Born in 1953 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he is an acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer. He studied film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Gaining prominence in the independent film scene, he made his directorial debut with "Johnny Suede" in 1991, which starred Brad Pitt. Known for his work on "Living in Oblivion" and "Box of Moonlight," his films often explore themes of reality and illusion. He has also directed music videos and worked as a cinematographer.