An American filmmaker, playwright, and screenwriter, he was known for his wit and versatility. He began his career writing for "Saturday Night Live" before transitioning to film. Esteemed for his work on "Emma" (1996), an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, he demonstrated a keen eye for period detail and character-driven narratives. He also collaborated on the screenplay for "Bullets Over Broadway" (1994), earning an Oscar nomination. His diverse talents extended to the theater, where he wrote and directed acclaimed plays.