Born on October 23, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, he is an acclaimed American film director and screenwriter known for his diverse and thought-provoking films. He studied at the University of Chicago and later in Paris, where he developed a passion for cinema. His notable works include "The Right Stuff," which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." His storytelling often explores complex characters and themes, making significant contributions to American cinema.