekend/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mathews |first=Jack |date=1992-02-03 |title=COMMENTARY : Why Disney's 'Cradle' Rocked the Nation : Movies: Savvy marketing turns films from the big screen into hot topics for the small screen |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-03-ca-1047-story.html |access-date=2010-11-18}}</ref> and $52 million internationally,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Groves |first=Don |date=February 22, 1993 |title=Hollywood Wows World Wickets |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |page=85}}</ref> for a worldwide total of $140 million.

=== 1994 to 2005: continued success ===
In 1994, Hanson directed the adventure film ''[[The River Wild]]'' starring [[Meryl Streep]], [[Kevin Bacon]], and [[David Strathairn]]''.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60211-THE-RIVER-WILD?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> It grossed $94,216,343 worldwide, earning $46,816,343 in the United States and Canada and $47,400,000 internationally.<ref>{{cite web |title=The River Wild |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=riverwild.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107123715/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=riverwild.htm |archive-date=January 7, 2010 |access-date=October 4, 2010 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref>

In 1997, Hanson directed the noir film ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60979-L-A-CONFIDENTIAL?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Prior to the Warner Brothers acquisition of the [[James Ellroy]] novel ''[[L.A. Confidential]]'', and his hiring as a writer and director, Hanson had been a long-time fan of the author. Regarding Ellroy's characters, Hanson said "What hooked me on them was that, as I met them, one after the other, I didn't like them — but as I continued reading, I started to care about them." Ellroy's novel also made Hanson think about Los Angeles and provided him with an opportunity to "set a movie at a point in time when the whole dream of Los Angeles, from that apparently golden era of the '20s and '30s, was being bulldozed."

Hanson was subsequently joined by screenwriter [[Brian Helgeland]] who had lobbied to be its writer prior to the hiring of Hanson. They worked on the script together for two years, with Hanson turning down jobs and Helgeland writing seven drafts for free. Relatively unknown Australian actors [[Russell Crowe]] and [[Guy Pearce]] were cast in leading roles, Hanson explained that he wanted to "replicate my experience of the book. You don't like any of these characters at first, but the deeper you get into their story, the more you begin to sympathize with them. I didn't want actors audiences knew and already liked."<ref name="sragow">{{cite news |last=Sragow |first=Michael |date=September 11, 1997 |title=City of Angles |work=[[Dallas Observer]] |url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/film/city-of-angles-6402511 |access-date=July 21, 2015}}</ref> Hanson explained that due to the success of ''The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and'' ''The River Wild,'' he was "able for the first time to initiate a picture that was a personal project from the get go. Not only initiate it, but follow through with the making of it in the way that I wanted to."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=January 21, 2001 |title=Quint finishes his interview with CURTIS HANSON in Part II here!!! |url=https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/7968 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226193358/https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/7968 |archive-date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Aint It Cool News |language=en}}</ref> ''L.A. Confidential'' was a critical and commercial success. It grossed $126 million against a $35 million budget and received acclaim from critics, with praise for the acting, writing, directing, editing, and [[Jerry Goldsmith]]'s musical score.<ref name="tomatoes">{{cite web |title=L.A. Confidential (1997) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_confidential |access-date=October 19, 2021 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date=September 19, 1997 }}</ref><ref name="metacritic">{{Metacritic film|title=L.A. Confidential}}</ref> It was nominated for nine [[Academy Awards]], including [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]], winning two: [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] ([[Kim Basinger]]) and [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]]. In 2015, the [[Library of Congress]] selected ''L.A. Confidential'' for preservation in the United States [[National Film Registry]] as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".<ref name="Barnes">{{cite web |last=Barnes |first=Mike |date=December 16, 2015 |title='Ghostbusters,' 'Top Gun,' 'Shawshank' Enter National Film Registry |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ghostbusters-top-gun-enter-national-849092 |access-date=December 16, 2015 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |location=Los Angeles, California}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 National Film Registry: "Ghostbusters" Gets the Call |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-15-216/2015-national-film-registry-ghostbusters-gets-the-call/2015-12-16/ |access-date=2020-11-18 |website=Library of Congress |location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref><ref name="Washington, D.C">{{Cite web |title=Complete National Film Registry Listing |url=https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/ |access-date=2020-11-18 |website=Library of Congress |publisher=Washington, D.C.\}}</ref>

In 2000 Hanson directed ''[[Wonder Boys (film)|Wonder Boys]]'', a comedy drama starring [[Michael Douglas]] and [[Tobey Maguire]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Wonder Boys (2000) - Curtis Hanson {{!}} Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related {{!}} AllMovie |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/wonder-boys-v182470 |language=en |access-date=2022-12-30}}</ref> Actress [[Elizabeth McGovern]] advised Hanson to work with screenwriter [[Steve Kloves]]. When he was given the writer's script for ''Wonder Boys'' and was told that Michael Douglas was interested in starring, he "fell in love with these characters – and they made me laugh."<ref name="Strauss3">{{cite news |last=Strauss |first=Bob |date=February 25, 2000 |title=From B-Movies to Hollywood's A-List |work=[[The Globe and Mail]]}}</ref><ref name="Sragow">{{cite news |last=Sragow |first=Michael |date=February 24, 2000 |title=L.A. Noir or College Comedy, the Genre is Real Life |work=[[New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/library/film/021900wonder-film.html |access-date=2008-02-26}}</ref> Hanson also identified with the main character and the "thing building up inside him: frustration, hunger, yearning, et cetera."<ref name="Strauss3"/> One of the challenges for Hanson was to take a plot that, as he put it, "is meandering and, apparently, sort of aimless," and a character that "does things that even he doesn't really know why he's doing them," and try to create a "feeling of focus" to keep the audience interested.<ref name="Strauss3"/> Another challenge the director faced was working in actual locations in very cold weather that was constantly changing.<ref name="Strauss3" /> Hanson also considered [[Robert Downey Jr.]], who at the time had legal and personal problems, for a role.<ref name="Portman">{{cite news |last=Portman |first=Jamie |date=February 24, 2000 |title=Robert Downey Jr.'s Unfortunate Incarceration |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]]}}</ref> Downey met with Hanson where they addressed his problems. The actor demonstrated a commitment to the project and Hanson hired him. Reportedly, Downey acted professionally for the entire shoot.<ref name="Portman" /> Hanson also contacted [[Dante Spinotti]] about working on the film in November 1998.<ref name="Heuring">{{cite news |last=Heuring |first=David |date=2000 |title=Dante Spinotti Talks about Shooting ''Wonder Boys'' |work=International Cinematographers Guild |url=http://www.cameraguild.com/interviews/chat_spinotti/spinotti_wonderboys.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2009-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020024253/http://www.cameraguild.com/interviews/chat_spinotti/spinotti_wonderboys.htm |archive-date=October 20, 2008}}</ref> In its opening weekend, ''Wonder Boys'' opened at No. 7 in the US and Canadian box office and grossed a total of US$5.8 million in 1,253 theaters. It went on to gross $19,393,557 there and $14,033,031 in other countries, for a worldwide total of $33,426,588. Based on a $55 million budget, the film was a [[box office bomb]].<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |title=''Wonder Boys'' |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=wonderboys.htm |access-date=2006-11-29 |publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> The film received largely positive reviews from critics. [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports an 81% rating, based on 125 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. On [[Metacritic]], the film has a 73 out of 100 score, based on 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Wonder Boys reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/wonder-boys |access-date=November 21, 2015 |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>

In 2000, Hanson directed the music video "[[Things Have Changed]]" by [[Bob Dylan]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The song-writer Clinton Heylin wrote "Things Have Changed" to demonstrates a close knowledge of the film ''Wonder Boys'', for which it was written. The lyrics make reference to "dancing lessons", "the jitterbug rag" and dressing "in drag", all of which feature in the plot of the film. Hanson recalled: "I learned that Dylan might be interested in contributing an original song… So when I came back from filming in Pittsburgh, Bob came by the editing room to see some rough cut footage. I told him the story and introduced him to the characters. We talked about Grady Tripp and where he was in life, emotionally and creatively. Weeks later a CD arrived in the mail".<ref name="Heylin">Heylin, 2010, ''Still On the Road, The Songs of Bob Dylan: Volume Two'', pp. 436–439.</ref> For the music video, Hanson intercut footage of Dylan with sequences from the feature film, to suggest that Dylan was interacting with the film's characters.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}

In 2002, Hanson directed ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]'' a semi-biographical [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] [[drama film]] about and starring rapper [[Eminem]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/62364-8-MILE?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=February 2023}} According to [[Paul Rosenberg (music manager)|Paul Rosenberg]] (Eminem's manager) both [[Quentin Tarantino]] and [[Danny Boyle]] were considered to direct, while Boyle came close, Eminem felt he had a better connection with Hanson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=John |date=2012-10-18 |title=8 Things You Didn't Know About 8 Mile… According to Paul Rosenberg |url=https://www.vibe.com/gallery/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-8-mile-according-paul-rosenberg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227012858/https://www.vibe.com/gallery/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-8-mile-according-paul-rosenberg/ |archive-date=2022-12-27 |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Hanson explained that his bond with Eminem began when they discussed their shared vision for ''8 Mile''. Eminem’s admiration for Hanson’s earlier films, ''[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|The Hand That Rocks the Cradle]]'' (1992) and ''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]'' (1997), helped build trust. Hanson noted that Eminem didn’t want a vanity project; instead, he sought to be part of a meaningful film. Initially, Hanson was cautious about casting him, worried that Eminem’s reputation could be a liability. He recalled a remark from actor [[Russell Crowe]], who had previously worked with Hanson, upon hearing about the project: “Good idea, Curtis. But who are you going to get to play Eminem?” highlighting the risk of whether Eminem could carry the film as an actor. Ultimately, Hanson was won over by Eminem’s natural charisma, particularly in his expressive eyes, a quality Hanson described as essential for engaging audiences and carrying the story. Hanson added that Eminem was involved in ''8 Mile'' from the project's inception, as writer [[Scott Silver]] developed the script with him in mind. Early drafts, however, lacked a strong connection to [[Detroit]] and set Eminem’s character as a hotel bellboy. Hanson reworked the script to ground it in Detroit’s identity, moving the character to an automotive stamping plant, shifting the timeline to 1995, and adding elements like the local radio station and arson scenes emblematic of the city’s struggles. While Eminem’s input on the script was limited to initial discussions, Hanson collaborated with him closely during rehearsals, particularly on the rap battles, explaining their thematic significance as Eminem crafted lyrics, including the theme song “Lose Yourself.” Hanson emphasized authentic casting, bringing in Detroit locals and fostering a bond among the actors, most of whom were new to film. Their group name, 3 1/3, emerged organically during rehearsals, symbolizing Detroit’s 313 area code and a deeper commentary on identity and unity. For Hanson, the goal was to create an authentic portrayal of this world, finding performers who could fully embody their characters.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Hebron |first=Sandra |date=2002-11-16 |title=Curtis Hanson (part 2) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/16/features |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224183827/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/nov/16/features |archive-date=December 24, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> It received positive reviews, with critics praising the music and Eminem's performance. Review aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reports the film has 75% of 214 professional critics giving a positive review and a rating average of 6.7/10. Also a box office success, it opened at {{Numero|1}} in the US with $51.3 million grossed in its opening weekend and an eventual total of $242.9 million worldwide.<ref name="boxofficemojo">{{mojo title|8mile|8 Mile}}</ref>

Also in 2002, Hanson directed ''Piddler on the roof'' an episode of the sitcom ''[[Greg the Bunny]]''.<ref>{{Citation |title=Greg the Bunny: Season 1, Episode 9 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/greg_the_bunny/s01/e09 |language=en |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref> Furthermore, he acted in [[Spike Jonze]]'s [[Adaptation (film)|''Adaptation'']].<ref>{{Citation |title=Adaptation (2002) - Spike Jonze {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/adaptation-v260395/cast-crew |language=en |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref>

In 2005, Hanson directed the [[comedy drama]] ''[[In Her Shoes (film)|In Her Shoes]]'', starring [[Cameron Diaz]] and [[Toni Collette]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=In Her Shoes |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/in-her-shoes/tv-listings/2030122726/ |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}</ref> ''In Her Shoes'' has received generally positive reviews from critics. [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported that 75% of critics gave the film positive reviews, based on 164 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10. The film opened at #3 at the U.S. box office, raking in $10,017,575 [[USD]] in its first opening weekend.<ref name="box">{{Cite web |title=In Her Shoes |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4099638785/ |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> Its worldwide gross totaled $83,697,473.<ref name="box" />

=== 2007 to 2014: later projects and retirement ===
Hanson wrote, produced and directed the 2007 film ''[[Lucky You (film)|Lucky You]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/64370-LUCKY-YOU?cxt=filmography |access-date=2022-12-30 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> He developed the film with his producing partner Carol Fenelon, who was a regular competitor in poker tournaments. Hanson said, "Part of the reason for wanting to make the movie was that the poker world was different, interesting, and we had an affinity for it. But the other part of it was the emotional thing. The skills at the table — and in the movie business — are different from the qualities that you want running your personal life. That single-mindedness, the aggression, the duplicity or bluffing or whatever you want to call it, the lack of sympathy..."<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=John |date=April 29, 2007 |title=Love and Loneliness on the Las Vegas Strip |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/movies/29ande.html |access-date=July 13, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The film was initially set for release on December 16, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 4, 2005 |title=Robert Duvall set to star in Lucky You |url=https://movieweb.com/robert-duvall-set-to-star-in-lucky-you/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516100654/https://movieweb.com/robert-duvall-set-to-star-in-lucky-you/ |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=Movieweb}}</ref> However, the film sat on the shelf for two years and went through numerous release date changes as Warner Bros. mandated a half-dozen different cuts of the film in response to negative test screenings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horn |first=John |date=May 2, 2007 |title=With both barrels |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-02-et-pitt2-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120124747/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-may-02-et-pitt2-story.html |archive-date=November 20, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":02"/> Opening the same weekend as ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rich |first=Joshua |date=May 6, 2007 |title=Spidey 3 breaks opening day records |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/05/06/spidey-3-breaks-opening-day-records/ |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=[[EW.com]] |language=en}}</ref> the film debuted at $2.7 million in ticket sales; the lowest saturated opening week since 1982.<ref>{{cite web |title=Worst Wide Openings |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/worstopenings.htm?page=WRSTOPN25&p=.htm |work=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> It finished its theatrical run with $8,382,477 in total worldwide revenue. The film received generally negative reviews from critics. It holds a 28% approval rating based on 141 reviews on [[Rotten Tomatoes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lucky You |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lucky_you/ |access-date=21 July 2012 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|date=May 4, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lucky You |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/lucky-you |website=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>

In 2010, Hanson served as an executive producer for ''Win-Loss'' and episode of the television show [[Three Rivers (TV series)|''Three Rivers'']].<ref>{{Citation |title=Three Rivers: Season 1, Episode 9 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/three-rivers/s01/e09 |language=en |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref>

In 2011, Hanson directed the television film ''[[Too Big to Fail (film)|Too Big to Fail]]'', based on the 2009 [[Andrew Ross Sorkin]] book [[Too Big to Fail (book)|of the same name]] about the beginnings of the [[2008 financial crisis]]. The film was produced by Hanson's production company Deuce Three Productions for [[HBO]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The film received 11 nominations at the [[Emmy Awards]], with Hanson being nominated for "Outstanding Directing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special" and "Outstanding Miniseries or Movie."<ref>{{cite web |title=Too Big To Fail |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/too-big-fail |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Television Academy |language=en}}</ref>

Also in 2011, Hanson produced [[David Frankel]]'s film ''[[The Big Year]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/68069-THE-BIG-YEAR?cxt=filmography |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>

His last film was to be ''[[Chasing Mavericks]]'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Curtis Hanson: Oscar-winning writer and director dies at 71|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37426657|access-date=September 21, 2016|work=BBC News|date=September 21, 2016}}</ref> [[Michael Apted]] received director credit alongside Hanson after he took over as director during the last 15 days of principal photography, while Hanson recovered from complications arising from recent heart surgery.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fleming |first=Michael Jr. |date=November 23, 2011 |title=Michael Apted To Finish Surf Movie For Curtis Hanson |newspaper=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://www.deadline.com/2011/11/michael-apted-to-finish-surf-movie-for-curtis-hanson/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125042337/http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/michael-apted-to-finish-surf-movie-for-curtis-hanson/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref> On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] it has an approval rating of 32% based on 81 reviews, with an average rating of 4.90/10. The site's consensus states: "It's sweet, gentle, and affably modest, but ''Chasing Mavericks'' is ultimately pulled under by an unconvincing script and a puzzling lack of energy."<ref>{{cite web |title=Chasing Mavericks (2012) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/chasing_mavericks |access-date=March 20, 2021 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |date=October 26, 2012 |publisher=[[Fandango Media]]}}</ref>

In 2014, he served as an executive producer for the [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] pilot ''Hoke'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lesnick |first=Silas |date=2014-01-11 |title=Full Cast Announced for FX's Hoke, to be Headlined by Paul Giamatti |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/113322-full-cast-announced-for-fxs-hoke-to-be-headlined-by-paul-giamatti |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More |language=en-US}}</ref> which wasn't picked up for a series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2014-06-10 |title=FX Drama Pilot 'Hoke' Not Going Forward |url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/fx-pilot-hoke-not-going-forward-787171/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

Hanson later retired from film work and was reported to have [[frontotemporal dementia]].<ref name="latobit2" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bromwich |first=Jonah Engel |date=2016-09-21 |title=Curtis Hanson, Director of Wicked Noir 'L.A. Confidential,' Dies at 71 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/obituaries/curtis-hanson-director-of-wicked-noir-la-confidential-dies-at-71.html |access-date=2021-12-26 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Within his career, he was an active member of the [[Directors Guild of America]], he was a member of the Creative Rights Committee, the President's Committee on Film Preservation, and the Film Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dagan |first=Carmel |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Curtis Hanson, Director of 'L.A. Confidential,' Dies at 71 |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/curtis-hanson-dead-la-confidential-1201866310/ |access-date=July 10, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life and death ==
Hanson had a son named Rio, with his partner Rebecca Yeldham.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bromwich |first=Jonah Engel |date=2016-09-21 |title=Curtis Hanson, Director of Wicked Noir 'L.A. Confidential,' Dies at 71 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/21/obituaries/curtis-hanson-director-of-wicked-noir-la-confidential-dies-at-71.html |access-date=2023-02-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 2016, Hanson died of natural causes at his [[Hollywood Hills]] home at the age of 71.<ref name="latobit2" /><ref name=":1" /> It was later reported that Hanson suffered from a rare terminal condition known as [[frontotemporal degeneration]] which he had been suffering with for "some time".<ref name="Kenneally">{{Cite web |last=Kenneally |first=Tim |date=2016-09-21 |title=Curtis Hanson Suffered From Rare Illness, His Partner Reveals |url=https://www.thewrap.com/curtis-hanson-cause-of-death/ |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref> Hanson was unaware of his condition as lack of awareness of the presence of the disease is a symptom in and of itself.<ref name="Kenneally"/>

== Influences and style ==
Hanson said that he was heavily influenced by the directors [[Alfred Hitchcock]] and [[Nicholas Ray]]. In an interview with the New York Times in 2000, Hanson stated that Ray's film ''[[In a Lonely Place]]'' was among many that he watched in preparation for the filming of ''L.A. Confidential''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lyman |first=Rick |date=December 15, 2000 |title=A Dark Lesson in Trust |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/15/movies/a-dark-lesson-in-trust.html}}</ref>

== Filmography ==

=== Films ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Director
!Producer
! Writer
|-
|1972
|''[[Sweet Kill]]'' 
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|1980
|''[[The Little Dragons]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|1982
|''[[Losin' It]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|1987
|''[[The Bedroom Window (1987 film)|The Bedroom Window]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|1990
|''[[Bad Influence (1990 film)|Bad Influence]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|1992
|''[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|The Hand that Rocks the Cradle]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|1994
|''[[The River Wild]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|-
|1997
|''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|2000
|''[[Wonder Boys (film)|Wonder Boys]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|2002
|''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|2005
|''[[In Her Shoes (film)|In Her Shoes]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|-
|2007
|''[[Lucky You (film)|Lucky You]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|-
|2012
|''[[Chasing Mavericks]]'' <small>(with [[Michael Apted]])</small>
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|}

''' Other film work '''
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Producer
!Writer
!Other
!Notes
|-
|1970
|''[[The Dunwich Horror (film)|The Dunwich Horror]]''
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Co-writer with Henry Rosenbaum and Ronald Silkosky
|-
|1978
|''[[The Silent Partner (1978 film)|The Silent Partner]]''
|{{yes|Associate}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|
|-
|1982
|''[[White Dog (1982 film)|White Dog]]''
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Co-writer with [[Samuel Fuller]]
|-
|1983
|''[[Never Cry Wolf (film)|Never Cry Wolf]]''
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Co-writer with [[Sam Hamm]] and Richard Kletter
|-
|1987
|''[[Evil Town]]''
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Footage from unfinished film ''God Bless Dr. Shagetz''<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/55928|access-date=2021-09-30|website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>
|-
|2002
|''[[Adaptation (film)|Adaptation]]''
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Cameo
|-
|2011
|''[[The Big Year]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|
|}

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Director
!Executive<br>Producer
!Writer
!Notes
|-
|1986
|''[[The Children of Times Square]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|Television film
|-
|2002
|''[[Greg the Bunny]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|{{no}}
|Episode "Piddler on the Roof"
|-
|2010
|''[[Three Rivers (TV Series)|Three Rivers]]''
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Episode "Win–Loss"
|-
|2011
|''[[Too Big to Fail (film)|Too Big to Fail]]''
|{{yes}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Television film
|-
|2014
|''Hoke''
|{{no}}
|{{yes}}
|{{no}}
|Pilot
|}

=== Music video ===

* "[[Things Have Changed]]" for [[Bob Dylan]] (2000).

== Awards and nominations ==
Over his career he received the [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay]] as well as nominations for the [[Cannes Film Festival]]'s [[Palme d'Or]], three [[British Academy Film Awards]], two [[Golden Globe Awards]], and two [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]. Hanson became one of the five directors (alongside [[Quentin Tarantino]], [[Steven Soderbergh]], [[David Fincher]], and [[Barry Jenkins]]) to ever sweep "The Big Four" critics awards ([[Los Angeles Film Critics Association|LAFCA]], [[National Board of Review|NBR]], [[New York Film Critics Circle|NYFCC]], [[National Society of Film Critics|NSFC]]).<ref name="Oscar1">{{cite web |last1=Weinraub |first1=Bernard |date=March 24, 1998 |title='Titanic' Ties Record With 11 Oscars, Including Best Picture |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/24/movies/titanic-ties-record-with-11-oscars-including-best-picture.html |access-date=September 22, 2016 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> 
{|class= "wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" 
! Organizations
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Work
! scope="col"| Result 
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{refh}}
|-
! scope="row", rowspan=3|[[Academy Awards]] 
| rowspan=3|[[70th Academy Awards|1997]] 
| [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] || rowspan=8|[[L.A. Confidential (film)|''L.A. Confidential'']] || {{nom}} || rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1998|title= 70th Academy Awards|website= [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]|date= October 5, 2014|accessdate= August 5, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]] || {{nom}} 
|-
| [[Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]] || {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|[[BAFTA Awards]] 
| rowspan=3|[[51st British Academy Film Awards|1997]]
| [[BAFTA Award for Best Film|Best Film]] || {{nom}} || rowspan=3|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://awards.bafta.org/award/1998/film|title= 1997 BAFTA Awards|website= [[BAFTA Awards]]|accessdate= August 5, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[BAFTA Award for Best Direction|Best Direction]] || {{nom}} 
|-
| [[BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]] || {{nom}} 
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[Cannes Film Festival]] 
| 1997
| [[Palme d'Or]] || {{nom}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1| [[Critics' Choice Movie Awards]] 
| 1997
| [[Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]] || {{won}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1| [[Deauville American Film Festival]] 
| 1990
| [[Deauville American Film Festival|Critics Award]] || [[Bad Influence (1990 film)|''Bad Influence'']] || {{nom}} 
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1| [[Directors Guild of America Award]] 
| 1997
| [[Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Feature Film|Outstanding Directing – Feature Film]] || rowspan=2|''L.A. Confidential'' || {{nom}} || 
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[Edgar Allen Poe Award]] 
| 1997
| [[Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay|Best Motion Picture]] || {{won}} ||
|- 
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[European Film Award]] 
| 2000 
| [[European Film Awards|International Award]] || ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]'' || {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|[[Festival du Film Policier de Cognac]] 
| rowspan=2|1992 
| [[Festival du Film Policier de Cognac|Grand Prix]] || rowspan=2|[[The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992 film)|''The Hand That Rocks the Cradle'']] || {{won}} ||
|-
| [[Festival du Film Policier de Cognac|Audience Award]] || {{won}} || 
|- 
! scope="row" rowspan=2|[[Golden Globe Awards]] 
| rowspan=2|1997 || [[Golden Globe Award for Best Director|Best Director]] || rowspan=2|''L.A. Confidential'' || {{nom}} || 
|-
| [[Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay]] || {{nom}}
|- 
! scope="row" rowspan=2|[[Primetime Emmy Awards]] 
| rowspan=2|2011 || [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series|Outstanding Miniseries or Movie]] || rowspan=2|''[[Too Big to Fail (film)|Too Big to Fail]]'' || {{nom}} || 
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special|Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Movie]] ||{{nom}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[Producers Guild of America]] 
| 1997 
| [[Producers Guild of America Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture|Best Theatrical Motion Picture]] || rowspan=6|''L.A. Confidential'' || {{nom}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=3|[[Satellite Award]]
| rowspan=3|1997 || [[Satellite Award for Best Film|Best Film]] || {{nom}} 
|-
| [[Satellite Award for Best Director|Best Director]] || {{nom}} ||
|-
| [[Satellite Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]] || {{won}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[USC Scripter Award]]
| colspan=1|1997
| Best Screenplay || {{won}} ||
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=1|[[Writers Guild of America]]
|1997 || [[Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay|Best Adapted Screenplay]] || {{won}} ||
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Awards and nominations for Hanson's directed films
|-
!scope="col" rowspan="2"|Year
!scope="col" rowspan="2"|Title
!scope="colgroup" colspan="2" style="align-text:center;"|Academy Awards
!scope="colgroup" colspan="2" style="align-text:center;"|BAFTAs
!scope="colgroup" colspan="2" style="align-text:center;"|Golden Globes
|-
!scope="col"|Nominations
!scope="col"|Wins
!scope="col"|Nominations
!scope="col"|Wins
!scope="col"|Nominations
!scope="col"|Wins
|-
|1994
!scope="row"|''[[The River Wild]]''
|
|
|
|
|align=center|2
|
|-
|1997
!scope="row"|''[[L.A. Confidential (film)|L.A. Confidential]]''
|align=center|9
|align=center|2
|align=center|12
|align=center|2
|align=center|5
|align=center|1
|-
|2000
!scope="row"|''[[Wonder Boys (film)|Wonder Boys]]''
|align=center|3
|align=center|1
|align=center|2
|
|align=center|4
|align=center|1
|-
|2002
!scope="row"|''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]''
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|
|
|align=center|1
|
|-
|2005
!scope="row"|''[[In Her Shoes (film)|In Her Shoes]]''
|
|
|
|
|align=center|1
|
|-
!scope="colgroup" colspan="2"|Total
!13
!4
!14
!2
!13
!2
|-
|}

== Archival sources ==

Curtis Hanson's professional papers are held by the Margaret Herrick Library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, California.<ref>https://academycollection.org/web/arena/search#/entity/academy/72364077/curtis-hanson-papers|title=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Margaret Herrick Library/Curtis Hanson papers</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|436}}
*{{Facebook|CurtisHanson|Curtis Hanson}}
*[http://www.theaftd.org/ Frontotemporal Degeneration] association

{{Curtis Hanson}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Curtis Hanson
|list =
{{AcademyAwardBestAdaptedScreenplay 1981-2000}}
{{Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director}}
{{Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Director}}
{{Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay}}
{{Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director}}
{{Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{London Film Critics Circle Award for Director of the Year}}
{{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Director}}
{{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Director}}
{{National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director}}
{{National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director}}
{{New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay}}
{{San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Adapted Screenplay}}
{{Satellite Award Best Adapted Screenplay}}
{{USC Scripter Awards — Film}}
{{Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hanson, Curtis}}
[[Category:1945 births]]
[[Category:2016 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male writers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male writers]]
[[Category:Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award winners]]
[[Category:Edgar Award winners]]
[[Category:People with frontotemporal dementia]]
[[Category:Film directors from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Film directors from Nevada]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from California]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Nevada]]
[[Category:Writers Guild of America Award winners]]
[[Category:Writers from Reno, Nevada]]