Born on July 19, 1951, in the Bronx, New York City, he is a provocative filmmaker known for exploring themes of crime, morality, and redemption. He began his career directing exploitation films and gained recognition with "Ms .45" (1981). Achieving cult status with "King of New York" (1990) and "Bad Lieutenant" (1992), his work often features gritty urban settings and complex characters. His collaborations with actor Willem Dafoe are notable, and he continues to create challenging, independent films.