Born on October 30, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, he is a renowned American screenwriter and director known for his adept storytelling and character-driven narratives. He gained prominence with his Oscar-nominated screenplay for "The Fisher King" (1991). His directorial debut came with "Living Out Loud" (1998). He has since directed films like "Freedom Writers" (2007) and "Beautiful Creatures" (2013), showcasing his versatility. His work often explores themes of redemption and human connection.