A Danish film director and screenwriter, he is known for his provocative and innovative storytelling. Emerging in the 1980s, he co-founded the Dogme 95 movement, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity in filmmaking. His works often explore themes of existential despair, mental illness, and human frailty, with notable films including "Breaking the Waves," "Dancer in the Dark," and "Melancholia." His distinctive style has garnered both critical acclaim and controversy, making him a polarizing figure in cinema.