An Austrian film director and screenwriter, he is renowned for his provocative, challenging films that explore themes of societal malaise and human psychology. His works often delve into the darker aspects of life, characterized by a minimalist style and a focus on the unsettling facets of human nature. He gained international acclaim with films such as "Funny Games," "Caché," and "Amour," the latter winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.